Hello Reader,
I’m thrilled to share an in-depth look at my second internship experience at Procter & Gamble’s Innovation Centre in 2019. This opportunity allowed me to delve into the world of skincare, specifically focusing on hydration within the Beauty Technology Division (BTD). Here’s an overview of my responsibilities, key highlights, and the challenges I faced.
Overview of the Internship
I was attached to the Beauty Technology Division (BTD) with a focus on skincare hydration. My role involved various tasks aimed at understanding and improving skincare formulations. Here’s a breakdown of what I did:
Formulation and Testing
Batch Making: To start off, I was trained by my mentor on batch making techniques and following the formulation sheet. Thereafter, I was tasked with the project of varying polymer levels resulting in the formulation of creams and essences, for various skincare purposes. This hands-on experience was crucial in understanding the intricacies of skincare product development.
In-vitro Testing: I performed in-vitro testing on the batches to understand their properties, trends, and theoretical impacts on consumers. This involved the viscosity and temperature stability among others.
In-vivo Testing: Conducting in-vivo testing in a controlled environment allowed me to observe how different skin conditions reacted to the formulations. Panelists were recruited to test out the batch, and measurements such as hydration levels were recorded.
Data Analysis and Documentation
Trend Analysis: Documenting data and procedures from start to end enabled me to analyze trends and outliers. This process was essential in determining the most optimal formulations for the desired purposes.
Linking Data: I linked in-vitro and in-vivo results to validate the effectiveness and accuracy of the formulations, ensuring that theoretical results matched real-world outcomes.
The results were compared to internal records in determining suitable markets.
Communication and Reporting
Progress Updates: At the end of my internship, I provided an overall summary of my learnings and improvements through presentation slides. This helped in keeping the team informed and receiving feedback.
Achievements
Technical Rigor Certificate: For my dedication and technical prowess, I was awarded the Technical Rigor Certificate. This recognition was a testament to my hard work and commitment to excellence.
Concluding Event
Event Committee and Emcee: I was part of the committee organizing the internship concluding event and also served as the emcee. This role exposed my reserved-self to organizational and public speaking skills, contributing to a successful and memorable event for all participants.
Key Highlights
Hands-On Experience: Gaining practical skills in batch creation and testing for skincare products.
Data-Driven Insights: Developing a thorough understanding of how to link in-vitro and in-vivo results to validate product effectiveness.
Technical Recognition: Receiving the Technical Rigor Certificate, which acknowledged my technical expertise and contributions.
Effective Communication: Successfully presenting progress updates, which honed my ability to communicate complex technical information clearly.
Event Leadership: Playing a key role in the internship concluding event as a committee member and emcee, enhancing my leadership and public speaking abilities.
Challenges Faced
Complex Data Analysis: Analyzing vast amounts of data to identify trends and outliers was initially challenging but ultimately rewarding as it enhanced my analytical skills.
Balancing In-vitro and In-vivo Results: Ensuring that in-vitro results aligned with in-vivo outcomes required meticulous attention to detail and rigorous testing protocols.
Communication Barriers: Initially, translating complex technical findings into understandable presentations was challenging, but this improved over time with practice and feedback.
Time Management: One contrasting challenge I faced was poor time management in preparing weekly internship reflections for my supervisor. Despite managing my time well when it involved my project, I often found myself rushing to complete these reflections, which highlighted a critical area for personal growth. Learning to manage my time effectively and prioritize tasks was an essential takeaway from this experience.
Reflection and Takeaways
This internship at P&G’s Innovation Centre was an enlightening experience that broadened my knowledge of skincare formulation and testing. From creating and analyzing batches to linking laboratory results with real-world data, every task contributed significantly to my professional development. The recognition I received and the challenges I overcame have prepared me well for future endeavors in the industry.
It was a hot-desking arrangement but feeling out of place, I often sat at the pantry, My supervisor was even asked multiple times why his intern was always reading a skincare book at the pantry.
I was very thankful to the HR Team and various colleagues for structuring the interview process well, and creating a welcoming environment that allowed me to ask questions at any time. When faced with doubts on how the polymers work in a skincare formulation, I reached out to a subject matter expert requesting for some of his time, which he accommodated.
I hope this insight into my second internship provides valuable perspectives on the practical aspects of working in the skincare technology field. Stay tuned for more detailed posts about my other experiences and professional journey.
Thank you for reading!
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