Synthetic Chemist Review

by GSK

Best Student Employer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

3.5/5
  • The Role
    4.2
  • The Company
    3.2
  • The Culture
    3.0

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

    • The experience of working in an industrial research lab was something that I have wanted to have for a long time, and so actually working there was very enjoyable. Learnt and improved both technical and personal skills and felt that the placement helped me develop as a person.

    5/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

    • The team was very inviting, and I felt included immediately. I felt that both myself and the work I contributed to the lab + project was valued.

    4/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • My supervisor was excellent, and as the year progressed the role which they played changed and I believe this was an suitable way of working things. At the beginning of the year it was much more hands on, giving me advice/ instructing me on how to use certain pieces of equipment.

    5/5
  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

    • My time management improved throughout the year, allowing me to become more productive. All the way through the year I had a suitable level of work, so there was rarely any time when I did not have at least 1 task to be getting on with.

    5/5
  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

    • I was responsible for producing certain sets of targets for the project I was working on, the data of which was useful for the group. I believe the level of responsibility was suitable for my role.

    4/5
  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • As I intend to pursue a career in chemistry, the skills I learnt and developed during placement year will prove invaluable over the coming year and beyond. Technical lab skills, along with analytical skills will be very helpful.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

    • The atmosphere within the office/ lab was very good and friendly, with coffee breaks and occasional pub lunches between the group allowing for people to get on well on a social, as well as professional level. Immediately felt at home within the group, allowing me to approach members of the team with complete confidence.

    4/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • The placement scheme at GSK was very well set up, with over 100 students there. During my first week, we had a pre-arranged trip to Bristol University for specific lab training and throughout the year there were several courses arranged to assist the development of students.

    4/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • I had opportunities to present my work, and had opportunities to attend seminars from external speakers along with set courses to help continue my studies.

    3/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • Subsidised/Company Gym

    Staff Sales/Staff Shop

    Above 25 days holiday
    3/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • Whilst a job with GSK is something that I would one day hope to get, the current job market for lab work in the pharmaceuticals is poor in general at the moment, so chances of employment at this current time is very low.

    2/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

    • With over 100 students on site, all living in the same area, the social scene was good. GSK arranged a familiarization day before placement started allowing students to meet, and form potential house groups.

    5/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • Being in commuting distance of London, the price of rent wasnt cheap, but was still very affordable especially as London is only 20 minutes away by train. The cost of socialising was the same, easily affordable on the amount of money paid for the placement.

    4/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • Stevenage (where I was based) does not have a thriving nightlife, however, with large amounts of students around there was always the potential for pub nights along with house parties.

    2/5
  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

    • There was a gym on site, along with several in the town plus sports clubs. The close proximity to London made most activities possible.

    3/5
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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

East of England

November 2011

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