Positive Action Executive Review

My placement year has been an incredible and valuable experience that has exceeded my expectations. Throughout the year I have consistently learnt knew things, been responsible for managing over 40 programmes and have grown to love working in a corporate environment. The extra year experience will make me more attractive to prospective employers when I graduate.

Throughout my placement, I felt supported to do my job at a high standard. Unfortunately, during my placement year there was a high turn-over of staff, meaning that I didn't get the opportunity to get as close to team members as I would've liked. With the team structure changing regularly, it meant that it was hard for the team to work together.

I was close to my manager throughout my placement and we had weekly catch-up meetings. My manager took a 'step-back' approach when managing me and trusted me to get on with the work that I was supposed to do. This way of working suited me better and meant that it was more relaxed.

The workload for this placement is varied, sometimes there is loads to do and other times you have the freedom to work on your own projects. The workload means that it is essential to be very organised and good at prioritising. I have never felt bored whilst on this placement.

I was given a large amount of responsibility during my placement. My daily work was integral to the team and the end beneficiaries. My role did not feel like a 'placement role' because the job is at the centre of our activities, without the role then we would not be able to function.

From my placement, I have learnt so much. The skills that you pick up vary from learning how to act in meetings to specific skills that are closely linked to your job. Throughout my placement I have attended large amounts of training varying from financial management to strategy planning. I have also been given the opportunity to work in Nairobi following the skills I have learnt on my placement.

My office felt safe and didn't feel too overly cooperate. The hotdesk style of working meant that you were never sat in the same place and always had the opportunity to meet new people. There is often cake in the kitchen and other employees are friendly and chatty. Overall the atmosphere was really relaxed and happy.

ViiV has had placement students for many years, so they understand how to organise the process and make sure that you have everything that you need. I did not feel scared or uncertain in the first few weeks because they did an excellent job at helping us settle in, there was also quite a long handover period from the previous IP which helped.

Same as last question on first page...

Viiv Healthcare does not have it's own grad scheme, however you are able to apply for the GSK grad scheme. I did not apply for it myself, but I have heard that it's a straight forward application process and they do favour individuals that have been on a placement year.

There were a few organised events and the infamous boat party. Some departments have a closer placement-student group, however I was the only placement student on my team which made it harder to meet other people. GSK do help you to find somewhere to live with other placement students, so living with other placement students really helped.

LONDON IS SO EXPENSIVE. From rent, to drinks to public transport, everything is expensive. You cannot expect to save any money on this placement as most of it will be blown on pints (£5.50!??) and rent. You could probably make it cheaper by not going out at all and living in a tent.

Not as good as Birmingham or Bristol or Leeds or Sheffield or Budapest or Cardiff or Manchester or Plymouth or Berlin or Southhampton... London nightlife is just expensive, pretty crowded and average. The only places that I'd recommend would be fabric or xoyo. Living in West London makes it harder to find your way back from the good clubs as well.

Not really, there were a few charity events. But, I was always too busy with work to be able to attend. There is the opportunity to sign up for the company gym and they have classes and activities which are really useful if you need a break from work.