Industrial Placement Review

I had a fantastic time on placement. I learned more during my time at GSK than I would've during 10 years of education. I met some fantastic students and permanent members of staff that I will stay in touch with. There were many enjoyable events and the working hours were very good.

I felt highly valued by colleagues from day one. Never once was I made to feel like "just a student" and they all gave me the appropriate time needed to explain concepts or techniques. I was spoken to with respect and understanding and I feel like I have made some friends for life.

I was given the most fantastic support and guidance by my supervisor and the team in general. At the beginning, they were patient with my level of understanding, ensuring not to throw me into the deep end, but as time progressed they increased my level of autonomy until I became a fully capable, confident scientist.

At the start, I was not completely busy all the time, often finding myself with spare time which I spent reading around my project and work. This was perfect, however, as I was slowly being eased into work and as my skill level increased, I found I became busier and busier, but still able to enjoy a cup of tea with colleagues (I was never overworked).

I was given a lot of responsibility. From the beginning, I was treated as a full fledged member of the team, responsible for my ideas and actions. I was given the opportunity to present any work I performed to group leaders and the wider department, with sole ownership of any ideas I proposed.

I am highly confident that the skills I have learned over my year at GSK will give me the best possible chance of attaining top marks in my undergraduate final project. Also, I plan to pursue a PhD and these skills will also give me the best chance of getting a top PhD at a top uni. I will also require less time to familiarise myself with lab techniques, meaning I can focus on performing quality work.

The general atmosphere in the office was a friendly and respecting one. It was always easy to approach a member of staff at their desk for questions, a chat, a coffee or even to accompany you into the lab for some guidance. People always respected the fact that others would be working, however, so it was never loud or noisy. A perfect atmosphere.

You were well aware that the industrial placement was something that GSK had been doing for a while, as all of the staff members were well aware of how to deal with students. Reports for university were submitted on time, poster days were arranged and pay was always on time. Very professional and well set up.

I was allowed to read and develop my scientific knowledge. In addition, the supervisors went above and beyond to ensure that I was properly taught core scientific technique such as flow cytometry and imaging. I was also given ample opportunity to present my work and develop soft skills such as networking, public speaking and team working.

Very. Once I undertake my PhD and complete it, I plan to return to GSK in some capacity as I have been thoroughly impressed with the management, ethos, nature of work and investment into the individual. I have already been given many talks on returning to the organisation either for a job or even a funded PhD, which demonstrates the company's willingness to bring back students.

There were multiple events arranged throughout the year for students and also between colleagues (full time employees), ranging from fancy dinners in London, to bowling events or just a drink at the pub. This fostered fantastic team spirit and unity. The friendships formed over these events definitely translated to cooperation within the workplace. A very enjoyable time.

I lived at home, in London, and commuted to work which meant that I had to pay a great deal for train tickets but saved money on rent as the cost of renting in Stevenage was fairly high. However, generally the social scene was fairly cheap with bowling alleys, pubs and restaurants not charging too much.

Stevenage did not really have much nightlife. However, London is only 20 minutes away by train and only about £10 so it was fairly accessible if better clubs or bars were needed. Additionally, the town of Hitchin is also fairly close, and has a few bars and clubs. Hitchin was only a short taxi ride away. Cambridge was also fairly accessible by train.

We weren't really afforded many opportunities as placement students to go externally and volunteer or take part in other activities. However, we were given the chance to run internal workshops for unemployed adults or prospective students which occurred a few times throughout the year, and was very satisfying. Additionally, we did take part in journal clubs, critiquing published science, and took part in team building activities or business solutions sessions.