Development Quality Auditor Review

I very much enjoyed the placement! It helped me develop skills that are crucial in the workplace and gave me exposure to the vast amount of career options in the pharmaceutical industry.

I felt like I was very much a part of the team, and it has even gotten to a stage where people come to me to me for answers to questions. I am treated just like another member of staff and I feel very valued.

I had weekly meetings with my supervisor where I was able to ask questions, express any concerns and discuss progress and potential for improvement. I was continually encouraged to do more and learn more; there was no space for sitting on the fence. However, more support in regards to my university work would have made it even better.

Quality is incredibly busy most of the time, but for me this was ideal as it keeps the job exciting. There are certain times where it is slow, however, it does not last very long and it gives you time to catch up on work that you have been neglecting.

I was given lots of responsibility and I really felt like my supervisors trusted me. I was made a trainer and was responsible for updating and improving a document that is important for our procedures. I also presented often on trips and visits that I went on.

This is a non-lab scientific placement, so the skills I have learned are more so transferable. For example, I have learnt how to manage my time in order to respond to imminent deadlines. I have learnt how to prioritise better and cope under pressure. As a trainer, I have improved my capacity to communicate ideas more effectively, and I have improved greatly in developing professional relationships. All of these skills,and more, will greatly help me when applying for graduate schemes.

The office is very friendly and the people are very funny! Although we are all very focussed on our work and are hard working, we are not afraid to have fun! We often go on lunches to celebrate things also.

Generally, everything that was said to occur took place and they were often very valuable. However, timing could be improved upon. If you individually wanted to do something/ go somewhere that was not on the schedule, people are usually open to you going for it.

They treat you just like any other employee and invest time and energy into ensuring that you are at the competency level as any other person who is trained in the department. It is clear that I am not seen as 'just the placement student' and that they care about my development.

MSD is an incredible company to work for - they have an outstanding ethos and dedication to treating patients however, they recognise the importance of treating their staff very well. Of course you want to work here - I would love to come back.

MSD encourages us to build bonds with the placement students and even have events incorporated into the schedule for just us. If you are open to it, you definitely can socialise easily with other students and get to know them. Similarly, if you are open to it, you can also build great friendships with your colleagues and we often did things outside of work.

I lived at home in London, so I am not sure about the cost of living and socialising. Often, after work activities took place in London, which is 20 minute train journey away from the site; London, of course, is expensive. I saved a lot as I did not have to pay rent, so if you're not too far away and commuting does not bother you, it is a great idea.

There are lots of pubs around and a few clubs. They were okay for a small town like Hoddesdon. London is nearby too so that is always an option if you prefer a bit more excitement.

If you were willing to organise things, people are more than happy to join in with outside work activities. Nice work lunches happen occasionally and Christmas parties/dinners are always fantastic to attend!