Statistical Programmer

The Role

Role Description

Provided statistical analysis support to clinical trials

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

I really enjoyed my year at Roche, the group was friendly and inclusive and put time and effort into my development. The work was varied and interesting and as my skills improved i could take on more responsibility which gave a great sense of achievement at the end.

9/10

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To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

Roche spends a lot of time of bringing people into teams and feeling part of a larger collective trying to achieve better medicines for all - and you feel like you have your part to play. In meeting colleagues across the business i was not introduced as a student, but as a fellow colleague and this made me feel more on an even footing with everyone.

10/10

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

I received a lot of support and time from my manager to get the most out of my year. There is a real feeling of investment in yourself in the hope that you will return in the future and continue the good work and development from your initial year.

9/10

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How busy were you on a daily basis?

Kept a good balance of busyness, the first few months were primarily training and understanding processes and systems, but after that the learning curve is quick as there is more on-the-job training and experience which is more inclusive.

8/10

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How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

Quite a lot! I was encouraged to take lead roles and increase capability in skillset to do with leadership and project management. This was incredibly valuable learning and gave me confidence through the year.

10/10

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

Though part of the learning is technical, a large part is becoming more rounded skillset of communication, presenting, leading, teamwork etc. that crosses the boundaries of the role and gave me confidence back at University in projects and group work, and then for my future career

10/10

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What was the general atmosphere in your office?

People were friendly and engaging, the office environment is open plan so that teams are encouraged to collaborate on a day-to-day basis, and there was a sense of fun amongst the hard work that really kept teams together to achieve

10/10

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

Very well setup, there was a clear training program. I was put in touch with other students for accommodation, i was assigned a manager and a mentor to help me through the year and the work i received was a good level to get me started and introduce me to the business.

8/10

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

A huge amount, i really valued the time the organisation spent on me, they really wanted me to develop how i wanted and in the areas i wanted to focus on, whilst encouraging me to stretch myself and achieve my potential. The investment they put in me held me in great stead going forward and i wanted to repay that investment by returning to the company after my degree.

10/10

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What were the perks on your work placement?

Flexi Time

Sports and Social Club

Subsidised/Company Gym

National Travel

International Travel

Company Parties/Events

Working from home

9/10

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How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

Very good, there is a clear progression ladder, but also lots of routes into various areas of the business and encouraged secondments and rotations to develop new skills in other areas of the business.

10/10

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

At the time of my placement there were not many students taken on, but now there are much more and the interaction is encouraged.

7/10

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

Generally ok, but cost of south east is higher than further north or west. Salary reflects position so is not a problem.

6/10

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What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

Welwyn Garden City was small town with a couple of pubs, but London 25 minute train journey.

7/10

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

There are lots of team socials and work outings, sports clubs and social groups so that there is always something to do. The gym offered good facilities and classes, and the group of people working at Roche were always encouraging social outings with either sport or leisure to meet up after work.

8/10

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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?




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