Do you know what can make a B-School aspirant's life easier? Getting a kickstart, and what else can be as good as Hindustan Unilever? Hindustan Unilever is the dream company of many aspirants across domains of Finance, Sales & Marketing, and Human Resources. And InsideIIM brings you a step closer to India’s largest FMCG - Hindustan Unilever. Gave CAT 2024 or XAT 2025? Apply to HUL’s Pre-MBA workshop and learn with the FMCG mastermind. And if this idea interests you even a bit, read on to know HUL Foundation School Student Experiences of the 2024 batch: Imagine visiting the head office of the biggest FMCG in the country, networking with senior leaders, including CXOs, and presenting your business solutions to them. Picture yourself exploring research centers and markets, learning about diverse career roles in your chosen track, and even getting the chance to be selected for the coveted Unilever Leadership Internship Program (ULIP)—all within just three days! That’s HUL Foundation School for you!- Aman Rajesh Singh
Q: What is that one unique thing about life at HUL that surprised you the most?
The most surprising thing about life at HUL was how deeply integrated nature is within the workplace. Walking into the HQ, surrounded by trees and even a waterfall, felt nothing like a typical corporate office. The unconventional office design—no rigid cabins, just open, collaborative spaces—stood out. But what truly amazed me was the energy of the employees. Everyone seemed to genuinely love their work, creating an environment that felt less like a job and more like a passion-driven community. It was refreshing to see a corporate culture where people thrived, not just worked. -Amaragani Venu GoudI was also amazed by the Agile Innovation Hub, which analyses global data to predict market trends, significantly reducing the time it takes to bring new products to market. - Akshita Himatsingka
Q: What's one piece of advice from an HUL leader that lives rent-free in your head?
One piece of advice from CFO Ritesh Sir that lives rent-free in my head is that you should have a hobby to gain or refill your energy. It’s not just about working hard but also about staying passionate and loving what you do. That balance between work and personal passion is what keeps you energized and engaged in the long run. -Amaragani Venu GoudI remember Ms. Anuradha Razdan sharing her journey and experiences from her days at XLRI, speaking candidly about the challenges she faced and how she overcame them. Hearing someone so accomplished talk about her struggles made me realize that setbacks and self-doubt are part of the process, no matter where you are in your career. Her words resonated deeply with me, especially during difficult moments at XL, and reminded me to persevere and be confident. It was a powerful lesson in resilience and self-belief that continues to guide me. -Akshita Himatsingka
Q: Top Foundation School highlights that made it unforgettable.
Visit to Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea House
One of the standout experiences was a visit to the Brooke Bond Tea House, where you get to explore an assortment of their finest teas paired with artisanal delicacies. This visit will give you an insightful, hands-on understanding of the branding behind the café. From the tea selection to the food pairings, every detail reflected the brand’s premium positioning. Learn how brands create immersive experiences that blend heritage with modern consumer expectations to form deeper emotional connections.
Shadowing a Senior Leader for a Day
Getting a firsthand look at how leadership decisions are made and experiencing the real-world corporate environment is both inspiring and eye-opening.
The People & The Late-Night Conversations
Staying together in the hotel created the perfect setting to connect beyond the program. Whether it was deep business discussions or late-night conversations about expectations from B-school life, the friendships formed during those days made the experience even more special.
Consumer Home Visits:
Witnessing firsthand how Unilever products impact everyday lives and using those insights to brainstorm strategies is unforgettable.
Lakme R&D Lipstick Creation:
You get to create your own lipstick!- Various StudentsWhy wait for the last day? Apply now for HUL Foundation School, a once in a lifetime opportunity to make your B-School life a bit easier. And to break your myth, you need not have a top B-School call! You must have appeared for this year's CAT and XAT and leave your profile analysis to the HUL panel. You never know which aspect of your profile attracts them to choose you over the rest.Also Read: