Synthetic Organic Chemist (Industrial Placement)

The Role

Role Description

A member of the Component Science department. Working in a synthetic lab enviornment, where both small and large scale chemistries are practiced.

To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

I very much enjoyed my time at Lubrizol. There was always something to keep busy with. Lubrizol has a sports and socials committee which helped organise events for students such as lasertag, munro bagging and gokartin.

8/10

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To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

I felt that the work I was carrying out had great importance and was crucial to the companies overall performance. In saying this, I felt that at all times I was valued by my colleagues, and this was a great enviornment to work in as it pushes you to do more!

8/10

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To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

The managers and supervisors were really good at offering support inside and outside of work. If there was ever a problem, I felt comfortable raising it with my supervisor/manager, as I knew that I would be able to gain good advice from them.

8/10

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How busy were you on a daily basis?

The work rate varied often. I believe that Lubrizol gives you the flexibility to plan your work effectively. With good planning, it meant that I was able to keep busy at work but not be under pressure by the tasks that needed completing.

7/10

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How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

The responsibility you have when you become a placement student at Lubrizol in comparison to being in a university lab enviornment is completely different. I felt that we had great responsibility in our work, both in the lab and at the office, and I think that this level of independency helped me grow as a person.

10/10

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To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

I think everything that I have learned at Lubrizol will come to great use in the future. My main takeaway will be knowing how to work around the lab more effectively and safely.

8/10

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What was the general atmosphere in your office?

Very good. We were placed amongst other students which helped us in breaking the ice.

8/10

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How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

It was very well organised. I felt that the handling of work routine during the covid-19 pandemic UK lockdown really showed how well organised and prepared Lubrizol are.

10/10

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In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

All training and development was mainly in-house, however, there were occasions where we had the ability to visit chemical plants and other sites, which helped us students in growing a better understanding for how these chemical plants function.

8/10

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What were the perks on your work placement?

Subsidised Canteen

Sports and Social Club

Financial Bonus

Working from home

9/10

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How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

There are many opportunities for students to continue on at Lubrizol. It is well understood that many of the permanent members of staff now were once students at Lubrizol.

7/10

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Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

I think every worker was able to get along well and allowed for a good social scene amongst us all.

9/10

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What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

Average

5/10

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What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

Not very much Nightlife

5/10

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Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

As mentioned, the sports and socials club allowed for many activities to be organised which was helpful in not only personal development but also getting to know work collegues from other departments that you would otherwise not cross paths with.

5/10

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In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?




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