Oncology medical affairs undergraduate Review

I have really enjoyed my placement this year as I have had many opportunities for development and responsibility. I have had great managers who have been very invested in my development throughout the year- both in and outside of work. I have been kept busy throughout the year and so have found it very enjoyable.

I have felt very valued by my colleagues as they have given me responsibility and encouraged me to take on responsibility. I have been doing meaningful work rather than just admin that could be expected in an internship. I have felt as though my opinions are valued and asked for and as though I am a true member of the team.

My managers gave me the perfect amount of advice and support. they would leave me to get on with work when I was confident to but also were happy to support when needed. I was often given guidance at the start of a project and then trusted to come back for further guidance if needed. My managers were always available when I needed support regardless of what they were doing.

Generally, my workload was very good. I was busy day to day but not drowning in work or getting bored. There were times when this would vary but that is to be expected and whenever I spoke to my managers if I had problems with my workload they were fabulous! I was never looking for something to do.

Throughout my placement I was increasingly given more responsibility as I grew more confident and knew what I was doing. My managers encouraged me to take on responsibility for projects and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I was trusted to get on with what I was doing and ask for help if needed.

I think I have developed invaluable skills throughout my placement year. I think going back to university I will be so much more confident and proactive. I think I now manage my time much better and will take this back into my university studies. I now feel so much more prepared for graduate scheme applications compared to before my placement.

The atmosphere in the office can vary greatly depending on the number of people in on any one day. Some days the office is very quiet and others very busy. There is a nice atmosphere in the office, everyone wants you to succeed and so it feels very nurturing. It is very friendly and is not always just about work.

There was not a point of contact for the undergrads, therefore if you had a problem there was no one to go to for help. I was lucky and had great managers so had a great year but I know this was not the case for others and this was not picked up. We had a couple of weeks of induction training and then nothing for the rest of the year. There was no focus on how we were getting on or our continuous development other than our managers.

There was initial induction training but then not much after this. We were also offered yellow belt training but this was not through the placement scheme and was through colleagues using their volunteering days. My managers invested greatly in me and my development but the placement programme itself did not massively.

There is only one graduate scheme offered which is in sales and marketing and other than this there are very few graduate opportunities. If this is something you are interested in then this is a great opportunity but if your interests lie elsewhere there are few opportunities. Therefore the opportunities are not very appealing to me.

There were lots on interns so lots on opportunity for socialising. However, people lived in different areas so this was sometimes logistically challenging. There were opportunities to socialise with the interns as the location meant that we were very close to London and there was lots that we could do.

Compared to university, living in Surrey is significantly more expensive. You are paid enough for this not to be too much of a problem but it can be difficult if you want to come out with savings at the end of the year and also socialise and make the most of your year.

Most of the students lived in Epsom/Reigate where there is little nightlife, especially compared to university. There is obviously lots more in London to do but it becomes difficult to get home after the trains stop running. The office is in the middle of nowhere so there are no opportunities e.g. to go for drinks after work.

There were some opportunities as we are all given 5 volunteering days throughout the year to use how we want. You can use these through Pfizer as a STEM ambassador or if you team does volunteering together. Other than the volunteering there was a running/walking club and a few other bits.