Junior Clinical Research Associate & Clinical Trials Coordinator Review

Gained an extensive insight into the pharmaceutical industry and clinical research as a whole. Loved every minute!

I felt extremely valued as an individual as well as when working as a member of a group. MSD went out of their way to ensure everyone received the best training and gained as much as they could during their time here.

MSD went out of their way to ensure everyone received the best training and gained as much as they could during their time here. Mentors were assigned to each intern and the atmosphere at MSD meant I could easily approach managers and directors of all all levels and departments.

Each day would vary throughout the week however I was reassured to contact my manager should I feel like I was working at too full a capacity and stressed. The outgoing and down-to-earth atmosphere within the company meant that I felt comfortable approaching anyone with whom I worked with should I have had issues.

I was slowly given more tasks and taking on more responsibility throughout the year and what I loved about MSD is I was treated like a full-time valued employee, rather than an intern. The feedback I received from my managers allowed me to see that I added value to the teams I worked in.

To be honest, I couldn't imagine what I would've done had I not undertaken this placement. I've learnt so many skills that I can not only apply to my final year at university, but when I step back into the professional working world.

Everyone was so welcoming and tolerant when I first arrived, there was an outgoing and friendly, yet hard-working enthusiastic atmosphere which is what I thrive on!

We were exposed to many different departments and divisions of MSD and had the opportunity to work cross-functionally with many different people.

MSD made sure that we underwent vigorous training schemes in order to ensure we were best prepared for the jobs we had to do, this included online training schemes, meetings/ workshops and face-to-face training. We were also given the chance to shadow many different job roles to find out how their responsibility fits into the broader picture of the organisation.

Future prospects are extremely appealing, with many placement students returning to either full-time jobs or graduate schemes.

The fact that MSD take on roughly ~25 students each year means that it is extremely easy to make friendships with others who are all in the same position.

In Hoddesdon the cost of living was averagely higher compared to typical student residential areas most would be used to, however MSDs competitive salary accounted for this and living was in no way a struggle, in fact working for MSD as allowed me to finish my final year without the need to get a part-time job!

Social life in Hoddesdon wasn't the best, however the nearby town of Hertford was only 10min away by car, and London 25min by train. The Clinical Research dept have recently relocated to MSDs Kings Cross office, which obviously has more going on in terms of social life.

Yes - MSD had many clubs and activities including, football, badminton, yoga, and the onsite gym would have different classes every day after work.