Downstream Development Engineer Review

I really enjoyed my placement and would recommend GSK to anyone applying for a placement year. I was given responsibility from the get go and felt like a real employee rather then a student temp. The department were very welcoming and my manager and team were very supportive.

I was given the same responsibilities as permanent workers, working on high level projects with support from my team throughout. My colleagues would ask for my support and advice during the year on their own projects and always valued my thoughts on work.

I was given a buddie when I arrived who was closer in age to me and I could go to for problems that I didn't want to bother my manager with. This helped when I was going through personal and work issues as I could know I would be able to come to work and have someone supportive looking out for me, making work life very easy and enjoyable. My manager gave a lot of support if I asked and would have regular meetings to monitor my progress and help me stretch myself academically.

I worked 60% lab/plant, 40% office. My days were always full and when I had downtime I was always on call to support other members of the team with their work when needed. I was never bored at work and felt I had a purpose everyday!

I was immediately put to lead a group when I arrived on building a model reactor that would work through the weekend. I was given responsibility over two process changed for enzymes used by GSK GMS sites and given the opportunity to go for a lead role in the IPUnite team which saw me going to GSK house on a number of occasions.

I have been able to time manage myself successfully through the year - meeting deadlines and keeping up a high level of work. I have been able to build on my teamwork, working with other members on joint projects as well as use my initiative when working alone.

The office was very friendly and people were always willing to help out if you had a query or simply join in on the office chat. Coming into work was not a chore, most of the office were true friends and would meet outside of work. This friendly atmosphere was present in the office every day!

The Worthing placement at BESS was well setup. I took over from a previous IP so I had a desk straight away within the team and took on the projects he had not completed and was given new projects as the year went on. Cyril made sure my objectives for the year were clearly laid out when I started, introducing me to the tasks ahead and giving me the right background before I would get started. I felt like I was taking on a permanent position.

The company invested a lot in me! During my year I was able to work on projects with Singapore, Irvine and Stevenage and go on site visits to Irvine, Ware, Stevenage and GSK house (all work related) The equipment that I worked on were always running well and if I needed something new bought to aid my learning or project processing the company would immediately be on hand to make sure my needs were met.

I have been given the opportunity to apply for two different graduate schemes within GSK and have been given guidance on how to apply through direct entry. Future employment looks promising but I am aware that the competition for the roles is high and each year the schemes take on 2/150+ that apply. So it will be competitive.

The department is extremely social as were the other IPS on site! we tended to go out at least once a fortnight and would look to do activities at the weekend together as well as go on trips to places in England! We always socialised and had fun, not a lonely moment!

The cost of living and socialising isn't cheap in Worthing. Comparatively to London, it is cheaper but when compared to midlands process its double the cost. Per month average is £500. then food and bills costs on this you're looking at another £100 a month so you have to be careful with your money as the pay isn't that competitive when compared to other placement roles at different companies!

There are 2 clubs in Worthing and some great bars so it is fun when you're with the right company! Brighton is a £4 train ride away and that's a student city so really great night life there and night buses going back to Worthing every Friday and Saturday so its easy to go out and get home safely!

Yes, I personally played hockey for the local team. A few of the other IPs joined other local sports teams and dance classes. Gyms were plentiful in the area with one in particular being popular for the placement students.