Clinical Research Placement (Clinical Operations Managers/Country Clinical Quality Managers Intern) Review

I really enjoyed my Clinical Research placement. The welcoming nature of the company and range of opportunities made for a very informative and exciting year. Everyone I worked with was willing to help and support me in my learning and experiences. I was able to work across two teams within the department which provided me with a wide range of opportunities and broad knowledge of clinical trials as a result.

The whole department made me feel included and welcome. Individual responsibilities given to me throughout the year made my role feel necessary and appreciated. Both teams I worked with over the year were grateful for the regular tasks I did and were able to approach me to undertake new tasks when required.

Throughout the year I felt fully supported. I had regular meetings with both my direct manager as well as the clinical research intern manager which gave me frequent opportunities to bring up any issues I had and review my workload. This also gave the opportunity to address any additional experiences I wanted to gain on my placement year and they worked with me to allow these to happen.

The level of work over the year was appropriate throughout. Over time I was able to take on more tasks as my understanding increased. Understandably, some times were busier than others but not overwhelmingly so. Frequent catch ups with my manager allowed us to discuss my workload and monitor which tasks I was doing, this allowed for additional tasks or opportunities to be added when my workload was lower.

I undertook several tasks which were my individual responsibility to complete regularly. Other tasks I shared with another placement student which allowed us to discuss our approach and either delegate to one of us or complete together. As I continued through the year, the level of responsibility for additional tasks increased.

This year I feel that I have gained valuable skills which I will be able to transfer to both my studies and future career. The level of organisation I have developed as a result of balancing ongoing tasks and additional projects will be especially important to take back into my studies to balance the workload of final year. Several opportunities to practise my presentation skills will also be useful to take into final year as well as further into my career.

The office environment was always extremely friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere allowed for me to be able to concentrate but there were also opportunities to socialise with frequent events in the office and other colleagues around.

Due to several years of placement students working in the department, the programme felt organised and considered opportunities for placement students. The department were made aware of the roles that placement students completed so were there to help and support throughout.

The company provided opportunities throughout my placement year for me to experience working with a range of groups within the department. The opportunity to mix with other placement students led to more development by working together, for example in developing presentation skills. The tasks I undertook were monitored to ensure that I gained a range of knowledge and skills over the year.

Whilst working in the office I met several colleagues who were placement students themselves and returned to work at MSD. I have really enjoyed my time at MSD and would definitely be interested to return to work there. I am planning to stay in contact to see if job opportunities come up as I finish final year.

The placement students and other office-based colleagues in the London office regularly organised events outside of work and also introduced activities such as Bake Off. Everyone was very friendly so it was easy to make friends and socialise with others in the office.

Living and socialising in London can be expensive but in my opinion the huge range of activities and areas is worth it. Using student discount apps and deals online was definitely a good way to explore the city on a tighter budget.