Protein purification scientist Review

I really enjoyed the placement, I had the support of a great team, and learned a lot about working in industry.

I was welcomed by my team, we would go for lunch and meals together, and I felt that I could ask any member of the team for help, if i needed to.

My supervisor was a great help, he trained me well, and was there to support me. Members of the management team read through my report and gave me advice.

Occasionally I had extra work, or not enough work to do. But during this time I could read through papers and write up my report.

I was left to complete work on my own and balance my own work in an appropriate way. I was also responsible for setting up the PMF machhine twice a week.

I am already finding that my placement is helping me in my last year of university, in protein-based lectures and particularly with my final year project.

It was genearlly very good, we would have coffee breaks together, people would bring in cakes, it was a very realxed atmosphere. The only downside was the news that the site was closing and lots of people were being made redundant which understandably upset a lot of people. However, I feel that the team coped well despite this and tried to remain optimistic, everyone was helping each other with applications etc.

The placement was well organised, the timescales of work were very good, and my project was finished before the end of the year as I was encouraged to start researching and writing it early.

I was sent on various courses, and got to work with a number of departments which I feel helped me have a better experience by increasing my understanding of the full process.

I would work for this company again, however, with the site closing down and many people being made redundant, I don't know how employment prospects are going to be affected.

There were about 40 placement students on our site, and we used to have an amazing time, going out to london at the weekends, and for meals and to the cinema through the week. I made life-long friends during this placement.

Cost of living was realatively cheap considering we lived so close to london. I lived with three other girls in a massive 4 bed (each room was a double) town house and we payed £325-£350 a month each. Harlow town centre has some really good, cheap places to eat and drink (noodle bar, the hare, whetherspoons, yates). Going out in London obviously cost more, but was definelty worth the extra money.

The nightlife was ok, there were three nightclubs which were good, and three pubs in the town centre. London is accessible by train in about 30 minutes.

GSK had there own sports and social club with a gym, bar and snooker tables, this was very good and very cheap (£15 a month that came directly out of your wages). While I was there I joined the Taekwondo team as I am a blackbelt. Harlow also has its own sports centre with a swimming pool, but membership is more expensive (~£50 a month). Other activities in the town centre include a Laser Quest and a Snooker/Pool hall.