Dream Big: Brandstorm finalists living the L’Oréal intern way of life in Paris
Olga, Ingrid and Morel, tell us a little bit more about yourself!
Ingrid: We‘ve known each other for a few years now! We are in the same class, studying marketing and management in our third year of a master degree in ESCA/ INPHB CI, Ivory Coast. We participated in Brandstorm 2017 and made it to the international finals. Now we are all interns at L’Oréal in Paris!
You showed your best during Brandstorm, and then L’Oréal hired you — how did it happen?
Morel: Our Brandstorm manager advised us a lot. First, there was only one position for an internship, and there was three of us. Still, we kept in touch, and one day she told us we could all have an interview. It was unbelievable!
Olga: The same week, we all had an offer for an internship. This was only a few months after the finals!
What are your missions? What are you working on?
Morel: I’m working as a Junior Brand Manager on mass product brands for the French-speaking areas in Africa. I deal with a portfolio of about 20 brands like Mixa, Garnier and Dark & Lovely. This is something I wanted to do after school, but doing it at L’Oréal is even better than what I could imagine. It’s just so big and I am learning so much from this experience.
Ingrid: I work in the Marketing department for the Overseas France business on mass products and makeup. On mass products, I work as Brand Manager Assistant for more than 20 Brands such as Mixa, Garnier, Ushuaia, Elsève, etc. and for makeup, I help especially on digital projects. This internship fits me very well because it enables me to have a good overview of every beauty product categories.
Olga: After the finals, I checked again on the website and I completely fell in love with Mizani and Matrix brands, so this was the only option in my mind. Now here I am, the Brand Director Assistant of MIZANI SSA and I also am the Marketing Assistant for MATRIX!
What surprised you the most about being an intern at L’Oréal?
Morel: When I arrived here, my marketing manager gave me many responsibilities. I can express myself and my ideas. I thought it would be difficult to feel integrated in such a big company, but it’s easy to meet people and I have lunch with new people almost every day. After two weeks, I already feel like a “Loréalian”!
Olga: I guess everything surprised me at first, starting by the team I work with. So many things change so fast. There is no routine. For instance, my boss left for her maternity leave after two months here, so I had to work with two people I didn’t know in Africa and needed to adapt quickly.
Ingrid: The open-mindedness here surprised me a lot. Everyone is nice and accessible— even managers. I’ve never seen this before anywhere I’ve been. My boss is very cool and open. I can take initiatives and I have responsibilities, they let me take the lead on projects.
What’s the most unexpected fact in your daily life in Paris?
Olga: Transport, please! The strikes are real. It’s not a fiction haha.
Ingrid: How fast people are, always running everywhere! I wasn’t used to this way of life. Here they are always busy. The funny part is that after one week, I was exactly the same, running everywhere! Compared to that, our visit of Paris during Brandstorm was the sweet life.
Olga: Even if you have nothing to do… you run!
How has Brandstorm helped you for your internship?
Morel: Through Brandstorm, you can experience the spirit of L’Oréal. In a certain way, it was a first experience within the company. It really helped us to understand the company culture.
Olga: It definitely improved my critical thinking. When you are a student, you have to create ideas of course, but it’s not necessary to think about all the details… such as the consequences on operations, supply chain, etc. By playing Brandstorm, you learn there is a whole world around marketing. When I want to make a proposal, I now think twice! And I can challenge people myself, saying “have you thought about this?”
What’s your next step? What’s your biggest career dream?
Olga: We want to stay here after our internships! This is the last year of our master degree, and of course, L’Oréal is our first choice. I personally want to work in African beauty and make things for African culture.
Ingrid: I want to be an accomplished woman with a great social and family life. I wish to be involved in helping children too. I also want to create my company of events and communications. Maybe after 10 years of experience, who knows?
Morel: When you’re a child you see people on TV and they inspire you. Well, I want to be a model for people and show that you can start from nowhere and nothing. If you want to build your life, you have to start working. I want to be an inspiring leader for the next generations.
The final word is yours: is there anything more you want to share?
Morel: My message is very simple but I think still is important. NEVER GIVE UP. This is in my DNA and my best tip for everyone!
Olga: L’Oréal has been in my mind for a long time. I remember I was in my last year of high school when I heard about the Beauty for a Better Life program that helps women with cancer to regain self-confidence. It really touched me. It made so much sense to me as I needed confidence at that time. So I said to myself “this is what I want to do!”. Then, somewhere along the way, I forgot about it, but with Brandstorm, destiny just came back to me! I thought it was a sign, that’s why I was so motivated!
Ingrid: Do what you love! That’s the most important thing in life. I feel strong and I am, but I am also very sensitive and when I make a choice I always think about what I love the most and what is most important for me.
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