Consumer Healthcare Finance Industrial Placement Review

I loved my placement year. The work was engaging, fulfilling and challenging, and I got to meet and work alongside some amazing people, while undertaking interesting and ever changing tasks. Perhaps most importantly I have gained a number of skills that I feel will benefit me in my future employment.

One of the best parts of my placement was how much I was valued by my team and wider colleagues. From my first day I was treated as an equal, getting involved with a number of different tasks right away, equally, my colleagues realised this was my first experience of 'real' employment, and therefore were always willing to help me if I had any questions, going above and beyond to make sure I understood.

My manager was awesome throughout my placement. We engaged in regular catch ups where he would ensure that I had enough work to be getting on with, that I understood the tasks I was doing, and more generally making sure I was happy in my placement. My manager was brilliant, because no matter how busy he was I felt I could approach him with any thoughts or concerns, and that he would genuinely value my input.

I was fairly busy on most days I worked, and this was probably due to the sheer amount I was involved in, however, most days I was able to strike a good balance of how much I was doing, to ensure I wasn't too busy/bored. There were some periods were I was very busy and would be staying late to complete my work, however, I understood that things needed to get done, especially in my role where time pressures were often applied, and so I had no issues with working extra hours every so often.

At times, I felt as though I was being treated more as a graduate/a permanent member of staff (which I loved). As aforementioned, I was often thrown into the deep end on many tasks that I received, meaning that I had to adapt quickly and this also meant that my learning and development was quicker as I had to throw myself into every process I was involved in. I was in charge of sending out business critical reports which meant that I had many people relying on me doing my job properly for them to be able to continue with their responsibilities.

I feel as though I have gained a number of skills for life from my placement, specifically relating to my role I have been able to grasp a greater understanding of what Finance is and the role it plays in a company like GSK, but more generally invaluable skills such as simple things like Excel ability, office etiquette, etc, that I feel will benefit me greatly when I re-enter the world of work.

The general atmosphere around the office was great. GSK manage perfectly to create a laid back, helpful, patient feeling, which in turn creates a good environment for success. Most colleagues were kind and chatty, but also knowing also when to get on with work. Most importantly for a placement student, I didn't encounter one employee who wasn't willing to help me, which was very reassuring to know that if I was struggling with anything I could get help and learn from those more experienced than myself.

Generally, the placement was seamless. There were very few occasions where I didn't have the full and necessary information that I needed to complete my work, and I was aware of many different streams I could go to if I didn't feel happy in my placement so that I could raise my concerns, and on the rare occurrence I did need to raise these concerns, they were quickly solved.

This is perhaps the one area where I feel as though my GSK placement could have improved. While I received a lot of on the job training, and my fellow colleagues were always more than willing to help me if I had any problems, I didn't receive much official training. I understand that it perhaps doesn't make sense to invest in a placement student since they are not around in the long term, however, it would have been nice to have the opportunity to get involved in more training opportunities.

The future employment prospects are very appealing, with many brilliant graduate schemes available to those wishing to apply, however, my one critique would be that it should be easier for placement students to continue with GSK as a graduate, as it appears that placement students receive very little preferential treatment in comparison to outside applicants, while I think it should be easier for people who have already worked at GSK to return.

The social scene amongst fellow placement students and colleagues was brilliant, and one of my favourite parts about my placement year. There was always an opportunity to go out and socialise, whether it was for a quick pint after work, or playing six-a-side football weekly, even including getting involved with a book club! My fellow placement students were like minded individuals which meant we all got on very well and enjoyed each others company in our spare time.

As is commonly known, it is very expensive to live and socialise in London, which meant that, on a limited budget as I was, I lived in a fairly run down house which I wouldn't recommend. Because of the relatively low wages we received as placement students it was a real challenge to budget being able to socialise and enjoy yourself with having enough to cover rent and bills etc.

The nightlife in the specific area where I worked, Brentford, was pretty quiet and non-descript. However, we were a mere 30 minutes from central London which has one of the most vibrant, exciting and unique nightlife in the world, and so this was a great opportunity to visit many world-renowned venues that were great fun.

GSK provides lots of opportunities for employees to get involved in, with sports clubs, social clubs etc. One of the best opportunities was the company subsidised gym which ran daily classes, and often held competitions, and this was a great way to socialise and meet people from the wider business outside of work.