By PACS Team

On November 4, 2024, L'Oréal’s East Africa & Nigeria Country Managing Director, Mehmet Karamollaoglu, and the Talent Acquisition team, led by Jemima Karuri, visited USIU-Africa to connect with students and alumni about exciting career opportunities with the global beauty leader. The event was organized by the Placement & Career Services (PACS) department.

Students and alumni in attendance were introduced to L'Oréal’s expansive portfolio—from luxury and dermatological beauty products to professional hair care. As the world’s largest cosmetics company, with over 85,000 employees across 150 countries, L'Oréal is recognized as a Forbes 500 company and one of the most ethical brands globally in 2024. The company has also been ranked ninth on the 2024 Equileap Gender Equality Report which evaluates gender balance on board, executive, senior management and overall work positions.

The highlight of the day was the launch of Brandstorm 2025 (Kenya Edition), following the global debut on November 1, 2024. For more than 30 years, Brandstorm has grown to become the largest global innovation competitions for students, with participants from 65 countries. This year’s theme focuses on Men's Beauty & Care, encouraging students to develop innovative solutions to enhance men’s beauty experiences through technology and product design.

Open to anyone between 18 and 30 from all disciplines and backgrounds, the competition invites teams of three to compete through online submissions, national rounds and the finals. Brandstorm offers incredible benefits: students get access to career opportunities at L'Oréal, develop their skills through expert coaching, and gain global exposure by presenting their ideas on an international stage. The winning team will also receive the Intrapreneurship Award, an opportunity to bring their concept to life within L'Oréal.

During the event, Mehmet Karamollaoglu shared L'Oréal’s global and local initiatives aimed at empowering youth and women, emphasizing the company’s dedication to youth employment as a key corporate responsibility. As a founding member of the Global Alliance for Youth and a board member of the GAN Alliance, L'Oréal actively collaborates with governments, NGOs, and academic institutions to combat youth unemployment and promote work-based learning.

Jemima Karuri also highlighted L'Oréal’s extensive youth development programs, L'Oréal for Youth programs, which include internships, management trainee programs, mentorship, and masterclasses. She also encouraged students to take advantage of L'Oréal Boost, a global initiative offering students access to digital courses designed to develop skills, which USIU-Africa students have benefited from over the past two years.

Students also benefited from the business and career advice that Mehmet shared as he engaged them in an open discussion on a myriad of topics. He encouraged students to focus on developing digital and analytical skills, particularly in areas like data analytics, digital marketing, and data protection—skills that are increasingly in demand across industries.

Students and alumni were also treated to L'Oréal product gifts, and throughout the day at the Brandstorm activation stand. The team provided additional insights into the competition and L'Oréal’s innovative approach to beauty and care. This event was a wonderful opportunity for students to learn more about L'Oréal’s dynamic youth programs, discover possible career opportunities, and network with the company’s managing director, all while exploring ways to make an impact in the world of beauty and innovation.