Protein Cellular Sciences industrial placement student Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement. The work atmosphere is pleasant and I feel as though I am part of the team. When starting the placement plenty of introductory information was provided and if any additional support was required it was provided. I have also enjoyed the project I was assigned and have found it to be suitably challenging and engaging.

I felt like a fully integrated part of the team. I was often given the opportunity to present at team meetings and felt they were all engaged and interested in my work. I have also had the opportunity to work with colleagues in other teams and felt the same respect from them, while also gaining more knowledge of GSK as a whole. There have also been plenty of team building opportunities in order to interact and get to know all the team members as not all of the team is based in the same building.

I was given all the support I needed from my supervisor. They were easy to go to and always willing to help. Even if they weren't around there would always be someone in the office who could help. My supervisor was also responsible for helping to guide the direction of my project meaning I always knew what the next steps were going to be. At the same time I was encouraged to be independent and not just to rely on my supervisor.

It depended from day to day as my project was based in cell culture meaning Some days I had to wait for the cells to grow before I could carry out experiments. There is a good mix of lab based and office based work as every experiment carried out needs to be recorded. My supervisor also helped to organise time in work for me to work on my university project meaning there was less pressure on the weekends. Overall I have enjoyed the large amounts of lab work and although have felt busy at times I have always had the options of help from my supervisor if I feel like I have been given too much work.

During the first few months there was a lot of training and guidance however once I had learnt the basics and read up around my project area I was encouraged to think of my own lab experiments and use the results to decide the direction of the project. While I was given a large amount of responsibility on my project my supervisor would regularly have meetings with me to check how the project was going and to give suggestions on what to do next.

The laboratory skills I have gained will be invaluable to my university project next year as well as throughout my career. By working in a GSK for the year I have not only gain laboratory skills to assist at university but have also improved upon my presenting skills and had the opportunity to be apart of a journal club both of which will be useful in my further studies. The skills will be a great addition to my CV.

The office I was in was quite small meaning the atmosphere was generally quiet however I felt this helped me to focus on my work. My office was also very friendly as everyone got on with each other very well. There was also the pressure to keep focused on your work as my supervisor was close to me in the office.

As GSK is such a large company with many students each year I thought they were well organised and prepared as we were given a formal induction and the first week was spent on a training course in the lab. My supervisor had also previously had 5 students meaning he was very helpful and knew exactly what to do if I had any problems.

I had all the training I needed to carry out my project but nothing above this. Although I felt the company appreciates the work the placement students do I did not feel there was any specific effort put into directing my development personally rather just the development of the students as a whole.

Although I want to come back and work for the company there may not necessarily be an opening and there is a graduate program but this is very competitive. However there have been CN workshops and information given on how best to apply to work for GSK in the future so I feel the prospects of getting a job in the future are greater than if I hadn't done the placement.

There have been meals, picnics and quizzes organised within my department providing a good social aspect within the team. There is a social student committee which set up social events however it is often preferred by the students to organise their own social activities, these have been enjoyable. There are also many sporting events to take part in. While working here there has always been the opportunity to socialise with students and colleagues if that is what you want or not.

Compared to my university house rent was significantly higher however bills and food expenses were the same. Socialising was also more expensive as often this involved going into London. As Stevenage is near London this also meant activities such as the cinema were more expensive than usual. However because of London's proximity there were more things to do.

The nightlife in Stevenage is of a very low standard however London is not far and much better but does require waiting for an early morning train and is more expensive. The student committee often organise social events at nightclubs. There are also often house parties with the other students.

There were many events organised outside of work hours such as quizzes with free pizza, a Christmas party and a boat party, these were all very enjoyable. Sport activities were also organised and open to every one.