Biomarker Scientist Review

I found this placement to be a really valuable experience. It enables you to get a good taster for what a job in this industry would be like and, personally, confirmed my ambitions to be a research scientist after university.

I was made to feel very welcome in my team with inclusion in team building activities and other social events. Although I did not hold as much responsibility as the others in my team did I still felt included and felt that my work had meaning in and outside the group.

My supervisor always made time for me whenever I had any issues. We regularly discussed my work and experiments so that we were both up to date with each other and I felt comfortable asking for help when necessary.

At the beginning of the placement I was not so busy, but this was likely due to the fact I could not start my project as I was waiting for reagents to be generated. Although I was given work and lab projects to complete I still felt like I could take on more and would inform my supervisor if I had finished something. However, once my project started, I always had something to do whether that be planning experiments, writing up or analysing data. Then when I began to start writing my report for University as well, I was very busy on a daily basis. however I much preferred this and always had something to do, rather than at the start of my placement when sometimes I did not have a lot to do.

I had my own part of a project where I was the only one in my team completing work for this project. I also took on another project from my supervisor at the same time to help them out, so I think I had a reasonable amount of responsibility. Responsibility increased during the placement which is understandable as I became more comfortable and confident in this environment and had gained the trust of my colleagues.

I was in a team where I developed fairly niche practical skills in assay development. Therefore although I learnt a lot, I doubt that they will assist in my Bachelors degree as it is quite broad (Biological Sciences). However, I think these skills are invaluable if I decide to go into research in a similar field to the one I have been working in. Despite this, I do feel I have a much broader theoretical knowledge in the whole area of Immunology which will undoubtedly be useful in modules at university that link to this.

The office I was in was an open plan office with a hotdesking policy. My team always sat in the same area but we would often have workers from other departments sitting near us. I enjoyed the office atmosphere as it does not have to be completely silent and you could have both work related discussions as well feeling comfortable talking more casually occasionally.

I think it was well organised. As GSK is such a large company with a lot of IP students, everything is prepared and well set up. They were familiar with the procedure and knew what I needed to have done for university etc and had a project ready for me to do as required.

I had to complete plenty of online courses especially towards the beginning of the year which set up my development by learning about the values of the company, the rules and procedures in place etc. There were also courses available and lectures to attend to improve your general scientific knowledge. On a personal level, I was trained in how to use the specific equipment that the rest of the team uses and how to run experiments to near the same level as they did. I felt overall that I got the training that I expected to receive.

I would like to think that after having this experience that I would be viewed as employable by the organisation should I return. There is the opportunity to apply for the graduate schemes and direct entry roles, however you still have to go through the same application process as external candidates. A significant portion of my team were industrial placement students at GSK before so I think prospects of future employment here are good, despite not getting a direct job opportunity straight out of the placement.

There is definitely a good social scene if you want to get involved. As there are quite a few students at GSK, particularly at this site, there are plenty of people living in Stevenage who often go out on Friday evenings after work. There is an IP Unite group which is a committee of IPs who organise social events though these often tended to be nationwide with the other students from the other sites around the UK, such as the Christmas ball. However on a more informal level, students often eat together at lunch and organise activities themselves. If you live in a shared house with other students then you will almost definitely experience a satisfactory student life whilst on placement.

Cost was consistent with the rest of Hertfordshire. I did not live in shared accommodation and instead commuted from my nearby family home, however I believe cost of living was not too expensive but also not cheap. Socialising costs were reasonable. There are several pubs including Wetherspoons which is where a lot of students tend to go after work so it is not too pricy.

Nightlife is not great in Stevenage but it is what you make it. If you are out with friends you enjoy spending time with then you will have a good time regardless. Otherwise, London is not far away on the train and many people go out there if they want something a bit better.

There is a gym at work which offers social sports activities such as Netball and football after and during work. There are also classes such as Pilates and Aerobics. Besides this I was not aware of many other activities taking place frequently.