Biological Sciences - industrial Placement Review

There were a number of areas I enjoyed from the placement. The ability to carry out individual experiments to completion and see the end result gave me a huge sense of satisfaction, especially after optimizing an experiment for a number of weeks. Also the number of other students at the site was huge and it wasn't long before I had a good friendship group to chat to at lunch and go out for drinks with at the weekends.

I was given a difficult project which had a clear place within the department's goals. I constantly felt that my results and data had meaning and was given guidance by members of staff when experiments weren't working. I was given a place at meetings to both present updates on my project but also to listen to other projects and hear about my colleagues work.

I was supervised and trained during the first few weeks. During this time I was given guidance and advice on how best to take on tasks and how to plan future experiments. After this period of time, I was given independence to plan experiments and never felt pressured to provide results. My supervisor was available to discuss results and the future directions for the project.

Between lab work and writing up results I was constantly busy. On some days I found that I had some extra time, but during this time I was encouraged to plan future experiments. I was also encouraged to look at other departments and attend tours to understand the rest of the company.

I was given responsibility to carry out my given project and to produce results. Throughout the year I was responsible for optimizing unsuccessful experiments and using the resources both in the company and online for my project. There was also opportunities for assisting in other areas such as helping with work experience students and tours.

The laboratory skills I gained are likely to be extremely useful in my final year project, along with many job opportunities in the future. Also the experience in experimental planning and project management cover a number a skills that will be essential in the future. I believe that this placement will provide evidence to employers that I am an experienced scientific graduate.

The general atmosphere was quite professional, possibly due to me being the only student in the office. However, the office was very welcoming and helpful if I needed assistance in any area of my project. Everyone was also happy to advice on other topics outside work and people were often happy to chat if they weren't too busy.

From my point of view, my placement was very well organised. My project goal was clear and the initial training was well thought out to allow my to gain the necessary skills. However, I do know of other students in different departments that certainly felt that their placement could have been better organised.

I definitely felt that the company was invested in ensuring my project was fulfilling and that I hit the specific requirements given to me from my university. They were also accommodating when I had a high university work load. There was a large number of training opportunities open to me.

There were a number of seminars about graduate jobs, however they were often focused on areas outside of the scientific route. I can't remember a specific talk about direct entry or what the requirements would be. I am interested in looking for jobs after I graduate, however as I have another year at university, I don't have a job lined up just yet!

There was organised events throughout the year such as Balls and a Boat Party. However, often the best nights were spontaneous nights with the other students. While there aren't any clubs in Stevenage, there are lots of cheap pubs and bars to spend lots of Fridays nights in. After a couple of weeks the group of students was already really close.

Living wasn't too expensive since it was a paid placement, however it depends where the students lived. I think my house was one of the cheaper but nicer ones, I know some students lived quite far away and paid quite a lot. Stevenage was cheap to go out in; however, nights could get expensive if they were spent in London.

There were lots of pubs and bars open until 11/12 with one or two being open until 2/3am. There was one club that closed down for a while and re-opened but isn't great. London is only a 30/40 min train ride away, but the clubs are pretty expensive and it is a fair way to travel.

There were a number of sports clubs that you could attend such as Squash, Football and Netball and there was a work gym. However, outside of these, other activities would have to be organised between you as a group of students. This wasn't difficult but it often required someone to suggest something first.