Placement Year Review at GlaxoSmithKline

The Role

Role Description

Synthesis and purfication of potential drug compounds for screening

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The work was stimulating and really interesting. It was easy to stay motivated to come into work.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I felt like a valued memeber of a small team.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

My supervisor was outstandind, from helping with the day to day task to preparing me for my formal presentastion and end of year report.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

There was always lab work to do! never a quiet time in the office.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was left to synthesise my own targets to a deadline. But it was always easy to ask for help and advice.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The placement was valuable work experience. It really improved my communication ande teamwork skills which should make applying for any job much easier.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

It was a good working atmosphere with music on in lab but a bit quiet.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

GSK handled 120 interns on site and everything was organised without a slip

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

They actively encouraged presentation skill. They also paid for 1 week of intensive training at Bristol University as well as other money into health and safety training.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Financial Bonus
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Above 25 days holiday
• Healthcare/Dental

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I would love to work for them but opportunities are scarce.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

With 120 other interns there was a great social scene

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Cheaper and better value than university

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Stevenage night life was limited but with so many interns it did not matter!

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I joined the hockey team as along with some other interns

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

The work placement was a great opportunity to experience life in the real world away from university. A practice run if you will.

Review 231/231 for GlaxoSmithKline

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