Human Resources Placement Student Review

by MSD

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4.1/5
  • The Role
    4.4
  • The Company
    4.6
  • The Culture
    3.0

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

    • I loved my placement year at MSD! I had never heard of the company before I applied for the Human Resources role. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the size of the organisation, operating in more that 40 countries. Not only this but MSD have a well-established student scheme with the opportunity to network with other students and the chance to visit other MSD sites in the UK.

    5/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

    • My colleagues made me feel very valued. I was constantly receiving positive verbal feedback and being pushed to get involved in new opportunities. My colleagues treated me as another member of the team, I did not feel like a placement student at all. I have made some great friends during my time at MSD and this alone has made my placement year invaluable.

    5/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • I was very well supported. I had a manager and a mentor. My mentor was someone who completed a placement at MSD and returned upon graduation so it was great to be able to talk to someone in the same boat as me.

    4/5
  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

    • I was always busy. Working in a dynamic team that went through a few minor changes during the year, there was always something to do. This is something I was happy about as I believe time passes much more quickly when you have lots to do! I also wanted to fit in as many learning opportunities during my year as possible so it was great!

    4/5
  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

    • I was given a lot of responsibility during my time at MSD. I was responsible for about half of the HR Administration for MSD UK as well as taking ownership of the Student Placement Programme!

    5/5
  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • I am hoping the skills I have developed will help me to be more confident in my studies but most importantly, I am hoping that the theory that I learn at University will resonate much better with me now I have seen how HR operates in a business environment. I also believe that I will now graduate with an enhanced CV, making me a competitive candidate for graduate roles and schemes.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

    • The atmosphere in the office is very relaxed. The office is open plan, with even the Managing Director sitting with the rest of the employees! Everyone is really approachable and always willing to help you out.

    5/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • The placement was very well organised. We were able to attend a visit day in April to meet the other successful students ahead of starting in June. Once we joined, all the students completed an induction together. Not only this but we had a set programme of activities throughout the year aimed at our development. For example, we completed two presentations to reflect on our placement and we were also able to have lunch with the Leadership Team.

    5/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • As mentioned previously, the placement students at MSD had a set plan of activities to get involved in, aimed at our development. However, within my department, most training was done on the job. I was able to shadow in meetings that were of interest to me. For example, I was able to take minutes in a disciplinary and a grievance.

    4/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • Flexi Time

    Subsidised Canteen

    Subsidised/Company Gym

    Company Parties/Events

    Above 25 days holiday

    Working from home
    5/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • I would love to come back to MSD, I think the culture of the organisation is great and everyone who works here is passionate about what MSD do. I love working for a company with a purpose!

    5/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

    • Yes, at the Hoddesdon site there are over 20 other students to socialise with and the numbers are growing at other MSD sites across the UK. There were 3 opportunities across the year to get students from all sites together which was great! Most students working at MSD lived in the local area and spent a lot of time socialising with each other. However, I commuted 100 miles a day so I did not get involved in last minute plans. Nevertheless, I was still able to get involved where I could and I made some great friends.

    5/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • Cost of living isn't the cheapest and this is why I chose to commute 100 miles a day (petrol worked out slightly cheaper). I'd estimate that rent was apporox £500 a month + bills.

    2/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • I don't know too much about the night life in Hoddesdon as I do not live here. However, I know the other students have managed to go out a fair amount. It is also only half an hour on the train into central London so the opportunities are limitless!

    3/5
  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

    • Yes, some students were involved in weekly badminton. Others also participated in Tough Mudder with their teams.

    4/5
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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

Human Resources

South East

June 2017

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