Broadening Horizons: ITMO University Students Tour Unilever

Education is about more than tests and grades; it’s about expanding your worldview and understanding how your future contributions can make a difference. With this ethos in mind, ITMO University’s Career Center organized an eye-opening tour for students to one of Unilever’s factories, a global leader in consumer goods. This article explores the tour’s highlights, future career opportunities with Unilever, and how ITMO University is paving the way for its students.

A Glimpse into Unilever

Unilever, co-headquartered in London and Rotterdam, is a powerhouse in the consumer goods sector, offering a vast array of products in food, beverages, and personal care. In Russia, the company boasts six factories, 20 distribution centers, and around 5,000 dedicated employees. With an investment exceeding 195 million rubles into the Russian economy, Unilever’s presence is significant. The company is widely recognized for its popular brands, including Dove, Rexona, Lipton, Axe, and Knorr.

The Factory Tour Experience

On March 15, 2019, the ITMO Career Center gave students an opportunity to step into the world of manufacturing by organizing a tour of a Unilever factory in St. Petersburg. Open to all ITMO students, regardless of their field of study or academic standing, the event was a unique chance to gain firsthand experience in a thriving industrial environment.

Students’ Impressions

Students like Kirill Grishin, a second-year student from the Faculty of Control Systems and Robotics, expressed their enthusiasm. “I learned about this opportunity on the Center’s VK page and decided to give it a go,” he shared. “When you hear ‘factory,’ you naturally wonder about the inner workings.”

The factory primarily focuses on personal hygiene products and household cleaning goods, employing advanced equipment, including innovative drones for heavy loads. The company’s emphasis on automation aims to streamline operations while minimizing human error, a fact that left a lasting impression on the visitors.

Engaging Perspectives

Another participant, Anton Medvedev, a first-year student in Technological Management and Innovations, noted the tour’s educational value. “It was fascinating to see how a real factory operates,” he said. “I didn’t realize how many different products Unilever produces and how automated the processes are. It was quite a revelation.”

The students were also intrigued by the factory’s high standards of cleanliness, highlighted by the requirement for protective clothing and headgear. “It’s all very clean, showing the company’s commitment to product quality,” Anton emphasized.

Career Opportunities with Unilever

Beyond the intriguing tour, students had the chance to interact with Unilever’s HR manager, Anastasia Sheveleva, who outlined several lucrative career opportunities available to them:

1. Internships: Unilever offers three-month internships, two times a year (February and July). These positions are paid and span various departments, including finance, planning, and logistics. Open to third-year students and above, interns work on meaningful projects during their time with the company.

2. Agile Internships: These paid, flexible positions vary from one month to several months of part-time work. Candidates need to be highly motivated and proficient in English. Interested students should keep an eye on Unilever’s website for announcements.

3. Unilever Future Leaders Program (UFLP): This comprehensive two-year program prepares the next generation of managers through hands-on experience in multiple departments and digital projects while offering a salary. Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree and possess strong communication skills, alongside a solid command of English.

ITMO Career Center’s Role

The Unilever factory tour is just one initiative of ITMO University’s Career Center, which provides an array of career development events for students. According to Eugenia Shakirzianova from the Center, the programming includes:

• Factory Tours: Regular tours to various companies, along with events like the Job Shadow Day, give students a close look at potential workplaces.

• Educational Lectures: Practical workshops and lectures featuring ITMO alumni and other professionals help students build essential skills.

• Career Events: Events such as the City of Professions Exhibition and Speed Dating Job Interviews connect students with potential employers and career paths.

For students eager to explore the best career opportunities, staying connected with the Career Center is vital. They can follow the Center on VK or check out their website (in Russian) for updates and information.

By fostering connections between students and leading industry players like Unilever, ITMO University is dedicated to preparing its graduates for successful and impactful careers.