Technical Excellence (Nutrition) Review

I enjoyed my year at GSK as there was different types of projects that varied the work I would complete. It also offered me other opportunities to volunteer for the business where I could learn about other departments and to see other sides of GSK.

I rated this as '10 = Like Family' as I felt that I was integrated into the team and even developed some personal relationships. The team regularly expressed appreciation for my work which helped me to see how I have provided value.

I was working in a small team for the year and I received guidance not just from my direct manager but also the rest of the team. This meant I had lots of advice from people on how to grow, what my strengths are and what I can improve on. Generally this constructive feedback was given in a very light way where I barely noticed it was a negative point but I could still take on board.

This would vary based on project deadlines. Generally I never had a day where I couldn't manage my workload within my hours although some days there was the opposite of having a slower pace. I think these balance each other out so you don't feel like there's not enough work nor is there too much.

For my placement year this is a bit subjective as I could take on as much responsibility I wanted with the guidance of my team. The placement was good for flexibility on this and I was given some tasks that were important for projects and, if not carried out effectively, could influence project timelines.

I think this year has been invaluable for me as it has provided me with better knowledge of my business area as well as plenty of soft skills for office environments. Those words you see thrown around in interviews such as teamwork, communication etc. I feel it has given me a good basis for my career after completing my degree.

Generally, there was a good atmosphere in the office which is quite relaxed. The office is open plan with integration of different teams so it meant that there would be a fair bit of chit chat and jokes between colleagues and also a 'Treat Box' that would be kept topped up. Generally, once the work day kicked off there would be a quieter office. Every Friday would be a 'casual Friday' so dress code would be relaxed.

I gave this question a 6 because before I started there was quite a lengthy process to provide all the administrative side of the placement which was outsourced to another company. I think there could have been more communication about the company and what they would be facilitating before the process started as it was a bit confusing. Once starting I think the process was very smooth.

The company were very good with this. Within my business sector they sent me to attend many events to learn more about the sector. They also invested in me to attend product trials and development to learn about the manufacturing operations of our products. If there was a need for any training in software they would also provide that for me. If volunteering for the company then training and support would be provided.

I have rated this quite highly as GSK offer graduate schemes called 'Future Leader Programmes'. They are very keen to advertise this to current placement students and managers will receive notification to discuss this with their student. They also discuss the possibility of direct entry should there be a position available.

Whilst on placement a sort of society is set up called 'IP Unite' of which all industrial placement (IP) students are added. This group create socials and events for everyone to engage in so that you can meet more people. They also advertise volunteering roles where you can meet and engage with people from other departments. Outside of this society there is quite a good social scene within the company with many teams having some sort of meet up within a certain time period such as going for a drink or a meal.

I commuted from my home for the year so I cannot comment on this for people looking to move to London (I was based at GSK House) but I do know from talking to other students that the cost of living is quite expensive. This is due to living in the London area where generally the cost of living is higher.

Similar to the previous question I cannot comment on this as I did not live in the area so did not go out in the area. Other students did go out a fair amount as travelling around London is easy so there wasn't any shortage in finding places to go out to.

There were lots of opportunities for activities outside of work. There would be emails sent to the placement student cohort that outlined ways to get involved in other activities that might be volunteering for the company at external events for example. In addition you can also get involved in the placement student network to be part of the team that create things like sports socials and events similar to university.