Industrial placement student (biology R&D) Review

Overall I highly enjoyed my placement at GSK. I was working in R&D (biology) and felt that you are given a large degree of independence as the placement goes on. I feel like I have learnt a lot from the experience and would recommend it to other students.

On the whole I felt valued and respected by my colleagues, and felt like I made valuable contributions to the department. In some instances there is a divide between full time employees and industrial placement students but this might be expected with the large number of students around and overall I still felt valued and bonded with my colleagues.

I was given a high level of support and guidance by my supervisor which was great - from the offset I felt completely comfortable with asking them about any concerns or worries I may have had at any time. I felt like they were always easily accessible and looking out for me.

Busyness varied throughout the placement. With doing lab work, initially there was a lot of spare time before we were capable enough to go into the labs alone. This then picked up as the placement went on and for most of the placement my time has been well balanced - not bored or too busy. With the nature of working in the lab there are slow weeks and busy weeks still.

I was given a high level of responsibility as the placement progressed. I had my own project in which I was very much in control of - making the decisions on next experimental steps etc. My supervisor ensured I was ready for the increasing responsibility and would be able to enjoy the independence.

I expect that the skills I've learnt will be highly useful. In university I think my lab skills that I now have will mean I will excel in my final year project as they are now infinitely better than before the placement. I think having already worked professional environment, especially at such a large company, mean I have the professional skills to start a future job with confidence.

Atmosphere was good. I was in a open plan hot desking office which may have been different to a small traditional office. However everyone was still friendly and relaxed and it gave you opportunity to interact with many people from different areas of the department. So overall it was a good place to work.

The organization was good - no problems arose during the placement for me. We had a training week to help use settle in initially which was useful. Everyone has lot of experience of having placement students so everything is well organized and set up to allow you to make the most of your year.

Lots of opportunities for development and traing. e.g. you could go see other buisness areas you may be interested in through site visits to different GSK sites or shadowing people from other departments. Also for personal development there is journal club to help develop presentation skills as well as one on one skills development meetings.

The nighlife in Stevenage is not great - only one club ! But lots of pubs and bars. The large group of students means it can still be fun, people have parties etc so not too boring despite first impressions London is only a 20minute train ride away so that is good and gives lots more things to do

ok rent £350-400 a month

The nighlife in Stevenage is not great - only one club ! But lots of pubs and bars. The large group of students means it can still be fun, people have parties etc so not too boring despite first impressions London is only a 20minute train ride away so that is good and gives lots more things to do