Process Technologist Review

I really enjoyed my placement year, meeting new people, learning about different departments and functions. I never realised how complex secondary manufacturing sites were and all the things that have to come together to get a product to a patient.

My team and wider department were always very supportive of the Industrial Placement programme. They understood that for most of us this was our first professional job and that we were very new to the ways of working. I never felt that I couldn't ask a question.

My manager was always willing to help me with my project work or assignments. They were also happy to have regular 1:1 meetings to discuss my personal development and make sure I was spending my time effectively in the placement year.

My office was project based and with this type of work comes peaks and troughs. You could always keep yourself busy by visiting a different department and helping out with their projects for a short period.

I was left to get on with my own work but was always reminded to ask questions if needed rather than becoming stuck. This way I felt I was responsible for my own work but knew I had the safety net of raising any problems with my team.

My Industrial Placement year was not part of my degree e.g. I had to take a suspension of studies to complete my placement year. The placement confirmed my desired future career path in the Pharmaceutical Industry. I enjoyed learning about the different functions a secondary site requires to meet patient demand and how the role of Pharmacy/Pharmacist's fit into the sector.

The atmosphere in my office was very friendly and vibrant with everyone motivated to do their work. My office was also very sociable after work and I participated in several office social events hosted outside of work.

My manager helped me look ahead to find projects to become a part of once my current work load was coming to an end. At times I did feel a bit of a loose end in the office but this was rare and work usually came along soon enough.

I felt highly invested in. Managers and senior members of staff were always happy and willing to share insights about their career and how important it was for us to make the most of our time on placement.

GSK has several graduate schemes and opportunities in direct employment roles. These are programmes or jobs that I hope to one day be successful in applying for.

Most students were sociable with the others. Depended on where you were living fro your placement. As mentioned earlier my office were sociable too so I had the benefits of two groups to socialise with.

Barnard Castle was a very cheap place to live with a good standard of living. Rent was very affordable and the standard of accommodation as good as any other places I have lived for the rent required.

Barnard Castle itself has a very poor nightlife. Darlington is the closest place that comes close to being a good place to go out but the taxi fares back tend to put most people off, unless there is a few of you to share the cost.

If you were a sporting individual such as myself, there was plenty of opportunities to get involved in sports clubs with a wide range to choose from. Non sporting I cannot comment on.