Please introduce yourself and tell us about your background.
Hello, I'm Shanelle Ann Ching, a 4th year Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting student at the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines. I expect to graduate in 2024. Before my current financial intern role at Unilever Philippines, I had three previous internships in accounting firms and companies like P&G to gain experience.
What did you consider before taking the internship at Unilever?
I wanted to intern specifically at an FMCG company like Unilever to get exposure beyond just finance - including marketing and sales. Alumni had great feedback about Unilever's culture and opportunities. I was also interested in joining their USLP graduate program after graduation.
How did you find out about Unilever's internship openings?
I researched FMCG companies online and on social media. I also used LinkedIn, where I found their Business Week internship posting. Networking platforms like Phoswell also connected me to suitable openings.
What is Unilever's internship application process?
There are three stages - online assessments, a video interview where you record your answers, and a final line manager interview. I recommend researching Unilever's values and culture and using the STAR method to reflect on your experiences. Practicing answering situational questions on the spot is key.
What was your onboarding at Unilever like?
Unilever has an amazing one-week Business Week onboarding for interns where I met others, learned about the business, worked on cases, and started networking. My managers also gave me project expectations and KPIs on day one so I could dive right in.
How does Unilever support intern training and development?
I'm assigned junior employees as mentors who provide hands-on guidance for projects. My direct managers give regular feedback too. I'm exposed to diverse finance areas to get well-rounded experience. The training is very comprehensive.
How stressful is the intern role? Do you have work-life balance?
Some days juggling multiple projects can be stressful. But Unilever emphasizes work-life balance. With good time management, the workload is reasonable and I can disconnect after work. Overtime is not encouraged.
Are you working fully on-site?
We follow a hybrid schedule - three days a week in the office and two days remote. This allows for both in-person collaboration and flexibility.
What are some notable Unilever employee benefits?
The compensation is competitive. Interns also get welcome gifts like Unilever grocery bags. The best perks are the career development opportunities like their USLP graduate program.
What are some of the coolest things about interning at Unilever?
Getting to apply classroom concepts to real work - for example, doing hands-on forecasting and documentation projects I wouldn't have gotten exposure to in school. I've also made great connections through the onboarding program.
Do you have any final advice for students?
Make the most of internships for the experience and connections - both are invaluable. At Unilever, don't be afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, and seek feedback. Building relationships with colleagues makes the experience even better.