Microbiology- Non Steiles Process Monitoring Operator Review

My experience was very varied, for my first six months I was stuck in a job where I received no training and development, however after speaking to our Operations Manager I was immediately moved to a new role and team. Here I have greatly enjoyed my time her and only wish I could've spent the entire year here. As a result I am going to answer the following questions with how I feel in my second role.

My work is trusted and relied upon. I am treated as a full time worker with many responsibilities

I am quite an independent person therefore didn't require as much support as other may have, but any help that I needed I was given

Due to the job I have- Environmental Monitoring. Most days I am extremely busy with varied days, I can have chaotic days and the next I could be sat at my desk all day, in general I am very busy every day.

I have been given the same responsibility as a full time operator, however help has always been there if I felt that I needed it.

I feel this year has provided me with some technical knowledge that will help towards my degree, however the main thing it has given me is experience in a working pharmaceutical environment. It has improved many of my interpersonal skills such as communication, organisation and time management.

The office in which I work has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, it has occasional "chit chat" and conversations throughout the day.

There was nothing organised for my arrival or placement.

I was trained to the full standard of a full time operator.

Very, I have applied for the Future Leaders Programme in which GSK runs and you are fast tracked through the process if you have undertaken a placement year with them. However if I am unsuccessful I most likely will be returning to GSK.

There are many things that are organised at work with birthdays, hen parties etc. Also we try and arrange to do things with fellow IP's but your time here is down to what you make it. If you want to be social with other IP's then there is nothing stopping you.

Barnard Castle I would say is expensive for what it is. There are surrounding towns that are cheaper but for an IP I would recommend living in Barnard Castle due to the close proximity of GSK. It doesn't have the best social life but it is fine living there for a year.

There is zero nightlife in Barnard Castle, there are many pubs and a wine bar that is open until late but no clubs etc. However Darlington which is roughly 25 minutes away has a decent night life and here you are not to far from big cities such as Newcastle.

There are many opportunities and schemes etc that you can get involved in such as volunteering, STEM, Orange days, EHS days.