I support my manager with a lot of ongoing projects such as publications and clinical studies which involve patients. I attend a lot of relevant meetings every day in order to manage these projects. I do a lot of material approvals and amendments to make sure they are perfect before they are used internally or externally and I do a lot of document organising and making sure we have everything on file for audit purposes.
I've learnt so much. My communication and formal email skills have improved so much. I have a more professional way of thinking and liaising and have learnt a lot of software related skills with softwares I have and haven't used before. My time management has also drastically improved and so has my knowledge of sciences and pharmaceutical companies. My teamwork skills have been put to the test and improved as well as presenting skills.
I had a lot of responsibility and it was very different to what I've heard other placements are like. I was given entire projects to lead on my own which involved creating materials which will be hosted on websites and in pharmacies and visible to all. You are very trusted in this company and treated like a colleague as opposed to an undergraduate. You have a lot of say in things and carry out tasks which are crucial to the company.
There is always somebody to help when I had questions, whether it be job related or more from a HR perspective. I was assigned a buddy as well as my manager so always had somebody available to help and everybody is always happy to help and will take the time out. Even if they are unsure of the answer, they will always direct you to someone else. I quickly picked things up because I was given lots of training and help.
The culture is at the centre of everything we do and everything links back into it. It isn't a tick box thing and it truly is integrated into our days and mentioned a lot. There are culture goals put into place by us and it was nice to see those goals were achieved throughout the year. There are also continuous culture workshops which I even got to plan and lead.
I really enjoyed it. I got to work with so many different people and roles. I got to be a part of big events and make meaningful decisions in my work and there wasn't any days where I regretted applying. I felt really looked after and recognised and definitely grew a lot as a person.
Yes
To go for it! Do your research and be very knowledgeable on the culture of Pfizer because this is an integral part and a lot of interviews and conversations are based around it. Be yourself because they don't want a team of people who are the same but moreso people with different personalities who will bring something new. Everybody here is so welcoming and accepting and, although it is a big company, it feels like family and there's no need to feel overwhelmed.
Placement Year (10 Months+)
Pharmaceutical
South East
May 2022