Industrial placement student Review

Lab based research in structural biology producing protein and compound structures relevant to the projects I was working on. This involved protein crystallography.

I have developed my lab skills as well as learnt new lab techniques I can use in the future. I also learnt new computational skills when modelling the protein structures. I developed my presentation and communication skills in project meetings and learnt new networking skills within the office.

I was initially training, then supervised at the beginning in lab work and computational work, but once my supervisor was confident I could do the job effectively was left to produce work for the project team independently, taking responsibility for structure work in the project. My supervisor was always available if I had questions.

Guidance from beginning to end with lab techniques, computational work, presentation and meetings and just generally how a pharmaceutical company works

The company atmosphere was very relaxed and lots of communication and collaboration. The culture is very much open door and people would go to other experts for help on problems or with questions and everyone was happy to help each other. There was a feeling that everyone in the building was working together toward a common goal.

My placement has been invaluable to me, I found I loved the 9-5 routine and found the work I was doing really interesting. I loved where I was based and made lots of friends.

Yes

Be yourself in the interviews, the company is looking for individuals that can work well with others and have a passion for the work they are doing. Also to expect hard work, it is one of the best pharmaceutical companies for a reason and everyone works hard to develop drugs to help people.