Operating Procudures Systems Student Placement Review

I thoroughly enjoyed working for Mundipharma Research. The work I was given was often challenging and there was never a day when I wasn't busy! I was offered support and advice both from my manager and the directorate as a whole which meant that I never felt alone or unsure when completing tasks I was given a large amount of responsibility from early on in my placement and I enjoyed seeing the impact of my work on the business

I always felt valued by members within the directorate in which I worked ( Human Resources) The office had a friendly atmosphere and I got along well with all of my colleagues. Additionally, as I was working within a role which impacted all business areas, I had a lot if interaction with employees from different areas of the business (e.g., Drug Safety, Technical Development and Medical Operations) Something which really stood out to me during my placement was how valued I felt by all individuals within the business, regardless of their position within the company. This unique 'matrix' structure (as opposed to hierarchal structure) of the business means that, even as a junior member of the business, I felt like I was able to voice my opinion in meetings and my views would be taken into consideration in any decision making process.

My manager was very supportive to me throughout my placement and I really enjoyed working with him. As I was working within a department of 2, I worked very closely with my manager and he was always happy to offer help and guidance if I was struggling with a particular task. At the same time, he acknowledged when I was comfortable completing certain tasks independently and allowed me to have autonomy over my work.

I was very busy most of the time (particularly so during certain parts of the year) however, as an individual who enjoys being busy, this suited me well and a lot of this is due to the fact that I took on extra responsibility.

As the company's core administrator for two of the company's systems, I was given a large amount of responsibility which is unusual for a placement student. I enjoyed as this as it enabled me to develop key skills which cannot be gained from attending university alone.

During my placement, I developed a wide range of skills including communication, teamwork and presentation skills. My university tutor noticed that my confidence had increased significantly after returning to university and I believe this is attributable to the opportunities I was given at Mundipharma Research to develop key skills on a daily basis. Additionally, I attended a number of workshops focussed around improving particular skills (such as leadership, speaking out and advanced Microsoft Excel Skills) Towards the end of my placement, all students were invited to attend an Interview Skills workshop which I found very useful.

There was a friendly working atmosphere within the office. The individuals within the directorate I worked were hard working but there was also he opportunity to talk to people when I needed a break from work. The office is open plan which reflects the matrix structure of the business.

The placement was set up well and the company worked with my university supervisor to ensure that the University's requirements were met. My Company objectives were set near the beginning of my placement so I had the entire year to work on them and the Performance Assessment System was made clear from the start. This was good as it gave me something to work towards throughout the year and really made me feel like I was contributing to the company's overall strategy.

I received a very thorough training programme at the beginning of my placement which set me in good stead for the year There was a lot of opportunity to take part in workshops that focussed on developing certain key skills. Additionally, my manager let me get involved with a range of different projects which meant that I was constantly developing skills in communication, leadership and presenting

I would very much like to work for the company upon graduating if a suitable opportunity arose.

The students did a lot together during the first couple of months but this tailed off as the year went on. The company did have a Sports and Social Club but this was not very popular.

Cambridge is an expensive area to live, especially if you want to live near to town or the science park.

It is difficult for me to comment on this as I do not enjoy clubbing. However, I am aware there a number of clubs and I have visited several bars in Cambridge which seem very nice (albeit expensive!)

Cambridge is a lovely city to live in and I am aware that other placement students were able to get involved with activities run by the University of Cambridge as well as Anglia Ruskin.