Healthcare Services Placement Student Review

I enjoyed my placement very much. I gained so many transferable skills and developed my business acumen. The work placement definitely exceeded my expectations.

I was treated like any other employee. I was given real roles and responsibilities, and was accountable for my tasks and projects. My colleagues were also very inclusive and valued my opinions when it came to decision making.

I was supported by my manager throughout my placement. We maintained weekly 1 to 1's throughout the year and this gave me the opportunity to voice any concerns I may have had and go through work that I had done. I was also given the guidance I needed when I had any queries.

My workload fluctuates in the month. I tend to be most busy at the beginning and end of the month and this was due to the nature of the work where I had monthly deadlines to meet.

I was given immense responsibility on placement. I was stretched and had the opportunity to get involved in projects which involved stakeholders from cross functional teams.

The skills I have gained will be applicable and transferable in the rest of my degree and beyond. I have learnt effective communication, prioritization, organization skills and many more.

The office has an open space layout. Everyone is very approachable and is willing to take time out from their work to talk to you irrespective of hierarchy.

The work placement was organised and structured. We had opportunities to visit other MSD sites in the UK to gain insight into other areas of the business.

The company is highly invested in its placement students. There were development skill sessions set up for us such as mid year and year end presentations, CV and interview training. There were also networking and work shadowing opportunities with different department to gain insight and see whether it would be of interest as future careers.

MSD has recently launched a sales and marketing graduate scheme. There are also lots of opportunities to come back into a permanent role if you find roles that may be of interest of you during the placement year.

There is a large group of placement students and it forms a really nice community.

The office has an on-site gym. There are also after work activities such as badminton, football and gym classes. Central London is also easy to get to for days out.