Software Developer/ Programmer Anlayst Review

My placement experience at GSK is so far fantastic. It has enhanced my skills and expertise and complemented my academic knowledge. I was constantly mentored and also given space for my own ideas and views. The placement also offered a lot of opportunities to get exposure of other departments working within the company and visit different sites.

Our department was comparatively a small group and mine was a smaller team within the department. Initially, I did feel like I had to go on through this placement in solitude. But as days went by we started to spend time together and meetings and interactions made us grow like family with each day. We used to spend small tea breaks together.

I was constantly guided by my line manager and senior manager and colleagues to a certain extent. As most of the times, I had to dedicate myself to self- study and research and train myself. However, my managers did provide me with sufficient guidance throughout the projects handled and was able to complete them successfully.

The initials stages of the placement had been busy with all the guidelines and mandatory online training courses. Very often, there would be big projects and smaller tasks given which I used to complete simultaneously prioritizing the time deadlines and risks involved. There was almost a perfect balance throughout the placement work period.

I was assigned almost all the responsibilities to give me an insight how the department works and how projects are developed, documented and how the requirements are met. I was responsible foe handling meetings, chairing them in rotation, booking slots for meeting, developing projects, creating documentation and discussing with the user.

I was able to sharpen my skills in technology and also develop a lot more. I have acquired knowledge in statistical computing rather than just technical programming skills. I was able to grow my skills on front end development. Also, I could lay foundation to my leadership, time management and problem solving qualities.

The office was generally quite especially on Mondays and Fridays as many would be working from home. Everyone would be busy as there were loads of projects and tasks to be completed by everyone each day. However, we did enjoy with the limitations and spent the little intervals we got together by sharing little jokes and communicating.

The placement was well organized on the basis of work and also offered a plethora o f opportunities to mould yourself into an individual with more profound skills and knowledge. The placement has send me through each stage of a project development fro drafting a quality plan to design phase to testing and releasing the software.

The company was so keen in personal development and training and allowed me to research and join courses and boost my personal skills growth. I could attend events hosted by the company to widen my knowledge in data Science. there were several webinars conducted which I could attend if I pleased to and it all helped me in my personal development.

There are several opportunities for future placements. There are several schemes like Graduate Employment, Future Leader Programmes. However, I am an International Student and the chances of securing a job in that terms in the organization is very low but still you have the opportunities and also have a slight chance and could dive in.

All colleagues were friendly and very interactive. All were social and I could get along with everyone so quickly. Everyone was so helpful and provided guidance whenever I needed assistance. They provided me with reference materials and links whenever I lacked information on some topics. We used to bring in snacks to share during intervals.

I commuted daily to work as I stayed in Welwyn which was a reliable distance. Travelling by bus it just takes 30 mins and then a 20 mins walk tt/from the bus stop. I shared car lift with a colleague in another department which made the commute easier ever. Also, I know many IPs lived nearby the company and was quite affordable to find rooms to stay.

I did not live near the area I worked. So I cannot give a personal affirmation but I have heard form my colleagues that there are a few pubs where they used to host quizzes and you could grab some drinks an spend some time partying and having fun. The place is small country side with a River and atmosphere.

There were numerous opportunities to get involved in other activities like social club, fundraiser activities, global challenges to help the kids, trekking, yoga sessions at the club, loads and loads of cake baking exhibitions and poster making sessions. We had Summer boat party, night parties and went to the Stevenage fireworks on the bonfire night.