Industrial Placement Student Review

At GSK, I have adapted to a working environment like no over. This is a completely different way of working compared to university and will prepare you the much needed work ethic for your final year. I have learnt many different skills both in the lab and in the office and the having so many different students on site allows all the students to socialise.

On a daily basis I was carrying out research that was needed to make final business decisions. The data I generated was always valued by my colleagues and it was nice knowing that the research you do on your placement year is actually counting. There are days when you maybe don't get as much recognition, but that's part of working for a big company I guess as it is a whole team effort.

Going from labs at university to research labs at GSK was very daunting, however my supervisor was always there to help and took me through everything in the first 2 months. They also helped give advice on my reports, and also gave career advice. After the first 2 months, your left to your own devices to plan your day and work so it is very independent. It would have been nice to have more guidance and more regular interviews but researches are busy people!

This totally depended on my experiments and meetings. Some days would be more busy than others just because you might have an experiment that lasts the whole day and then the following day you are just analysing data and writing it up. Some days you may get involved with activities and some days you may have a few meetings. On average the day doesn't go quick but nor does it go fast.

So as said, it is very daunting going from a university setting to somewhere like GSK. My supervisors broke me in gradually and within the first 2 months I was starting to plan my own work. Furthermore, you are given tasks to complete but it is up to you to complete them on time - welcome to the real world of working!

I have learnt a vast array of skills from presenting, to performing complex experiments. All of which will aid me in the final year. As part of my degree year I also have to complete a project so that keeps your writing skills up to scratch for your final year.

Hot desking is becoming more of the norm and allows for you to sit next to someone new everyday. Some people like it, some people hate it - depends on the individual. Everyone is very approachable and you don't feel like you are annoying anyone if you need help with something.

In my first week I had an induction full of group activities to get me used to working in my new job. This was very well organised. In terms of the rest of placement, it was okay but I would of liked more variation. You are very limited to your department and they are not so keen for you to explore other departments.

They obviously teach you the necessary skills to complete the research but I haven't been on any courses or to any conferences. This is probably because there are approximately 300 students working at GSK and so would cost a fortune if they were invest in every student. I would of liked more training in terms of programs etc.

Very appealing. I have been exploring the graduate future leaders programme and I suggest all IPs do the same! If this isn't for you, you can apply for other positions although a position is not guaranteed in any case. You have to build the contacts yourself so you must be proactive - this isn't handed to you on a silver platter.

Yes! All IPs in my department met up on a regular basis out side of work - whether its pub/bowling/crazy golf/meals! We also have socials with the rest of our department and also with students nationwide from all sites. Socials with IPs nationwide include the usual such as christmas ball and summer parties.

Cost of living in stevenage varies hugely. I lived around 5 miles away from GSK and town centre so needed a car to get me from A to B. So that is an added cost. With my car included I would say living cost total around £500-600 /month. Socialising can vary between people- you are a 20 min train journey from london so it really does depend on how much site seeing you want to do or crazy night outs.

Stevenage is not great for nightlife. BUT!... London is a 20 min journey on the train, you are close to Hatfield, Hitchen and Hertford. So there is plenty there. One thing Stevenage is good for is the numerous pubs and take-aways. There is 2 clubs to my knowledge but they are very selective on who they let in...

Yes. There are all your usual sports facilities - available on site and at other gyms in Stevenage. There are also numerous parks where you can go for a run, or walk round the lakes. There are also your normal sports clubs- you just have to find them and get involved as soon as you get here!