Unilever marketing placement - top tips for succeeding in the assessment process

This is a guest post from Royal Holloway Year in Business student, Jaydhan Garcha, who has secured a marketing placement with global FMCG Unilever. Jaydhan's article is packed full of advice for students applying for placements.

Securing a marketing placement at Unilever involved overcoming online assessments, video interviews, and a challenging assessment centre. As I reflect on this experience, I'm eager to share my insights and offer some tips for fellow students on how to succeed in the assessment process.

Building Experience:
One of the key strategies that contributed to my success was ensuring I had a robust background of experience. I took the initiative to gain virtual work experience at Lululemon in marketing. Additionally, I participated in the IEUK Business Operations & Marketing Virtual internship, touted as the UK's number one virtual internship. These experiences not only expanded my marketing knowledge but also allowed me to network with industry experts, providing valuable insights.

Diverse Application Experiences:
While some of the placements I applied for initially might not have been my top choices, each application process presented an opportunity to refine my skills. I completed 5-6 video interviews with different companies before Unilever. This repetitive exposure to various scenarios and questions played a pivotal role in my success during the Unilever video interview stage.

Assessment Centre Preparation:
The assessment centre was the final hurdle, consisting of a group exercise, a sustainability challenge, and a purpose interview. To stand out, I invested hours in researching Unilever, ensuring I was well-versed in their values and goals. This preparation not only impressed my assessors but also boosted my confidence. I approached the assessment centre with unwavering self-belief, confident that I was the ideal candidate.

My Top Tips for Success:

1. Engage with the Careers Team: If you encounter challenges or frustrations during the application process, don't hesitate to seek guidance from the university's careers team. They possess a wealth of experience and can offer valuable insights and support!

2. Build Your CV Strategically: Internships and work experiences are not just resume fillers; they are key to impressing employers in the initial application stage. The diverse experiences on my CV played a crucial role in catching Unilever's attention.

In conclusion, navigating the assessment process requires strategic planning, perseverance, and continuous learning. My journey to securing a marketing placement at Unilever was demanding, but the lessons learned along the way have proven invaluable. As you embark on your own placement application journey, remember the importance of experience, resilience, and a proactive approach. Good luck!