Organisation Development Assistant Review

I really enjoyed my placement at GSK, I was given lots of development opportunities and able to take the lead of projects. However, this increased as I moved throughout my year and only being I put myself forward and asked for more responsibility, you very much get out as much as you put in.

I felt very valued by some colleagues and not so much by others. Some of the team was amazing, particularly my manager and colleagues I worked closely with. Others who did not really understand how the placement worked didn't always have as much patience or want to spend time teaching you something new.

I was given great support and guidance by my manager and felt like I was in a safe learning environment where I was able to put my skills to the test and learn from my mistakes. Over the year, through regular 121's and time with my manager, we built a solid relationship where we were able to have honest conversations and use these to tailor my development.

There were days when I was really busy and days when I was not very busy at all, which gave me the flexibility to catch up on other tasks (like writing this review!). You very much learn to manage your own time and know what you need to complete when, so I think I was busy in certain periods because I knew I had deadlines to meet, but when projects were winding down my work load was less.

At GSK they pride themselves in giving you lots of responsibility, I was seen as another member of the team and given real responsibility. However, this responsibility is earned throughout the year, I definitely felt in some cases I had to 'prove myself' in order to be given more responsibility, to show that I can handle it.

I have developed life long skills, including project management, leadership skills, communication skills and definitely improved on my understanding of accountability. When you are at University, you think that you may have good project management skills because you've worked in a project team or good communication skills because you have volunteered, but going into a business and putting this all into practise is completely different. I learnt quickly that everyone has different styles and ways of working and that you might not get on with everyone, I've developed skills for life around people management and how to get the best out of people you work with, which is something that will help whenever I am working in a team.

The atmosphere is quite quiet, at first it feels a bit strange but people do stop and talk to you but most of the time people are getting on with work.

Very well organised but there were a few issues with SRG the company that employee the placement students at GSK. But they improved throughout the year and explained policies better, but parts around your bonus still weren't explained that well. Room for improvement!

Yes lots of time, I had the opportunity to attend different courses and conferences

Very appealing, I would definitely return to GSK, the employees are genuinely lovely people and are all there to make a different to the patient at the end of the supply chain. To be drawn to GSK, you must want to be involved in improving people's health. Great company and great people!

Yes there was a social scene, I was involved in IP Unite which is the student community of GSK. They organise social and development events for IPs up and down the country, it gives you an opportunity to develop inside of work but also outside of work with them initially setting up the first few socials in London so that students could find their feet.

Living in london is very expensive and socialising just as much! GSK/SRG don't pay particularly well (they say it is competitive but it is just enough to cover rent). Having student finance this year was the only way I was able to socialise and eat! They can pay us not very much because the experience is invaluable.

In London so easy access to lots of nightlife.

Lots of different opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work including volunteering and charity events.