Industrial Placement Review

I greatly enjoyed my work placement, particularly because I was fully embedded within the organisation and treated much the same as every other employee. It provided me with a great opportunity to experience the operations of a global pharmaceutical company, greatly enhance my practical laboratory skills, and network with the scientific community.

I felt fully embedded within the department. Initially, I was mostly placed under supervision within the lab whilst I was trained and developing my skills. However, within a couple of months I was becoming increasingly independent. Furthermore, I was always included in group meetings and was offered to present just the same as full-time employees within the department.

I was assigned a placement supervisor right and the beginning of my placement who was always available to offer support and guidance. Furthermore, a student-led body was set up to offer guidance and support throughout the placement for all students on assignment at GSK. They also organised social events, which were a great way of meeting other students.

It varied from day to day. Many days were spent between the lab and the office, with the lab filling up most of the day. Office days were a little less busy, although there was always work to be getting on with, particularly analysing experimental data and completing experiment write-ups.

A suitable amount of responsibility was placed on me during my placement, Initially, whilst I was still being trained, I had less responsibilities. This took the 'weight of my shoulders' and allowed me to sufficiently develop my skills and experience. As my confidence with carrying out tasks increased, my responsibilities also developed. There was an appropriate level of progression over the placement.

The laboratory skills I have gained from this placement has significantly enhanced my ability and will be of significant value when I return to university. Furthermore, I have become increasingly organised and learnt to manage my time effectively. This will be a valuable asset when it comes to organising university work load. Beyond my degree, my CV has been significantly enhanced. It is likely that experience in the Pharma industry will increase my employability within this sector.

There was always opportunity to relax over a tea/coffee when a five minute break from work was required to refresh. Within the office there was a good sense of community. Being a 'smart working' office, there was opportunity to sit at different desks, a good opportunity to change your surroundings and get to know somebody new!

Very well organised! GSK takes on hundreds of students each year and so they're placement schemes are very well organised and stream-lined. Furthermore, supervisors were experienced and understood student's university requirements in terms of assignments whilst on placement.

There were always opportunities for training and development. At the start of the placement, training and lecture seminars were offered to get students up to date on certain aspects of biology and chemistry which was of use for the placement. There was also a pack of online training modules to complete. Extensive practical training was also offered which was of great value. Throughout the year, further online training and seminars were offered.

The organisation offers fast-tracked entry to their graduate programme and direct entry schemes. The Research and Development graduate programme options are limited however. Plenty of advice and support is offered on the graduate scheme with live meeting lectures summarising each programme being broadcast in advance of the application opening.

Very good. With such a large student community, events were always being organised. Both official ones by the student body, including a Christmas Ball and Boat Party on the Thames! These events often involved students from multiple GSK sites. A few minor events were also organised. Social events were also often organised within the department I was placed in, including team building events such as bowling and go karting!

Being close to London, it was fairly expensive. However the pay reflected this and I was financially comfortable over the year.

Within Stevenage itself there were plenty of pubs and bars. The nightclubs were limited however. This was not an issue however with London being close and the existence of good transport links.

Yes. Stevenage is a large town. There is probably a local club for most major sports. Furthermore, the leisure park offers ample opportunity for social activities such as bowling and going to the cinema.