Cotton On Group’s Post

Taking a moment to BRAGG… Two weeks ago the Travel Retail Worldwide division at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. completed it’s THIRD summer hosting interns from my beloved Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Since inception, THIRTY students have had the opportunity to spend a summer in NYC 🍎 discovering & learning about a career in the beauty industry. 🌟 Five lessons learned along the way 🌟 1. Developing a strategy that provides opportunities to grow 🎯 From day one, we sat out not only to build a pipeline of talent but using the opportunity to shape future leaders in the beauty industry. We created a strategy that allowed us to grow over the years, adding increased levels of engagement to expand our reach. 2. Delivering real impact 🌍 I was amazed at how engaging interns with meaningful projects and responsibilities energized both them and the teams. Year 1 of the program coincided with us returning to the office and the intern energy was truly infectious. Seeing their work have a tangible impact on our business was incredibly rewarding for everyone involved. 3. Power of mentorship 🤝 We made it a priority to pair interns with dedicated mentors. This hands-on support and guidance proved invaluable, providing interns with not only professional development but also a sense of belonging within our teams. 4. Broadening horizons 🎓 We implemented a range of learning opportunities, from lunch and learns, networking events and community service activities, to provide interns a well-rounded experience. This approach helped them gain diverse skills and perspectives that extended beyond their daily responsibilities. 5. Embracing flexibility and feedback 🗣️ Flexibility is key. We remain open to adjusting the program in response to feedback and changing needs allowing us to stay relevant and effective to ensure a positive experience for all. Building this program has been a journey filled with learning and growth, both for the interns and the organization. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited for what’s next. A huge THANK YOU to the individuals who have played a role in continuingthis program’s success, stretching beyond their day jobs to make a lasting impact. Cheers to creating the next generation of Black beauty leaders! 💄 #Internship #TalentDevelopment #EstéeLauder #FutureLeaders #CareerGrowth #BeautyIndustry #TRstrong

We asked our intern, Ashley, about her experience working under the Strategy Team at McCann Worldgroup Singapore and here’s what she has to say about it. Check out her insights below 👇🏽 #culture #internship #experience #strategy #advertising

10 Years Ago: The Summer That Changed Everything I still remember this view like it was yesterday. The New Yorker Hotel, standing tall and bright, was my home for an entire summer during my junior year of college. I was in New York City, the place where dreams are made, with an internship at IPG Mediabrands. From the outside, it seemed like I was living the dream—NYC, a hotel stay, and a foot in the door at a major company. Friends and family thought I was on top of the world. But what they didn’t see was the reality behind the glossy exterior. I was broke, depressed, and completely lost. The city that never sleeps was also the city that never stopped reminding me of how far I still had to go. That summer, I learned how to stretch a dollar, how to navigate the grid, and most importantly, how to keep pushing forward even when it felt like the world was against me. Key Lessons Learned: 1. Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable: Growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones. That summer, I learned that embracing the unfamiliar is the first step toward becoming who you’re meant to be. 2. Try Something New: Don’t be afraid to take risks. Trying new things opens up opportunities you never imagined. That internship, even with all its challenges, was a door to great mentors! A special thank you to Sonia Riojas for simply existing - you were the first Latina I saw leading, advocating, and supporting your team and ideas. 3. Resilience is Everything: Life will knock you down, but what matters is how you get back up. That summer taught me the true meaning of resilience—an invaluable skill I carry with me to this day. Fast forward to today, and I look back at that summer not with regret, but with gratitude. That challenging time was what shaped who I am now—a marketing executive with a passion for empowering others, and a clear vision for my future. It was in those moments of doubt and struggle that I discovered my resilience and determination to succeed. The New Yorker Hotel isn’t just a building to me; it’s a symbol of how far I’ve come. So, to anyone out there who feels lost or overwhelmed—take it one day at a time. Clarity comes with consistency and purpose with persistence. #CareerJourney #CareerGrowth

For all the new hires and interns this summer… This one decision you’ll have to make over the next decade or so will be the most important decision in determining whether you’re going to reach your full potential and achieve your dreams, or not. That decision? Who are the people that you want to surround yourself with? Choosing your friends when you’re a budding young professional is massively important. I’ve seen incredibly smart people choose the wrong people to be in their inner circle and not even get close to reaching their potential. I’ve also seen some less skilled young professionals be surrounded by great people; it’s brought out the best in them, and they’ve ended up getting as close to their potential as humanly possible. Who are your friends? Who is in your inner circle? Are you making the work environment more pleasant for everyone? We tell professionals all the time, “culture eats strategy for breakfast.” This means that the right environment and relationships are more influential than any strategy you might follow. Having met so many young designers over the years, knowing their stories, and seeing their progression through their journeys, after 30 days, those around you should be able to tell with almost 100 percent certainty who will reach their potential, or not. Remember, the relationships you cultivate now will shape your future success. Choose your inner circle wisely and strive to be a valuable part of it. Wishing you all a successful and enriching experience this summer!

Please welcome our summer interns, Jennifer Colebrook and Ansley Boutwell. Jennifer joins us from Virginia Tech and Ansley joins us from Georgia Institute of Technology. Per Nequette tradition, we always ask each new team member to answer a few questions to get to know them a little better. Here goes… 1. If anyone could play you in your life movie which actor would you choose? J: Anne Hathaway A: Reese Witherspoon or Kristen Bell 2. What are you looking forward to the most about interning at Nequette? J: I am most looking forward to learning how to capture a project’s identity through prioritizing the project’s key values and upholding the standard of timeless beauty while working in a timely and efficient manner.  A: I am most looking forward to the opportunity to grow as a designer with an amazing and very welcoming group of people.  3. What is one book you could read on repeat? J: Ecclesiastes, the Hebrew book of wisdom. It succinctly captures sober themes of life, existence, and purpose. It’s a short book, but there’s profound meaning that seeps through the pages every time I read it. A: Dune by Frank Herbert  4. You only get to listen to one song for the rest of your life. What would it be? J: Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16: II. Adagio  A: Something in the Orange by Zach Bryan 5. What’s your go-to coffee/tea/etc. order? J: My go-to drink is milk. And I can never go wrong with chocolate milk. I especially drink it at the end of the day – it's like dessert for me.  A: Chai latte    6. What would be your dream project to design?  J: Residential has always captured my attention, but I think no matter the program, the right client can enhance the project. My dream project would be one where the client clearly states their priorities and constraints while allowing flexibility and design freedom to best capture their values. Ultimately, the project in which the client feels their designed space has exceeded their expectations will be the most gratifying.  A: Mid-century modern house with a lot of plants 7. What’s your #1 bucket list vacation spot, and why? J: It’s a tie between Greece and Scotland: Greece because of the architecture, culture, and water. Scotland because of lush nature, castles, and Scottish accents. A: My #1 bucket list vacation spot has to be New Zealand. I love long distance backpacking trips and, though I'm not sure exactly what hike I would do, New Zealand seems like an ideal place to see some pretty breathtaking landscapes. And it doesn't hurt that it was in Lord of the Rings. Thank you both for playing along! We are happy you two are interning with Nequette this summer. 

Concluding my 6-month internship at Lancôme TRAPAC feels like coming down from a roller coaster. The ride has been full of excitement, challenges, introspection, and, of course, happiness. As I gained knowledge of the travel retail market, I was so impressed by how it creates unique experiences for the consumers and how L'Oréal conquers it as the 6th continent. I'm glad that I had the chance to be in this fast-changing environment, as well as to understand and learn to live with the changes. I would not be able to get my feet on the ground safely without my team, to whom I would like to express my gratitude for their support in my daily work and in my long-term career development. I was given plenty of opportunities to explore the industry and the channels, to interact with stakeholders, and to see my insights bring a positive influence to the work of my colleagues. This helped me to take on multiple perspectives at work, nourishing my communication skills and critical thinking skills. At the same time, assisting in media and CRM campaigns allowed me to discover my interest in consumer behaviors and data. It's exhilarating for me to observe consumers' actual actions in the designed user journeys, which tells a rich story with the power of data. Empowered by this passion and the experience I've obtained in this internship, I'm ready to embrace the challenges in the new chapter of my career path. I'm looking forward to the beauty that lies ahead. #lorealforthefuture #internship #travelretail #digitalmarketing #thebrandofhappiness

5 things we learnt from our Gen Z summer intern... The summer is over and we are gutted that our amazing intern Issy has now left us for a little while, she has been a ray of sunshine in the office and absolutely not the stereotype of Gen Z we were expecting. Curious, confident and definitely not afraid of hard work or a landline phone... But she has made us reflect and we’ve take a moment to consider the unique perspectives and insights she has brought to our team. Here are the top five things we’ve learned from our Gen Z intern. 💚 The Power of Authenticity - Gen Z values authenticity. Issy highlighted how genuine communication, whether it’s in marketing messages, brand identity, or workplace culture is really important. This reminded us to stay true to our mission and values in both external and internal comms. - Lesson: People can sense when a brand or message is disingenuous, and Gen Z won’t hesitate to call it out. 💛 Digital Natives Bring Digital Solutions - Gen Z have grown up fully immersed in technology, Issy demonstrated a natural aptitude for digital tools and platforms. And introduced us to a couple of tools, that helped streamline processes and improve our digital outreach. - Lesson: The future is digital, embracing new tools and staying on top of digital trends is crucial for staying competitive. 💜 Work-Life Balance is a Priority - Unlike previous generations that may have glorified hustle culture, our Gen Z understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Productivity doesn’t mean working longer hours but working smarter and ensuring there’s time for personal growth, mental health, and well-being. - Lesson: Supporting employees' work-life balance is not only better for individual well-being but also leads to greater long-term productivity. Our summer intern from Gen Z has taught us a lot in just a few months. As we move forward, these lessons will help shape our business strategy and culture, ensuring we stay relevant and appealing to the next generation of leaders. THANK YOU ISSY for an amazing Summer! We can't wait for you to come back to McCarthy towers for the next holidays. #GENZ #Culture #Workculture #recruitment #hiring #worklifebalance #productivity #employerbranding

Hi all, hope everyone had a great summer! 👋 You might be curious about how my first six months at Supporters have been. You might also question my switch to posting updates in English. The reason is simple: I want to reach a broader audience and expand my reach, and this seems like a great start. First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone at Supporters for welcoming me into the family and guiding me in the right direction at the start of my humble IT journey. I couldn't ask for a better place to develop as an intern. The best way to describe the past six months is that - Time flies when you're having fun and working with your genuine interests. Being surrounded by such great people, both personally and technically, is incredibly inspiring to me. I vividly recall my initial client interaction. Managing clients, particularly being at the forefront of first line support, was among my greatest apprehensions when I began as a supporter. I feared I wouldn't be adept sitting in the front row of the support line, having absolutely zero experience. Six months on, it no longer preoccupies my thoughts; instead, I thoroughly enjoy interacting, analyzing, and resolving IT issues alongside our wonderful clients. In conclusion, my drive to gain knowledge and experience in the IT field has never been greater. With a week of summer vacation approaching, I am also preparing to move into a new apartment. (with my very own office!!) ☀

🏢 We've Moved Up! 🏢 After 2 years in our initial office, we've moved up a floor to a bigger space. Currently, we're furnishing it and giving each room a funny name. I would like to share 2 stories from the old office: On March 1st, 2022, we moved into our first office. On that day, our first employee, Yann, began his internship. We rented a bigger car and picked up free old furniture from a town hall that was being renovated. Yann didn't write any code that day; instead, he helped us move our first furniture. Since then, we've joked that every intern's first job should be moving something in the office. 🚚 About a year later, we had a small launch party for our app "Yzer." We invited all our employees to the office, but we had grown to around 15 people, and our old office was only meant for maybe 6. It was never as cozy in the office again. (Picture for proof :)) Pictures of our new office will follow. What are the must-have features for our new space? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Teamwork? Not just that. During the #induction at Pernod Ricard, we were taught some interesting lessons through games. 15 of us were divided into groups of two. On the white stand you see in the picture below, there were hooks. We were given four rings and asked to place the rings on the hooks. The higher you place them, the more points you get. As you can see, there was a huge gap between us and the white stand. You couldn't even throw the rings. The only solution was to lean. If you overstepped a line, you would be penalized. For leaning, you would need support. You had to lean in such a manner that you were just on one foot and tilted. It was ideally not possible without support. While leaning, there was a chance of falling if not supported. The whole point of the game was to teach us to TRUST that our friends/teammates/colleagues will support us while we accomplish the task. An interesting way to learn the importance of TRUST, isn't it? #internship #PernodRicard