“From the moment I applied, I had a gut feeling that THG was the right place for me. I loved the idea of having real responsibilities, getting involved in as many projects as possible, and gaining a deep understanding of e-commerce.”

Eleanor joined us last July as a Marketing Intern within our Beauty Division, and in just eight months, she’s gained real-world marketing exposure and played an active role in campaigns. From managing the LOOKFANTASTIC blog to her TikTok skyrocketing engagement for our cosmetics recycling app, and even featuring in LOOKFANTASTIC’s Loved by LF campaign, she’s made the most of every opportunity that’s come her way.

As she prepares to return to university in September, Eleanor reflects on her journey at THG—how it’s shaped her career aspirations, the invaluable lessons she’s learned, and the highlights that have defined her placement year.

Whenever someone asks about my experience at THG, I always say the same thing—I’ll be heading back to university in September as a completely different person from when I left. In the past eight months, I’ve moved to a new city, made incredible friends, started my first full-time role, and worked on projects I never could have imagined.

Before starting my placement, I was told three things about THG: it’s fast-paced, you’re given responsibilities from day one, and the best way to learn is to ask questions. While all of that is true, it doesn’t fully capture the level of personal growth and development you experience on placement.

I spent my first six months at LOOKFANTASTIC in the Content Marketing team, and since Christmas, I’ve been in a hybrid role across Content and Brand Marketing. This has given me a much broader understanding of how our campaigns come to life, from initial ideas to execution. No two days are the same, and new opportunities pop up all the time. My core responsibilities include managing the LOOKFANTASTIC blog, coordinating shoots in our studios, supporting our Senior Copywriter with copy requests, brainstorming campaign ideas, and delivering assets to channels.

From the moment I applied, I had a gut feeling that THG was the right place for me—it was the only cover letter I genuinely enjoyed writing. I had already accepted a placement abroad as part of my BSc International Business degree, but when I was offered the role at THG, I knew I had to take it. I withdrew from my other placement and even changed my degree to make it happen. The biggest draw for me was the size of the company and the opportunities that come with it. I loved the idea of having real responsibilities, getting involved in as many projects as possible, and gaining a deep understanding of e-commerce.

Although I initially pursued International Business with aspirations of working abroad for a global company, I shifted to BSc Business Management after securing my placement at THG. My passion for cross-cultural communications, marketing, and sustainable globalisation remains the same.

Marketing has always been my favourite part of business. In my second year, I led the UoB Marketing Society, completed internships at start-ups, and even ventured into freelancing—receiving a start-up grant from my university’s B-Enterprise team. My internship has expanded my perspective on future career paths—whether to grow within a corporate environment or pursue freelancing and potentially launch my own agency. I’m at the beginning of my career journey so I have time to explore both.

My Internship Highlights

• Writing the LOOKFANTASTIC Christmas Gift Guide 2024
  The first time my name has been printed in a magazine!
• Becoming the Lead of the Early Careers Content Team
  I work with the Employer Branding team and Early Careers Ambassador Networks to produce content for THG’s social media.
• Going viral on TikTok with recycle:me
  In January, I posted a spontaneous video about THG Beauty’s recycling scheme, tapping into the Project Pan trend. It took off, driving huge engagement and boosting sustainability efforts.
• Featuring in the LovedBy LF campaign
  As part of the brand team, I got to see this campaign come to life from behind the scenes and in front of the camera. I still can’t believe I’m in the same video as Miss Molly-Mae.
• Creating beauty content for LOOKFANTASTIC’s socials
  After the success of my recycle:me video, I’ve had the chance to create more beauty content (and even been gifted products—I feel like a real influencer now!). One of my favourites was a Day in the Life when Bobbi Brown visited the office.
• Winning Star of the Month in January
  What a way to start the year!

What I’ve Learned

At first, I made the mistake of applying for placements just for the sake of it—even in industries I wasn’t interested in. But I quickly realised that if I couldn’t see myself at a company, there was no point applying. Instead, I became more selective and focused my energy on fewer, more meaningful applications.

My biggest tip for anyone applying for a placement at THG? Stay commercially aware. The beauty and nutrition industries are constantly evolving, with brands launching incredible campaigns and products all the time. Keeping up with the latest trends and having a strong understanding of the market is key—things move fast, and innovative thinking is always encouraged.