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My role was a formulator in a research and development team working on creating new deodorants, running stability on current/new formulations, and analytical work (this can be variable based on project demands). I had my own project which I was in charge of for my university dissertation/thesis and was also apart of two other teams, helping them with lab work. Generally I will spend half the time in the lab doing either analytical or formulation work, and the other half doing desk work e.g. writing up results and creating presentations.

Alongside the three teams you are on, you are also asked to pick a person development goal which can focus on a technical or soft skill so you have to work towards improving that throughout the year. I have learnt a lot of new machinery and lab practices in the consumer goods industry e.g. the importance of rheology. My soft skills have been developed, namely this has been presenting scientific data and communicating with colleagues. There are many opportunities for you to improve both your hard and soft skills in this placement.

Yes, you are in charge of your own project. You are assigned the topic you need to investigate but otherwise you have full freedom and responsibility e.g. deciding what testing you need to do, delegating tasks to other people, and deciding the direction of the project. You are given a lot of responsibility and trust on this placement as you are trusted to produce reliable results and more often than not will undertake work by yourself.

This is very dependent on the team you are in, your project and your line manager, but generally in the office everybody is willing to help train you or answer any questions you might have! Everyone is friendly and will likely help you if you ask, you are definitely given a grace period in which you adjust to Unilever life and all of the new systems. This site is also very big on wellbeing so there are lots of resources available to you.

Very good company culture and atmosphere. There is a definite emphasis on safety and wellbeing at the Leeds site which is very nice. There are teams which provide lots of extracurricular events and extracurricular opportunities to get involved with. There is usually something fun going on that you can participate in e.g. celebration of religious holidays. Most people are very friendly and have a good work life balance. The atmosphere does not tend to be stressed or pressurising.

I think this is a really great placement to do and I have overall enjoyed it a lot. The opportunity to run your own project is very unique and provides great skill development.

Yes

Embrace every opportunity presented to you, and try your best to be curious and inquisitive. Running your own project can be daunting but allow others to help you and seek advice from those above you.