PMO Analyst Industrial Placement

Fatima Naqavi

Computer Science and IT

Placement (10 Months+)

GSK

What was the application process like?

I found the application process to be a lot easier than other placements I applied to. It was straightforward and easy to fill out. There was no need to upload a CV/cover letter as all the information required could be entered in the application form. GSK HR requirement were extremely supportive throughout each stage of the application.

What was the interview process like?

The interview process was a great way to see if GSK was the right company for me. The assessment centre is run by current placement students and they help enable a relax environment putting me at ease. This gave me the confidence to perform well during my interview with my manager. I was also able to ask the placement students questions regarding the placement.

What advice would you give to students applying for your role?

Don’t give up on applying. I know the entire process can be daunting and boring, but keep trying. The placement scheme is such a great way to experience working life and gain valuable skills. There are so many opportunities available. Never doubt your capability as the opportunities you can experience at placement are endless.

How much responsibility do you have?

I play an important role in my team. I maintain the SharePoint site, I run regularly audits on different process and suggests ways of improvement. I have also joined other project teams outside of my role and run events for my department. All these responsibilities impact the day to day running of the organisation and would have been handled by actual employees if placement students were not recruited.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

I have enjoyed learning and developing my technical skills set. Learning how to use different systems and using my knowledge to improve ways of working. I feel learning through experience is very valuable. I have also enjoyed interacting with a range of different people and building relationships.

What has been your biggest challenge?

I think my biggest challenge was to trying and get my ideas across to large groups of more experienced members of staff. This was mainly due confidence of portraying my suggestions and thoughts in a simple way. I think it’s been a challenge to try and explain ideas to different people as everyone thought process is unique. Having a variety of resources available enabled me to improve on this.

How has this experience exceeded your expectations?

This year has given me the opportunity to grow in my confidence and not being afraid to ask questions. This is something I will take back into my third year by having more contact with my tutor. I will also apply my working routine to my everyday life as you become more productive. This experience has exceeded my expectations in many ways, it has enabled me to develop a stronger work ethic and become focussed on having a successful career.

What is the office atmosphere like?

The office atmosphere in GSK is very relaxed and friendly. Nothing like I imagined it to be. There are numerous of places you can work, not just at your desk. It a lot easier to focus on work due to fewer distractions and everyone around is super friendly to help you out.

How promising are the graduate prospects?

GSK offers a graduate programme in where current placement students can apply. There have been many placement students in the past that have come back as graduates as being a placement student gives you an early advantage when applying for graduate positions.