Quality Assurance Analytical Chemist Review

Met some great people and learned so much from supervisors and managers with a lot of experience in their field. Was arguably one of the best experiences of my life.

Department was welcoming from day 1, the minute I walked in the door after my induction I was treated as if I had always been part of the group. Even despite coming from the opposite end of the country I felt welcomed and at home within the first couple of weeks.

Always there to help without question, without a word of exaggeration my supervisors and co-workers were at my beck and call whenever I was struggling or confused with some new work that I had been given, and never once did they make me feel stupid or incompetent when I asked for help.

I was given my own project to manage and develop during my placement year, and in times where I found myself with nothing to do there was always side tasks or something needing done to help the department.

Not quite running the show however I was given charge of my own personal project for the year after my training was complete, and I was expected to give weekly reports to my team leader, I felt like my own boss yet an important part of the team.

The people skills and life experience I gained from my year were invaluable and it gave me a great new out look and respect for those involved in the pharmaceutical industry.

A fun yet professional environment, the socialising was never dull but was serious when there was work to be done.

Everything fell in to place after day 1 however it would have been good to have had more support from the company when arranging accommodation, my team leader and department were fantastic in helping me move and sort reference but the intern program when joining took no part in the help for finding a place to stay, it wasn't necessary but would have been appreciated if this help was there.

They made sure I was up to date on all procedures and training protocols throughout the entire year, I didn't once feel I was under qualified or had not been taught the correct procedure, these life skills were drilled into me and I felt I took a lot away from my placement as a whole.

I got offered a place on the fast track graduate scheme, which implies that when I reapply I should hopefully be taken to the final stage of the interview process rather than having to go through the selection procedure again.

The students and colleagues made an effort to go out and socialise at least once or twice a month, I was staying with a couple other placement students so the social scene was a constant thing.

The location was rather expensive but the pay by the company was good enough to make sure that we were never scraping to get by.

The location had a few of it's own nightclubs but was 20 minutes from the nightlife of Brighton, so it was always good for a laugh.

Local gym an plenty of events happening in the town kept things interesting, work also threw various social events throughout the year which was also good and entertaining.