Summer 2026 Customer Strategy Planning Intern

Unilever 2026 Summer Internship: Customer Development - Chart Your Course for Impact

Are you a driven and ambitious student eager to make a tangible difference in the world of consumer goods? Unilever, a global powerhouse behind beloved brands like Dove, Knorr, and Hellmann's, offers a compelling opportunity for aspiring professionals to launch their careers within its dynamic Customer Development (CD) division. This 2026 Summer Internship is more than just a temporary role; it's a springboard for impactful growth and a potential pathway to a lasting career.

Unilever's commitment to creating a "better business, a better world, and a better you" is deeply embedded in its culture. As an intern, you'll be immersed in a purpose-driven environment, collaborating with inspiring leaders and passionate colleagues who are dedicated to innovation and positive change. This internship is designed to equip you with the skills and experience necessary to thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented setting.

Advantages for Aspiring Professionals:

• Launchpad for a Career: This internship is explicitly positioned as a primary entry point into Unilever's Customer Development function, offering a structured experience that can lead to future opportunities within the company.
• Exposure to Iconic Brands: Work with and contribute to the strategies behind some of the most recognized and trusted brands worldwide, gaining invaluable experience in brand management and market penetration.
• Diverse Role Specializations: The Customer Development umbrella offers two distinct, yet complementary, internship pathways:
  • Customer Business Development (CBD): Immerse yourself in the front-line of retail strategy, working directly with major accounts (e.g., Walmart, Loblaws, Digital Commerce). You'll hone your analytical skills through data management, translate insights into actionable business solutions, provide high-level customer service, and collaborate on Joint Business Plans.
  • Customer Strategy and Planning (CSP): Focus on the strategic underpinnings of market success. This role involves in-depth data analysis, translating category growth strategies into channel-specific plans (focusing on the 6Ps), and acting as a crucial advocate for both customers and consumers internally.
• Mentorship and Support: Benefit from a robust internship program that includes comprehensive onboarding, a dedicated buddy, direct line management, extensive learning opportunities, and access to leadership.
• Real-World Impact: Contribute to actual business goals and see your work make a difference. The program culminates in end-of-term presentations, allowing you to showcase your achievements.
• Talent Showcase: The structure of the program encourages you to explore and express your unique talents and aspirations, providing ample room for personal and professional development.
• Potential for Full-Time Employment: Outstanding performance during the internship can pave the way for an invitation to join Unilever permanently, offering a significant advantage in securing future employment.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Unilever fosters an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, creating a rich and equitable workplace.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Embrace the "Change-Maker" Mindset: Unilever seeks individuals who are proactive, innovative, and continuously strive for improvement. If you are passionate about driving positive change and achieving excellence, this role aligns perfectly.
• Develop Strategic Thinking: The ability to think outside the box, envision new possibilities, and create strategies for growth is highly valued. This internship will challenge you to develop and refine these skills.
• Cultivate Data Storytelling: Success in this role hinges on your ability to leverage data, generate actionable insights, solve problems, and communicate compelling narratives to diverse audiences.
• Nurture a Competitive Spirit: A drive to lead and a positive outlook on the future are encouraged. Understanding the dynamics of market leadership and enjoying the process of achieving success are key attributes.
• Strengthen Analytical Prowess: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel with functions like VLOOKUP and PIVOT TABLES, is essential for data analysis and insight generation.
• Hone Leadership and Teamwork: This internship offers ample opportunities to demonstrate and develop strong leadership qualities and effective collaboration skills within a team environment.
• Understand the Commitment: The internship requires availability for the full duration (May 25th, 2026 – August 26th, 2026), Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm EST. A commitment to working in-person at the corporate head office in Toronto for at least two days a week is also expected.
• Academic Foundation: While the internship is a fantastic learning experience, maintaining strong academic performance (currently a 3rd or 4th-year student with a GPA of 3.0 or higher) is a prerequisite.

This Customer Development internship at Unilever is an exceptional opportunity for ambitious students to gain hands-on experience in a global consumer goods leader. By embracing the challenges and opportunities presented, you can lay a strong foundation for a successful and purpose-driven career.