Because he’s worth it: UCL finalist bags dream job at L’Oréal

A finalist has worked his way to the top and is now rubbing shoulders with execs at the world’s largest beauty company.

Harrison Dent, a European Social and Political Studies student at UCL, just finished a summer internship with L’Oréal, which has seen him knee-deep in fragrances.

What’s more, the third year was also named Undergraduate of the Year after a rigorous application process and assessment centre.

The 21-year-old was given the opportunity to watch a speech by Obama in Washington D.C. this summer, but couldn’t attend.

He said: “I like to tell people I rejected Obama.”

Don’t follow the crowd. Apply now for L’Oréal’s Internship programmes and Management Trainee Scheme.

Harrison with the Managing Director of L’Oréal UK and Ireland Michel Brousset and BBC journalist Fiona Bruce

L’Oréal took Harrison on for 10 weeks after he was crowned Male Undergraduate of the Year in a competition ran by TARGETjobs.

The competition pitted Harrison against hundreds of applicants from across the country in rounds of tests and interviews.

Harrison warned male interns and grads to not be put off working at L’Oréal because of “myths and stereotypes” which suggest it’s a girl-dominated workplace and urged grads to not ignore it in favour of traditional industries.

Harrison said: “When I tell my friends what I do they are very jealous.

“It’s not just women and shampoo. It’s a serious business.”

Join a company that made 22.53billion Euros in sales in 2014. 

Harrison receiving an introduction to product development from Samantha Pallin, International Project Manager for Armani Fragrances

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Politics student Harrison didn’t expect to spend his summer working for L’Oréal.

Harrison said: “Coming from someone who does Politics with French, a few months ago I thought I would be in the office of a politician doing photocopying.”

Since starting the internship, Harrison has already worked with both Armani Fragrances and Viktor and Rolf, just two of 32 international brands in L’Oréal’s portfolio, developing their products ahead of Christmas.

He added: “I am studying a politics degree, so marketing is totally different.

“When I first joined I hadn’t done any marketing, and now I am passionate about it.

“My first thought was ‘a few shampoos for women, how hard can it be?’ But you are given real responsibility from day one – it’s meant to be challenging.

“I did my research for the interviews and online tests.”

He added: “I was surprised at the 32 international brands, some of which I didn’t know were under L’Oréal: Ralph Lauren, Diesel, Kiehl’s, Armani Fragrances – that’s just a few, so the scope of it really appealed to me.”

Set trends. Work with up to 32 international brands in 130 countries.

The finalist had the chance to visit the labs and try his hand at making foundation with The Body Shop

Harrison, who spent last year studying in Brussels, has been living the high-life since working in L’Oréal’s London offices and spent a week in Paris courtesy of the company.

The week in Paris started with Harrison arriving at the luxury Meridian hotel where he was met by a receptionist who told him:

“Sorry it’s taking so long Mr Dent – we’re just preparing your executive room.”

He spent the week in the French capital shadowing and dining with top execs from the global headquarters, while gaining a better understanding of L’Oréal as a whole.

Harrison met with senior staff from various areas of the company including legal, human resources and product development.

The ambitious third year, who ate fish and chips with the Managing Director of L’Oréal UK and Ireland, Michel Brousset, will start work at the beauty giant once he has finished his final year at UCL as part of the Management Trainee Scheme.

Work in a company which registered over 500 patents in 2014. 

Harrison dined on gourmet fish and chips when he met with Michel Brousset, the Managing Director of L’Oréal UK and Ireland

Harrison is excited about being “exposed to the different areas” of the business as the Management Trainee Scheme provides three rotations across various areas of the business including marketing and commercial.

The 21-year-old was shocked at the sheer size of L’Oréal, which operates in 130 countries and employs over 78,600 people worldwide.

Harrison said: “It’s really rewarding because firstly when I go to my family and friends they think ‘wow’, nobody says ‘who are they?’

“And at the same time it’s going to be so beneficial to have a company like L’Oréal on my CV.”

L’Oréal want interns and grads who:

• Are entrepreneurial in their outlook, and never compromise on quality
• Know where they want to be, and are eager to define their own roles
• Don’t shy away from the big projects, and have the drive and energy to thrive in a high-octane international company
• Know the value of innovation, and are always ready to try something new
• Are flexible, naturally curious, and comfortable adapting to change
• Are team players and help foster a friendly and fun working environment
• While not necessarily beauty experts, explore L’Oréal’s products and their market

L’Oréal’s Management Trainee Scheme, industrial placements and summer internships is open for applications for the next generation of ambitious graduates until 31st January 2016. Apply now, because you’re worth it.