L'Oréal Groupe

From internship to Employer Branding VIE at L’Oréal Austria/Germany. Discover Solène Bonjour's career path

Who are you? And where do you come from?

My name is Solène and I was born in Lille, Northern France! I was raised in Frankfurt for a while, then in Paris. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Kent in Canterbury, UK – and a Masters in Communications from Sciences Po Lille, in France. I am currently doing an Employer Branding *VIE at the L’Oréal Austria/Germany headquarters in Düsseldorf. So really, I come from a whole lot of different places! :)

*Volontariat International en Entreprise

How did you discover L'Oréal?

I have used L’Oréal products all my life, like many – from Garnier shampoos to Maybelline mascaras. I became more aware of L’Oréal as a company and employer during my studies. Someone I knew in school had gotten their end of study internship at L’Oréal and I remember it being quite a big deal for everyone. When time came for me to get my own internship, it was my mom who told me I should apply, as she knew a lot of people who said it was a great learning experience for young professionals.

I applied to a Corporate Communications role and talked to a recruiter, who told me she had a position that could fit what I was looking for. And that’s how I became an intern in Employer Branding in the Global Talent Acquisition team!

What is your favorite part of your job? 

I think my favorite part of the job is outreach – going directly to the potential candidates – especially students - meeting them, presenting the company and our opportunities to them… I like creative work and social media but events are always fun and meeting students is really special. I was one not so long ago after all and it’s a pleasure to bring answers to the questions they have (and they never run out of them). For example, I recently attended the International CEMS Career Forum in Barcelona to meet CEMS students from all over the word, and I have projects to visit university campuses in Mannheim and Oestrich Winkel in late November 2022.

What surprised you when you arrived at L'Oréal?

I would say the importance and responsibility I was given as an intern. As soon as I arrived in my first position at L’Oréal, my manager made sure I knew that I had as much say as everyone did in team decisions and projects. I was also in charge of my own projects and the team had a very horizontal structure. I was free to give my opinion and my ideas. It was definitely refreshing to be considered as a full member of the team and to be given this level of responsibility this early. It was also a great way to learn on the job.

Your missions in a few words ? 

Positioning L’Oréal as a committed, innovative, exciting employer to potential future employees of all ages and backgrounds in the Austria and Germany market – through social media and communications of course, but also by reaching out directly to our different targets (students, juniors, seniors…) and through exciting projects, like our yearly Brandstorm competition and our local Join Us @ L’Oréal events in Düsseldorf.

A lesson you learned at L'Oréal?

You’re capable of so much more than you think!

Any advice for future interns your industry? 

Be bold, trust yourself – stand up for your creative ideas but be open to feedback, that’s how you will learn and grow.

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