What's your job about?
I’m currently a Management Trainee (MT) in the Marketing stream of the MT Program at L’Oréal Australia. The MT Program really focuses on giving us valuable business exposure, extensive on-the-job learning experiences and formal skills training in order to create the future leaders of the business.
During my time with L’Oréal so far, I’ve been fortunate to undertake rotations in various business divisions across multiple brands including: Giorgio Armani Beauty (Luxe Division), Yves Saint Laurent Beauty (Luxe Division), Redken (Professional Products Division), and L’Oréal Paris (Consumer Products Division). Each rotation has exposed me to a different kind of Marketing such as Product Management, Brand Management, Retail Marketing and Digital Marketing. In my most recent and final rotation, I work closely with the Senior Brand Manager of L’Oréal Paris on the Skin Care portfolio.
In regards to my daily work, I’ve learnt to always expect the unexpected. Our plans, projects and tasks are always changing as we are required to rapidly respond to any changes in the market and our strategy is adjusted accordingly. My projects can range from developing in-store activations for new product launches and planning events with the brand’s Public Relations Manager to managing Digital campaigns and putting together strategic presentations using consumer insights and sales data. The list is endless and ever-changing, which I find really exciting!
What's your background?
I grew up on the Mornington Peninsula and studied a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing Communications at Monash University. I juggled my studies with working part-time as a model in Melbourne and overseas. Through modelling work, I developed a love for the Beauty Industry and a fascination to work on the business side of this industry in a Marketing or Advertising role.
Towards the end of my degree, I stopped modelling and further pursued my passion for Marketing by undertaking Monash University’s Global Study Program where we travelled to China to learn about how international companies adapt their strategies and product offerings for the local market. In my final semester, I completed an internship at Hallmark Cards which led to a permanent role in Marketing and Product Management once I finished degree. After that, I spent some time working at Channel Nine in an Advertising Sales role.
All of these experiences played an instrumental part in shaping what I wanted in my career. I discovered there were so many different types of Marketing and Advertising that I enjoy working in, along with my love for the Beauty Industry and desire to work for an international company. So when I saw that L’Oréal were recruiting for their MT Program with rotations in various functions and divisions, I jumped at the opportunity and was fortunate enough to be accepted. I have been with L’Oréal for over 1 year now and have loved every moment since starting.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
My short answer is yes – as long as you’ve got some Marketing or Commercial understanding from units at university or business experience to draw from. L’Oréal is a company that really welcomes diverse backgrounds and encourages the different perspectives that you could bring to contribute to the success of the business. Aside from university knowledge or qualifications, L’Oréal also values an entrepreneurial mindset, leadership qualities, collaborative behaviour, agile work ethic, high work quality, and the ability to conceptualise innovative solutions based on market trends and consumer insights.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The best part about my job is how rewarding it is. It’s so gratifying to work with a company that provides products to help people feel like their best self and boost their confidence. When I see consumers engaging with our marketing activations online or in-store, that’s what puts a smile on my face. The company culture is also extremely collaborative and supportive, so you truly work as a team to achieve business goals. Furthermore, L’Oréal always rewards us for our hard work and the results we drive. Our efforts never go unnoticed by our leaders in the Management Committee.
What are the limitations of your job?
As with any job, there are always some limitations. However, the positives definitely outweigh any negatives at L’Oréal. It is certainly a fast-paced environment with so many moving pieces when it comes to bringing a new product to market or implementing campaigns. This pace can be overwhelming in the beginning, but it eases with time as you gain experience. Nowadays, I’m grateful for how it has helped me to thrive and learn to be agile and efficient. Sometimes I work extra hours in the evening when it’s an extremely busy period, but that isn’t too often.
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