Industrial placement student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my work placement in the Experimental Medicines Unit of the Immunoinflammation department at GSK. I particularly enjoyed being involved in experimental research that was an asset to the company. I feel I learned a great deal, which resulted in substantial improvement in not only my scientific knowledge and practical laboratory skills, but also my confidence, communication and problem solving skills. My supervisor was very friendly and supported and guided me to ensure I made the most of my placement.

Despite the fact I was a placement student and not a full time employee, I was trusted to carry out important scientific research and I felt that my colleagues, particularly my supervisor and my team leader, really appreciated the work I was doing. Furthermore, everyone in my team was very friendly and made me feel very welcome.

The support from my supervisor was fantastic and much better than I expected before I started my placement. My supervisor was always available to support and guide me no matter what situation arose. Both my supervisor and team leader really helped me get the most out of my placement and gave me great advice to aid my development.

I was often very busy, but rarely so busy that I felt overwhelmed with work and I was never bored due to a lack of work. Often I was busy because the project I was working on was very exciting and thus the hard work was extremely well worth it in the end.

As eluded to earlier, despite not being a full time employee I was entrusted to contribute to a very exciting project which was important to the company. Therefore, I feel that I was given a great deal of responsibility, but I was still given a great deal of support and guidance to ensure I stayed on the right track.

During this placement I have developed a substantial number of skills, such as communication, problem solving and practical laboratory skills, which will be of great use to me in my career for years to come. I am already benefiting from the development of these skills and I am in no doubt that they will be of great use not only at university next year but also in my future scientific career.

Generally there was a very friendly and vibrant atmosphere in the office. It was quiet enough so work could be done effectively without distraction, yet you could turn around and chat to colleagues and team members if you needed to. The smart working offices also ensured that there was collaboration and interaction.

The placement was very well organised by GSK and every effort was made to try and help you settle in quickly and make sure that you are enjoying your time here above all else. However, the recruitment agency SRG (who technically employ us) were rather unorganised and made numerous errors regarding taxing of our pay and booking off of holidays.

Very much so. I had several meetings with my supervisor and team leader to discuss my development and future career aspects and how they could assist. In addition, at GSK there is much opportunity to learn and I felt that the management team are constantly investing there time to help aid your development.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year so future employment prospects within GSK are very appealing. However, they would be more appealing if the job was not based in Stevenage!

Yes there were very frequent social events organised amongst the students within my department. IP unite also organised a student Christmas party and a summer boat party which were both enjoyable. In addtion there was a GSK departmental Christmas party and a social organised throughout the year in addition to a few team lunches.

Living costs were not too bad considering it was student housing. Similarly, socialising costs were not too expensive if you knew where to go and when there were deals on.

Nightlife was limited in Stevenage itself, but there were good train connections to nearby towns which had a greater selection of pubs, bars and clubs. London was also only 20 minutes away on the train so that was always an option.

Yes there were many opportunities to participate in activities outside of work, particularly sports at the on site gym.