Health Economics Research Assistant Review

I have had a highly enjoyable year on my placement. I have learnt a great deal and am much more confident now as well as developing other key interpersonal skills. I would recommend a placement year to anyone.

I have worked with a great team who I have got on well with both inside and outside of work. I have always felt a key member of the team, feeling like an employee rather than a student placement. I have been lucky enough to work with other departments which has allowed me to get to know lots of people well.

During the year I had weekly meetings with my manager and team where we discussed my workload and I had the opportunity to raise any concerns. I was also given a mentor who assisted in giving me experience with other areas of the business and providing constructive feedback when asked.

This varied throughout the year and depended on the needs of the business. I never felt like I had nothing to do and never felt overloaded with work, although a few nights I have stayed later in order to complete projects. It all depends on how much work you are willing to put in.

During the first couple of months most of the work I completed was checked and supervised but as the year has progressed I have been given increasing responsibility including being project lead on a project, which included reaching out to many senior employees.

The majority of the skills I have learned will stay with me for life. I feel that I will go back to university with a fresh perspective as a more confident and composed individual. I will put a lot more effort into my studies as my motivation has increased throughout the year. The training I have received has been beneficial to my degree and I will return to university without worrying I have lost out to those who did not complete a placement.

This year we have moved into new offices where there is no assigned desk and you are free to move around - this has meant I have had the opportunity to meet people I would not normally have spoken to. The office feels more social and there are always lots of tea breaks. There are quieter areas for knuckling down with projects if need be too.

The interview process was incredibly well set up although from finding out I had the job I did not hear anything until a couple of weeks before starting. This was a little worrying for me but I have passed the feedback on and the process has been changed for upcoming years.

I have had the opportunity to go on many training course, shadow people in departments that I had an interest in as well as travel nationally and an international trip. I have felt like I have had the chance to explore different careers in Johnson & Johnson and feel like a lot has been invested into me.

As I have had the chance to explore different careers the future employment prospects are good. The company offer many graduate programs and roles to enter in straight after university. The key point for this being is to have networked throughout the placement year.

There are about 30 student placements/graduates in the office and some of us live together and we all socialize together both during lunch breaks and outside of work. Certainly made friends for life! There is also a good social scene among colleagues with lots of nights out/Christmas parties/ leaving do's.

This was higher than expected but the wage covers this easily and also allows you to save little.

Being a student city there is something for everyone both in the city centre and the surrounding areas.

There are sports teams and lots of charity work outside of work which I would highly recommend taking part in as it is a great way to network / meet new people.