Placement Year Review at GlaxoSmithKline

The Role

Role Description

Developing cellular assays using a range of molecular biology techniques as well as cell culture for the screening of new compounds.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Entering the world of full time work for the first time was made both very enjoyable and challenging.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The staff made all student extremely welcome and valued our input and opinions at all times.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

My supervisor gave up a large amount of time throughout the year teaching me, encouraging me, and discussing my work. Our relationship grew very strong and we were able to discuss a wide range of things comfortably which helped when living away from home.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The work load was always appropriate except toward the end of the placement to get the report finished, which was a necessity.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Each project given to a student contributes to the work effort as they are projects that really need to be carried out whether it be by the students or the full time staff. I was also given opportunities to present to some well respected people within the company.

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 skills I learnt throughout my placement are essential for both my third year undergraduate study and the rest of my career. These skills include lab work, presentations skills, communication and confidence. It also allowed me to make contacts with scientists within the company that may be able to provide support/guidance in the future.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

A good balance between hard work and social/professional discussions. The open plan offices allowed easy access to supervisors/managers and other team members making them very approachable and discussions a lot easier.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

They have a lot of experience in bringing in a group of students to many different departments every year and are aware of how to get the students to receive the best out of their placements.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

My placement allowed training in a wide area of laboratory work with my supervisor and manager both investigating a lot of time in me. This therefore means that the company have allowed time for the staff to help, ensuring all of the training we required was provided.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

• Flexi Time
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Above 25 days holiday
• Working from home

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

If the organisation was closer to home I would have already applied but unfortunately they have no sites any closer.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Students were arranging social events every weekend, and get together throughout the week,

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Pretty average. No more expensive than my home area.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The area itself was okay but being so close to London makes the possibilities endless.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Due to having time in the evenings to yourself I took it as an opportunity to partake in some extra activities such as a running club before going back to university and having little time to myself.

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?

This placement was one of the best things I have ever done in terms of my career, and development as a person and I highly recommend it.

Review 230/231 for GlaxoSmithKline

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