HR PULSE Administrator Review

My placement at GSK allowed me the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the operations of a global business. I was a part of the global HR initiative, PULSE Volunteer Partnership, which offered me the opportunity to learn more about the volunteering schemes available at GSK and how GSK gives back to both local and global communities, all whilst gaining knowledge of the different functions within HR. This is one of the reasons why I had a fantastic time on my Industrial Placement experience, as I worked within a fantastic and motivated team, whilst developing both my soft and hard skills, allowing me to gain real hands-on experience with real responsibilities.

My team was very passionate about their role within GSK, and were very accepting of me from day 1. They understood my need to settle in and gain my footing, so as not to overload me. I have had the opportunity to work with every member of my team on different projects, so have work both in person with team members and also remotely, as the majority of my team were placed in the US. My colleagues have trusted my to complete tasks, knowing that I will ask questions if confused, but complete everything to the best of my ability. They understand that the IP year is for students to learn, so they were patient when I was taking my time to complete projects to my highest standard. Outside of my team, they other teams and colleagues around me were very accepting, and in no way was I treated like a student or temporary worker in any way - I have always been treated like a colleague.

My Line Manager has been my biggest support whilst I have been on my Industrial Placement. She has taken the time to sit with me to create a development plan, review and amend this at the halfway point, and also again at the end of my placement to make sure that I have achieved both business objectives we have set, and also the personal objectives of what I want to gain from my placement. She has guided me in order to make sure that I have gotten the most out of my placement as possible and not miss out on any opportunities that I have been presented with, On a day-to-day basis, my Line Manager, as well as all my other team members, have been there to answer any questions, and are approachable at any time, whether for work-related issues of in one case for me, a personal bereavement that occurred.

I have been very busy. There have been times where there was so much going on, I was juggling many different priorities, and at other times, there was less happening, but there was always something that needed completing. At the beginning of my placement, there was the odd time when I did not know what to do next, but through asking, more was always given. After a couple of months, and now that I am at the end of my placement, my team has really stretched my in that they know that I am reliable, so have given me the opportunity to get involved in many projects, making me manage my time effectively in order to complete all my responsibilities. Overall, there has never been a quiet time and as a person that likes to be busy, to do more, and get involved, it has been the perfect amount. Don't get me wrong, there have been times that may have gotten a little stressful - what job doesn't? - but my team constantly asked me how I was getting on, if there was more I could do, if I was being stretched too much or not at all, all so we could find the perfect medium.

I feel that I have been given a great amount of responsibility during my Industrial Placement with GSK. Over the course of the year, the responsibilities have grown significantly, with me taking on more than previous IPs before me had. To me this is a testament to the trust the team had in me in my abilities and my thirst to learn. I felt that I had a real responsibility in some of my projects for the end result, and took pride in respective successes that I created.

I believe that the skills I have developed will help me when I go back to university in that I will have the practical experience and knowledge which I can used within my research, presentations, reports. Not only is it the practical skills, but my growth in confidence which will enable me to grasp new opportunities, engage with new people and allow me to give more enthusiastic presentations, which will benefit me personally. I also believe this year will be a fantastic addition to my CV, and will be a key talking point during future job interviews, and my passion for my role (and GSK!) will show when I talk about what I have done.

The atmosphere of my office is fantastic. GSK's Head Office in Brentford is massive, and this give a great opportunity to meet people from many different backgrounds and who work is varying roles within the company. Overall, people are very friendly and willing to help out and talk about their jobs, which is a great learning opportunity when meeting people either within, or outside of, the department you are working in. The people around you in the office and great to talk to, interested in what you are doing and very dedicated to their jobs. They are passionate about both GSK and their jobs. It does get stressful for people at times, but this does not get passed over to those around them. The work is important, but it is just as important for people to be friendly to on e another.

My placement has been very well organised, in that GSK is very geared up to taking on Industrial Placements, and many positions within teams, have been filled with IPs for many years. They know what the IP is generally capable of, have a plan of projects for the year, but also have scope to personal a role based on a person's interests. My team have hosted many IPs and so the placement began smoothly, with a handover from the previous IP. I have had a general outline of what projects would come my way, but also had the opportunity to take on other responsibilities and tasks that interested me, so that I could get involved in different projects to previous IPs.

At the beginning of my placement, I was enrolled in some training courses that enabled me to gain a greater insight into GSK's systems and also general things, such as using Outlook to its full potential, which will be beneficial in the future. My team also allowed me to take the time to learn as much as possible about GSK, HR and other departments, by meeting with people to ask questions and gain an insights into their departments and roles. This has been great for me to develop and idea of the path I wish to take my future career.

I am eager to come back to GSK after I graduate and secure a role here. From the very beginning, IPs are introduced to the different methods of securing a role here after completing a placement and then graduating. The culture, values, mission, work and people are all reasons why I would be so willing to come back after graduating and I am looking into the options, whether through the Graduate Scheme or a direct entry job role, I believe this year at GSK has really given me the appetite to come back and continue with my impact on this massive company.

Amongst the HR IPs, we have built a strong camaraderie and this also extends out of our departments with other fellow IPs. There is also IP Unite, which is for the IPs, where events are organised by an IP committee. and this is a great opportunity to meet IPs from other GSK sites. Within my team and the wider team, there have been a few opportunities for planned team events, as well as impromptu trips to the pub after work. They have also made an effort to include me which is greatly appreciated and they have led to some really fun evenings.

Brentford has London prices. The cost of living is quite high. I rented a room in a professional house, which was more than many other IPs were paying, but my bills were included and I wasn't living with other IPs. Generally, IPs group together in 3s or 4s to rent a house which works out cheaper. In terms of socialising, there are some good local pubs and places like Kew Gardens where we are a corporate member. To go out to clubs, most people go into central London. Depends what you like doing, but access to central London is easy, so there is something for everyone, whether you want cheaper or more expensive accommodation or nights out.

There is not really a nightlife around Brentford, but there is always Ealing Broadway or travel into Central London. Pretty much something for everyone, but if you want to live in London to be closer to the nightlife, it is easy enough to commute to work everyday. IPs generally go out together and stick with one another, but sharing the cost of a taxi works well. There are always restaurants around as well that are open late.

There are many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work. With close vicinity to London, there is easy commute to sports clubs, and other things that may spark your interest. At work, there are sports teams that meet outside of work. There will also opportunities to volunteer as a member of GSK with local communities and at GSK events.