CTC/CRA placement student

Role Description

The Role

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

Loved being part of such a huge and welcoming department, especially in the heart of London where there was lots to be doing. Intern group became a little family who I don't want to leave. Also really enjoyed visiting hospital sites and interacting with clinical staff.

5/5

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2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

I felt very valued and the department did not make me feel like an "intern", they were always concerned at how we were enjoying the year. Also gave us lots of responsbility which really did make me feel valued and trusted.

4/5

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

My CRM was very supportive with weekly calls to discuss any issues, we also had an intern manager devoted to ensuring the programme was running smoothly for us and Jo did a brilliant job of this. The mentor scheme in place is really useful as you always have someone on the other end of jabber to help you if you need. The online resources the company have are brilliant as well.

5/5

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4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

It could have been slighly more balanced, but I understand this variability isn't really controllable and all is dependent upon status of trials involved in and other department tasks which had urgency. However, most weeks I would say the work load was very well balanced and I was never bored at all.

4/5

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5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

I was actually really surprised by the amount I was given by my CRM, this really helped drive my motivation to get out of my comfort zone and really push myself. I would advise to say yes as much as possiboe and you will definitely be allowed to take on extra.

5/5

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

Just the experience in industry alone helped me to decide what role I aspire to go into, and along with this learnt a lot about the clinical trial process and in particular how to monitor oncology (immuntheraoy trials) which is really an area I am looking to get into as a clinical scientist in an NHS setting.

5/5

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The Company

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

ALways lots of socials and a very happy vibe in the office, always lots of banter and fun but also never too much to be a pain. Just right, it was exciting to come into work

5/5

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

4/5

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

Definitely invested a lot of time and effort into us interns and growing our ability as CRA's by visiting clinical sites and training us for this. Also they put a huge amount if effort into our personal development by various workshops and experiences most companies would not offer. e.g volnteering and shadowing departaments and presenatations and mid year reviews etc

4/5

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10. What were the perks on your work placement?

Flexi Time

National Travel

Company Parties/Events

4/5

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11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

I have loved my year at MSD and would 100% come back to company, however I wish to do some post grad study before coming back to the pharma world. If the space was there at the company I would for sure fill it when the time is right.

4/5

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The Culture

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

Yes lots of socials, made some really amazing friends all the way through the year

5/5

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

London living so as you can expect, eating and drinking anywhere is pretty costly so make the most of free food and drinks whenever you can ahaha.

2/5

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14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

5/5

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

Yes if you got yourself out there and involved in initiatives like NGN, yoga sessions and nights out

4/5

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