This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at GSK, it gave me a great insight into how a large Corporate organisation runs on a day to day basis .
My team in particular were very welcoming and were always there to answer any questions i had no matter how silly!
I was very fortunate with my manager as he had previously been a placement student just 3 years ago and therefore knew what i was going through. They helped me not only with day-to-day activities but helped to develop myself.
Like any job your workload can fluctuate however, i always knew who to ask if i wanted more work (and responsibility!) and the same if i thought i had too much work.
i was given a lot of responsibility during my placement, definitely more than i expected to be having after only working there for a sort period of time. However, i would say that you are only given these opportunities if you got out and ask for them!
Some of the skills i have learnt during placement i will be able to use throughout my working career. It also showed me how different degree and working life can be.
The Company
The GSK offices are generally quite relaxed which isn't something i expected when i first started, especially with such a large company. Dress down fridays!
The department i was in have worked hard to ensure all IP students are looked after and get the most out of your year. It does require you to speak up if you are not enjoying your placement or you think something needs to be changed.
I was fortunate to be able to carry out a Project Management course, which is something i was keen to do as part of my development. I also know some placement students who carried out ITIL training.
Flexi Time
Subsidised/Company Gym
Company Parties/Events
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
Working from home
GSK have the 'Future Leaders Programme (FLP)' which isnt for everyone however, it is something to definitely apply too if you enjoyed your placement!
The Culture
YES - there are hundreds of placements at GSK so there is some kind of social event. Along with IP Unite which is run by students to organise social events like a Christmas party or boat party on the Thames.
It is expensive living in London, especially coming from university in Newcastle. However, this is something that you should expect from being based in London.
London - there is always something on whatever you are interested in.
Lots... Volunteering, Organisation social events, site tours
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
London
May 2017