Global communications, Oral Health Review

A great opportunity to be part of a global corporation on such a wide scale like GlaxoSmithKline. The placement was 12-months which was a fantastic advantage and enabled me to really get the most of the year. GSK fully support the development and performance of placement students and throughout the year, your assigned mentor supports your progress.

Working in the consumer healthcare department under oral health meant that I was placed in between two teams, enabling me to get the support from a greater network. I was included in my team from day 1 and attended important senior management meetings and events and was also given large amounts of responsibility as time progressed. Colleagues supported my development and ensured I was made to feel a valuable member of the team.

From the start to the end of the year, placement students are given the opportunity to meet with their supervisor to get to know one another, discuss any challenges, ideas and objectives of achievements for the year. Placement students are there to learn and GSK fully support the progress and development throughout the year, ensuring you are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfil a successful career. Providing you meet the requirements, your manager can also recommend you onto the graduate scheme and you can be fast tracked.

My role had the perfect balance of work duties and responsibilities and I was involved in a variety of projects and events throughout the year. Everyday would be a different day. There were some points where the role would be busier than usual but this was compensated through an effective work-life balance. As the placement year progresses, you are granted with more responsibility and therefore more busy and it's a great way to showcase your skills and prove yourself.

When I first joined GSK, I outlined my objectives and goals for the year of what I wanted to achieve in order to reach my full potential. In my first two months I was already leading events and assisting in crucial projects and within 9 months of proving myself, I gained a lot more responsibility and trust with my colleagues. I was managing the creative agency partners and attending important meetings on behalf of the team, this gave me a great sense of achievement. Gaining a sense of responsibility on placement is what drives your confidence!

Having the theoretical knowledge from university is essential for placement but the practical skills you learn on placement are invaluable and are served for life. I have developed my confidence through gaining a sense of responsibility, my communication skills and also learnt how to work effectively as part of a team as well as independently. The knowledge and experience gained from placement are also crucial for when you return to university to complete your final year as you have been able to apply the knowledge into the industry. It will also help when applying for graduate jobs.

Being a large corporation consisting of many people from all different backgrounds and cultures, the atmosphere in the office was enjoyable but people worked very hard. There was an excellent work-life balance and despite being quiet in the office, the majority of people were able to leave and come to work on time. The dress code was formal and there is an expectation to present yourself as corporate and professional at all times. The open desk setting meant that colleagues interacted with each other more and could rotate around the office.

I was given all the information about the job role and specifications before joining GSK and in the lead up to starting, I was supported by SRG the recruitment company on behalf of GSK. When joining, I had a two-week handover period with the previous intern who provided me with all the necessary knowledge to get set up for the year. I was fully supported by the teams who each gave me inductions to the department on their role and responsibilities. This was a great introduction to the year and the high level of organisation enabled me to further understand the business.

Placement students at GSK belong to the Industrial Placement Student community in the company where all 150 students from various sectors of the business unite and meet fortnightly to discuss events or opportunities within the company. Additionally, your supervisor assists you throughout the year in training and development opportunities and you are able to take lead in where you want the year to go. The internal learning system also requires every placement student to complete online training modules regularly in order to make the most of your potential.

Having worked at GSK for 12-months, I would like to experience a different industry within communications in order to learn more. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the year and was given the opportunity to apply for the graduate scheme and be fast tracked onto the application. GSK is a multinational company with great prospects of employment in a variety of different sectors and international markets. There are many colleagues that have worked there for years and built an extensive career in a number of different roles.

As a placement student at GSK, you belong to the wider industrial placement community which enables you to participate in social events every month. These are a great opportunity to network and meet like-minded people in your position and also integrate with others from different departments or offices. There is also a monthly newsletter and Facebook page with updates on the group. There are also a number of graduates who are also in 12-month roles so there are opportunities for you to meet and socialise with them.

I worked in the Global Headquarters at GSK in Brentford, West London where it was less expensive than some parts of London but being so close to the centre, it was still quite expensive. I lived at home on my placement year and therefore did not have to account for the cost of living however, other placement students were able to live comfortably.

N/A I did not experience the nightlife.

GSK have a partnership with Save The Children charity as well as sponsoring the annual Well Child Awards. There were opportunities given to placement students throughout the year to get involved in extra curricular activities to volunteer and help at an event, work with a local charity or even run a sponsored sporting event.