Marketing Associate Review

My placement year at MSD was exactly what I was looking for, it tested me work wise but that's one of the reasons why I found so enjoyable. The work atmosphere and all the team I worked with welcomed me and provide me with support throughout the year which help great a fun and trusted working environment.

Throughout the year my team have continuously treated me like a full time MSD employee which allowed me to gel with the team so quickly. I have never felt like there was a divide in the team between the students and the employees and there has been a 2 way street in terms of learning.

You are assign a manager when you join MSD and they have training before you arrive to ensure that all the skill and capabilities are there for you for the year. My manager and and I had weekly one to ones which created a safe environment where I could ask for help and

I like to keep busy so my workload has suited that throughout my year but I have never felt overwhelmed. I have regular catch ups with my manager where we talk about my workload and whether I need to delegate any projects or have the capacity to pick up anymore.

My responsibility varied during the year depending on the project I was working on. Throughout the year I worked on my own projects which was my responsibility as the project manager, each of the projects I worked on helped developed skills that where already pre-existing or ones I wanted to develop.

I set out some clear objectives with my manager for the year on skills I wanted to develop during this period, these skills included: Networking, Presentation skills and Creative input. I have worked and improved these skills by being able to work on project to build these skills. All these skills will be really valuable for my final year and any future employment.

The office is open plan so creates a good atmosphere when working where you can have fun with you colleagues and isn't all about work. Everyone is approachable in the office and if you need help or advice it is welcomed which makes it feel me relaxed and doesn't feel like it is segmented. There is a games room and a garden if you need to take you mind off things for 10 mins in the day.

When we started there was clear timeline and agenda for all the students over the year. We have been able to work on our skills, like presenting or working on interview technique. We have also been able to visit the other MSD sites across England to further our knowledge on the company. This year has been adapted on previous feedback from past students so the programme is continuously developing.

There was a handover period between myself and the new student so I felt ready for the role when I started. During the year the was constant development from my manager and my team. At the end of the year I feel more confident as a person and this is due to the time that has been invested in my to help me grow.

MSD have many opportunities for graduates to be employed after education, through both the graduate scheme or as a normal employee. From my 12 months at MSD I would really like to return to the company after I graduate and the opportunities that MSD offer make this a possibility.

There are a number of student doing placement years so there is a good social scene between us all and we all live in a similar area. I also get on really well with my department and there has been lots of opportunities for us to be social together.

We are just outside of London so the cost of living is lower when compared to this. Due to being outside of London there are certain things that are pricey but it has been really good just living a train away from central London while paying less.

The area doesn't have loads to offer as it is a town however there are lots in the surrounding areas. It is just 1 train away form London making it easy to get to for a a day or night trip, but there are also other towns which offer a variety of things to do both day and night time.

There are sports clubs ran by the company that you can get involved in, including an onsite gym. There are also many sports club within the area which have a choice if many sporting activities.