Industrial Trainee Review

I really enjoyed my placement. at Pfizer. It gave me the chance to really understand such a large corporation and how to best utilise my skills and capabilities but also to grow as a person.

My team in the UK were really welcoming and made me feel valued. I felt the work they asked me to complete was important and of value to Pfizer. Working as part of an international team was difficult at times due to a difference in cultures and time zones.

My manager was very supportive and I felt able to go to them with any concerns or questions I had at any time. We had a biweekly one to one in which I was able to discuss any thing.

It varied from day to day depending on what projects I was working on. Some days I would be in the office until late trying to get work finished before deadlines but others I had a chance to catch up on any University or background work I needed to do.

I was given increasing responsibility throughout my placement year. Starting off helping other team members with project work but towards the end I was able to run my own project with a team in the UK.

The skills I have learned throughout the year will be highly valuable to me for the rest of my career. I have learned to be confident in my abilities, how to work with varying clients and characters. I have also learned how to plan my time, work to deadlines and work proactively.

The office was generally quiet but it depended on what part of the building you were positioned in. The other teams in the office were all friendly though and we got on well.

It was quite well organised. But project work varied and sometimes there was a lag in available work which made some days quite dull. I had very little information about my placement/team/expectations before starting which made it quite difficult for the first few weeks.

I was given a lot of training and development opportunities. I was given all training necessary to be able to complete my work but also i was given the option to attend other training events that I thought might be useful for my personal development.

Within my team, I have been told they would be happy to have me back after university, But with regards to other departments, it depends on who you've met throughout your placement and what connections you have made. Officially, there is no guarantee you will be taken on after university which is a shame.

I didn't live with any other interns so I wasn't really involved in social activities. Though depending on who you meet, you will be invited to things as an when they happen.

I lived in Morden, so that I could be close to university next year. cost of living was quite high but the wage is more than enough to cover it.

Its in the middle of the countryside so there isnt really much nightlife around.

Yes, I have done a lot of volunteering at a local food bank this year. I have also been involved in activities such as giving talks and science days in local schools, being on the sports relief committee, organising the Pfizer Event in the summer etc.