CTC/CRA Intern Review

I have really enjoyed working at MSD as a CTC/CRA for the past year. The work is always very interesting and there is a good opportunity to increase your knowledge of Clinical Trials and other departments within a large Pharmaceutical company. Everyone has also been very friendly, and there's a great working environment which is always a plus!

We are not seen as "interns" and are given the same opportunities and experiences as everyone else. Everyone takes the time to help you and to support you, and always tries to ensure you're getting the most out of the placement year. We are definitely valued by the whole department, so it's a really nice to feel that you're involved.

There are so many people who are able to support and guide you throughout the year, both within the department and with HR as well. It's good to know that your manager is always there as a point of contact for anything that you might need help with, or for any questions that you have.

Generally, there was always a good and constant stream of work throughout the year. Of course, at times you would be more busy than other weeks, but there is always someone to help you out if you're in need of a hand. Equally, you could also find that there would be a small time when you're slightly less busy than usual, but you can still help others out, (which is always really appreciated) or get involved in additional projects.

I think we have been given the right level of responsibility. I feel that I am able to contribute well to the team and to the department, without feeling worried of doing anything that could seriously negatively impact any project. There is always someone to ask for help if you have any questions, and people are always happy to double check your work, and to help you out if you've made a mistake.

There are countless soft skills that I have developed and improved upon throughout the year, such as organisation, time management, communication, teamwork, presenting. These will be life-long skills and will be useful when I return back to Uni, as well as for any future employment I go into. MSD as a whole are really keen to help and support us to develop these skills too (e.g. if you're not such a confident presenter, you can be given the opportunity to practice and improve this skill).

There is a really great working environment - the perfect balance between fun and sociable, whilst also still getting all of your work done to a high standard. Everyone is very friendly, and always up for a chat whilst you work. Everyone seems very happy and enthusiastic at work, and we all really enjoy it!

We were in the transition from the Hoddesdon Office to the London Office, but this was really well organised so we didn't experience any problems. Both HR and the department handled the move really well, and we were supported throughout. The placement as a whole has been very well organised, and there are lots of opportunities that have been organised throughout the year in order to develop professionally, and to gain a wider experience of the industry.

I feel that we are very heavily invested in and MSD had provided countless opportunities for us to develop professionally, as well as gain a broader understanding of clinical research.

I think we all feel that (if we wanted to and the positions were available) we would be able to come back to MSD after graduating.

As we were based in the London Office, there is a really good social scene around. There's also 8 interns in our department, and so we will often socalise together and with the other CTCs in the office. Everyone enjoys getting involved - we even have weekly social events that a majority of people working in the office will attend.

As we were based in London, it was (of course) relatively expensive. However, the salary works well to reflect this, and also there are always good offers on activities for group bookings all around London - you just have to be proactive and look for them! We managed to take part in so many different social activities throughout the year on a student budget, so it's not a problem at all.

London has really great nightlife and there's always something fun going on.

There was a really good social scene within the members of the department, and we did lots of social activities outside of work. We also had a weekly running club which was really fun.