Communications Industrial Placement Student Review

My role in GSK sits within the Communications function of the company, which is responsible for building engagement in GSK's business objectives. Within my team, I facilitate the delivery of clear and consistent messages, completing tasks such as communication planning, intranet page ownership, event management, newsletter creation, and global broadcast production. The role involves a significant level of creativity, as well as statistical data analysis, using both quantitative and qualitative data.

This placement introduced me to the corporate world, challenging me to grow professionally and personally. Working in communications has allowed me to build a foundation of skills needed to share information, build engagement in a company, and organise a variety of events. I have learnt how to manage relationships with stakeholders and engage with employees across the globe. I have developed my formal and informal writing skills, as well as familiarized myself with various online systems for publishing content.

From the start of my placement, I was given key responsibilities and felt like a valued member of the company. I integrated easily into my team, and quickly adjusted to the processes and systems used. I developed project management skills through a variety of events I was responsible for planning. Every month, I was responsible for sending out our newsletter that went to approximately 15,000 employees. I learnt to take the initiative and ownership of my work, through managing projects and being given responsibility.

During my placement, I received fantastic support from my manager, allowing me to rapidly adjust to the processes and systems within GSK. I was provided with a range of opportunities to get involved with projects across the Communications and Government Affairs function, being supported by numerous mentors and colleagues to broaden my skills.

The culture at GSK is highly rewarding, providing support, guidance, and collaboration opportunities at every stage of your role. Culture is a key principle to the ways of working at GSK, investing heavily in ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion are prioritised. There are various Employee Resource Groups set up to provide a safe space for employees of a variety of demographics, genders, ethnicities and sexualities. You are encouraged to bring your authentic self to work, ask questions at every opportunity, and network with leaders and colleagues across the department.

GSK has been the perfect fit for me; I was provided with constant development and learning opportunities, expanding my skills in communications, analytics, and creativity. The placement has provided me with a greater idea of what career I would like in the future. Working closely with the supply chain manufacturing sites, has developed my knowledge of the products GSK makes, as well as understanding the importance of our work for patients.

Yes

Top tips: - Bring something personal to the role (i.e. why is this role suited to you). Try to bring your previous experiences to the role and involve yourself in every aspect of the role. - Keep a log of everything you do. No matter how big or small, it will be useful for reflection and remembering whether there are previous experiences you can use learnings from. - No question is a stupid question. Get to know as many people as possible and don't be afraid to ask even the simplest question. - Say yes to everything. Getting involved in projects outside your immediate team will allow you to broaden your experiences and greatly develop your skillset. - Enjoy it! Get stuck in and learn as much as you can.