Industrial Placement Student (Scientist) Review

With a great variation of work in either the lab, office or out in the field, there are always opportunities to develop both your interpersonal skills and putting skills developed throughout university into real life practical applications. Working within the Canine & Biosystems team within Dstl, it's been an exciting to open up a new route through science which I had never previously considered and it's been a fantastic opportunity to be involved in such a developing, yet critical development of science and defence.

Since the get go from my first day on placement, the involvement you have within the team is crucial, starting off with the basics within the first couple of months and building up to assisting with technical leading and being a critical part of the planning and development of various projects. Through being a valued team member, this has definitely encouraged me to develop and learn more about both Dstl and the theoretical frameworks of science beyond the university culture and I believe without the great ethos within the team, I wouldn't have enjoyed waking up to coming into work everyday. As well as working within your own team, you also interact with other teams, which is great when developing relations with other areas of the company.

Even though management, undoubtedly are constantly occupied with work due to the nature of the role, throughout my time within Dstl I've felt like I've always had guidance and support in which ever situation. For any problems, no matter how large or small, I've always had contact and help and haven't ever been left out on a limb in any dilemmas or issues.

With developments arising constantly in this field, everyday has been continually changing, especially with a whole range of projects taking place. Whether it's analysing statistical data, being involved in procurement and improvements for future developments or preparation within the lab, your day will always be different.

Going into the placement, I thought the responsibility wouldn't be as great, especially due to the nature of the work. However, within the first few months, I was soon technical support and lead on various elements of different trials and it was encouraging to know that I was a trusted member within the team. Your input is encouraged within various reports and internal deliveries and it's an exciting opportunity and develops your skills in a way you wouldn't develop elsewhere.

Going into my final year, I've definitely developed further in my confidence both in the work that I produce as well as presenting to large audiences. Being involved in a scientific role, the skills you develop such as scientific report writing, statistical analysis and understanding experimental design become relevant and these are developed throughout your time here, especially as I'm currently in the process of developing my own research project within Dstl that may be of great significance in the future. Interaction with a whole range of individuals, both within Dstl and external organisations has developed my interpersonal skills. As well as encouraging the learning of biological sciences, my basic knowledge of Chemistry has also been enhanced through interacting with Chemists in other teams as well as the knowledge of other teams at different sites around the UK.

With several offices which the team are located in, the mood and atmosphere was always positive and with the nature of the job, it was good to be in a position where you could have a couple of minutes to destress, however there was always the time to concentrate on projects and upcoming work/deadlines.

Organisation of my placement has been great. The organisation was slightly unorganised, however this worked to my advantage, as well as others, as this meant I could be involved in as much as possible, with the rarity of lacking much work to do. As there are constant developments, there are always opportunities to be involved in something new and I believe if my placement was more defined and structured, this would have restricted me in the experiences I could have gotten involved in.

As well as management pushing you in presentations and the work you do, fellow team members also encourage you to develop and will let you take your own lead on tasks. Through more integral initiative and having a responsibility put upon yourself, this made me work to my best whilst also learning new methods and ways of combating tasks which I wouldn't have experienced if I was guided.

Due to the nature and rarity of experiencing a career like this within the science sector, I'm highly likely to progress to submit an application for a graduate scheme. Whilst I will still apply to other organisations, it would be great to continue to work I've experienced whilst I've spent my year at Dstl, with opportunities to potentially progress into other divisions within the organisation.

There were always opportunities to socialise with other placement students as well as graduate students. The Dstl STEPS committee organise weekly events to attend pub quizzes as well as going into London during weekends and also some international events, including skiing abroad.

As my parents were a short drive away, independent living and paying for my own rent wasn't included in the whole 'placement package'. However from speaking to others, working in the area of Kent is reasonable living, however some may say more expensive than usual as it is commutable distance to London.

Nightlife is great, especially being close to London with lots to restaurants, bars and clubs to go to. There's also close areas within Kent with other great places to visit, including Canterbury.

With an abundance of sporting clubs and recreational grounds surrounding the area, there are always the opportunities to join new clubs/societies, as well as attending local gyms and fitness classes.