Chemical Engineer Review

Pfizer was a great company to work for, and they encouraged shadowing other departments. Colleagues were extremely welcoming, supportive and went out their way to help and make a difference. The placement offered a first-hand perspective to the manufacturing environment and has really helped to strengthen my theoretical knowledge at University.

My colleagues were lovely; they went out their way to help me and made me feel welcome from day 1. They trusted me to carry out work and report back to them, and I was treated as if I was a full time member of the team – enhancing my experience.

My supervisor was excellent, providing the perfect balance of independence and support. I’d have weekly one to one meeting, which helped to solidify my understanding and improve the quality of work I produced through weekly feedback. As my supervisor sat near me she was available throughout the week and encouraged me to ask questions if I wasn’t sure.

My work load varied on a daily basis, some days were quieter than others but this is to be expected i.e. waiting on responses from others externally and internally. My supervisor would always try to make sure I had enough work to be kept busy but would never over load me.

The responsibility of the work assigned grew throughout the year. At first little projects were assigned to build up my confidence and knowledge of the plant, but as the year progressed, I started to take on more initiative and complete larger chunks of projects without assistance, and the work felt as if it contributed.

The soft skills developed such as communication, organisation and an increase in confidence will help me throughout life, and hopefully aid me receiving a job upon graduation. Theoretical knowledge prior to my placement has been strengthened and will help my degree as I can relate to situations I have seen.

The office was a really friendly environment, and everyone treated you as if you were a full time member. No matter how small / large the problem was, someone would help you willingly, which helped me to feel at ease in my working environment. The office was a casual and friendly environment.

The previous intern provided an information pack of the work they had complete, and information about where I was picking it up from. Work was lined up and thought about to try to provide an insight into a varied number of tasks. Work was adaptable, if you wanted to have a greater insight into something else then my supervisor would arrange it.

Pfizer actively encourage their employees to learn and develop themselves demonstrated from Learning Week (a week provide colleagues with an insight via tours of different departments) through to First Aid Training and Yellow Belt Training. Throughout the year, I was encouraged to improve my soft skills by presenting in meetings through to organising certain tasks.

Pfizer is a great company to work for and if the opportunity was available I would jump at it, however it all depends on if there is a position available as a grad scheme is not currently set up.

Interns interacted with each other as most interns lived in Ramsgate. Most interns also lived together. Social events were organised outside of work between the interns. Biweekly sessions at work were organised for the interns and apprentices, which would often be development sessions i.e. CV workshop, interview skills and tips

Cost of living was less than £400 per month for rent including bills. Local cinema is cheaper than the main cinemas, selling tickets at £4 Drink prices were as you'd expect

shocking. The pub offered a better nightlife than the clubs.

Badminton club on Tuesdays Christmas party and occasional meet up drinks with the team.