Industrial Trainee - Process Engineering Review

The placement has been an invaluable experience to me. A good balance between challenging and rewarding, I have thoroughly enjoyed my year at Pfizer.

I felt that my colleague valued my work throughout the year and demonstrated that on a regular basis by thanking me in person or through the more official method used at the company. I formed good personal relationships throughout the year a number of whom I will remain in contact with in the future.

My supervisor was excellent throughout the year. I was given great support from the beginning which allowed me to become more independent as I found my feet. My supervisor continued to aid my personal development throughout the year and pushed me to draw as much experience as possible from the placement.

Due to working on a number of shifting projects times were naturally busier than others. that being said I never felt completely out of control or that I had nothing to do.

My responsibility grew throughout the year, from attending meetings to holding them, delivering key information and running a few of my own projects towards the end of the placement.

I have developed hugely from this placement, from communication skills to technical understanding. A key learning for me was project management and the process flow of a real project which is not always enforced during a degree and makes up a fundamental part of any technical job role.

A good working atmosphere. Non work related conversations were not generally frowned upon. Relaxed and easy to settle into.

An introduction week/training week broke the ice well and gave a bit of background. Working closely with assigned supervisors resulted in the ability to develop at your own pace throughout the year.

Encouraged to pursue opportunities for personal development using a personal development assessment method provided by my university frequently. Given training that would benefit my career such as human performance and lean six sigma awareness. Encouraged to spend time away from my desk if work flow was low and more time in the manufacturing area to gain understanding and experience. Excellent career advice and aid with CV writing

My current job has made a similar career very appealing to me. The department I work in is fairly limited for space however I would certainly be interested in a career with Pfizer in the future.

Social scene between placement students was good although this was done off our own backs the company itself did not tend to provide opportunity for us to meet. Our projects wouldn't often overlap which meant that some students were less connected throughout the year.

Area was cheap to live in, excellent accommodation for the price. Social side is ok with Canterbury a short distance away which is a student town and not overly expensive - trains are cheap to and from Canterbury also

Canterbury easily accessed, pubs in the local town were ok... London can be accessed by train with relative ease also. The immediate local area has less to offer with a few pubs and bars but trains are easy.

Opportunities to get involved with STEM and the engineering scheme Also opportunities to do charity events such as tough mudder, gardening, painting etc 5 volunteering days allowed for