Pharmaceutical Wet Chemist Review

I have very much enjoyed my placement, where it has given me the opportunity to experience life in the professional world, and in an area I would consider working in in the future.

My colleagues valued me, and complimented me on the hard work and results I produced, as well as offering me support in challenging times.

My manager was always approachable and helped me right from the start, guiding me through all of the responsibilities and tasks that I had ahead of me.

After the first few weeks, once trained, I was very busy, always had work to do and was never bored or waiting around for something to do. The first few weeks can be a bit tedious just reading SOPs however strict procedures in a GMP environment require this. This could be broken up with a little more training.

Lots of responsibility, where I was in charge of many pieces of equipment and weekly cleaning routines to keep the lab clean and a environment to be worked in. Also had to calibrate machines.

The skills learnt here will definitely aid me in further laboratory work when I return to university, however further knowledge and theory behind the processes undertaken would be beneficial. Also learnt how to communicate and work within a professional team framework to produce accurate and precise results.

Very lively and everyone was very friendly. Lots of different people varying in age, and always very approachable when help or advice was required.

Relatively well organised, with different levels and groups of tests which help you to track progress over a prolonged period of time, however training in these areas can be a bit stop start due to the nature of the business and high demand of client work.

A defined development plan, where long and short term goals were planned in monthly 1 to 1 meetings with the manager.

Good chance of future employment after graduation, however it seems like it takes a lot of time to progress through the ranks to more senior roles after.

Good social scene where parties, nights out and cinema trips were organised between the placement students throughout the time spent on the IP year.

Relatively fair cost of living compared with the area for student housing. Cheap buses and taxis made getting around easier without having to drive yourself.

Lively, many bars and clubs, something for everyone dependent on your taste.

The company had a social committee which organised fun events for everyone, from quizzes to days out. Also many different sports clubs in the area for all different levels of ability.