Clinical Trials Coordinator/ Clinical Research Associate Review

I have really enjoyed my placement here at MSD. Everyone has been so friendly and I have had the opportunity to become really involved within the company managing my own tasks and workload. This made me feel really valued as these are jobs permanent members of the company would complete.

I felt really valued by my colleagues and was really integrated within my team. For my role we are given our own protocols to manage which meant I had to work with multiple people not just in my own department but within others in MSD too. I was always able to ask others for help and guidance and made to feel a valued member of the team and not just a student.

During my placement at MSD we are given a manager who is your main point of contact if you need any support or guidance with your work. As part of the role we are also given a mentor who is always available to answer questions and is there when we need them.

I always had jobs to do which I really liked. I sometimes had more work one week than the next but there was always something to be doing. As I was responsible for my own protocols and studies there was always documents to send or file or other jobs to complete.

At MSD I was responsible for my own protocols and workload which had real importance to the department making me feel valued and trusted. All the work I completed had value and I was never given anything that wasn't important. I also had the responsibility of training new colleagues within the department which I really enjoyed.

I have learnt so much during my year here at MSD which has given me a great insight into future career options. It has enabled me to become more confident and organised, has improved my time management and prioritisation skills and given me the opportunity to netword with other members of the company. I have developed so much as a person and this year will really benefit me for my final year at University and after I graduate.

The office is always busy and always have a laugh. There are always people around to talk to and ask questions. We have a department meeting at the end of every month which all the field based staff come to the office. This is really nice as you can get to know everyone in the department and talk rather than email.

MSD really organised it all for us. Our first day was a teambuilding day which everyone got to know each other. Throughout the year we have had regular meetings with out managers to discuss any queries. We have also done presentations and had CV reviews which has been so useful and valuable.

MSD has done so much for our training. We had two full on training weeks at the beginning of my placement which consisted of online training and interactive group sessions. I have also had the opportunity to go to Warsaw for some training which was so valuable as we were able to interact with other member of MSD from other countries.

I would love to return to MSD to carry on working within my department after I graduate. Everyone has been so friendly and made me feel really welcome and at home. I have learnt so much and really enjoyed being a valued member of my department with my own responsibilities.

In total there are 20 placement students across MSD in Hoddesdon. We all get along really well and meet up after work which is really nice. There are 7 students in my department and we have all got along really well and helped each other throughout the placement. Colleagues within my department have also organised events outside of work and we have also had a department Christmas party.

As MSD is situated just outside London the cost of rent is fairly expensive compared to where I go to Uni! The area is lovely, but not too much to do for students. We tend to all go into London for socialising or to other towns nearby which have more things to do.

There isn't much to do in Hoddesdon for nightlife to be honest. But London isn't too far on the train or other larger towns aren't too far by Taxi. As there are lots of students it makes it easier to socialise after work even if it is just round someone's house.

MSD have their own badminton and football clubs which I know lots of placement students go to. There is also the gym on site which is really nice and they have their own classes after work and also at lunchtime. There are also clubs in the area and several gyms which is good.