Placement Year Review at GlaxoSmithKline

The Role

Role Description

Install and validate new manufacturing equipment in projects department. This had a controls bias, so I looked at Control and IT systems.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

The office was very quite, which is a bit bad if you don't really know anybody at work and in the town. However I was involved with some interesting work.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

There was quite a negative attitude at work. Not everybody seemed to be happy that I could do the job when they first meet me (perhaps becuase I am young). People I worked with on regular basis seemed confident in my ability.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Whenever I asked for help it seemed to be provided without agitation, though most of the time I was able to work things through on my own.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

Especially towards the end of my placement there wasn't hardly any work for me to do.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Managed one project throughout, although at times it seemed as though most queries from other project members were directed towards my boss, even though he had to ask me for the answers.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There is a high focus on design in my degree which was not involved in my placement. However, this gave me a all round practical experience of systems . I think I have developed some of the more personal skills like presenting, organisation and teamwork too.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

Very quite. We very rarely socialised outside of work.

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

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

I dont think there was a "plan" for my placement. There wasn't enough work to do. Compared to what I've heard of other placements, there doesn't seem to be as many opportunities here.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Nothing has been mentioned about when my placement finishes. However, the work I have done will help me develop personally / professionally.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

• Flexi Time
• Sports and Social Club
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Above 25 days holiday

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

I would like to work for the company but nothing has been mentioned.

Other Information

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

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 0/10

None existent.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Not too expensive.

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

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

Very quite, but it is a small town so I didn't expect much when I applied.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was involved in the squash club.

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?

I think the company was good, but the site where I was based seemed to be limited in opportunities, especially in the department I was in.

Review 230/230 for GlaxoSmithKline

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