Compliance Undergraduate Review

My placement was filled with many learning curves. Therefore, I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year. I was able to challenge myself and do things I previously would never do. I would highly recommend Compliance internship at Pfizer! It is something you would never learn through a degree and helps you see all of what pfizer does at a glance.

My colleagues were very supportive and understanding. They helped me continously improve my work with their honest feedback. I never felt out of place within the team as someone was always supporting my development. It's not the most outgoing team but nevertheless you will feel like you are working with your mentors. You are trusted with your work and time - you are given all the support required to do any job well!

My supervisors was supportive all the way. They continously gave feedback on my work, helping me grow my confidence and skills. I had regular 1:1 every week to catch up and just chat about whatever was on my mind. This made me feel like a valuable part of the team where I was never lost.

During the first few weeks, it was a lot of training and meetings. this helped me ease into my work. Soon as this was out of the way - I was given full responsibilty of my work. Since the placement is during the reporting period - I was most busy during March and June. However, if managed carefully - you will enjoy working and it's never too much.

I was given full responsibilty of projects as soon as I felt comfortable to handle them. Even then I was given full support to do the projects- guidance from manager and mentors was never too far. I was given responsibility to do my own projects to improve processes, at the same time I was asked for feedback on all processes as I became familar with them.

I was able to develope my problem solving skills via continously improvement projects. I feel this will really help me in my current degree and further studies/work. This is something that is valued in every aspect of life. Also I was able to work on my soft skills and software (in particular Excel - as I lived with them 24/7 at times!) .

It was very open, flexible & friendly.

It was organsied in a way where I was exposed to various projects and teams. As time passed by I was able to set my own goals and aims. I was allowed me to shape my own placement, where I challenged myself, learned and practised my skills at my own pace.

I was given a lot of training in the first month to introduce me to the organisation. Slowly it was more focused towards my own developement - such as managing time and working effectively, introducing me to various softwares used within the business and coaching for a yellow belt ( for lean 6 sigma )

Pfizer works to retain talent. However, the graduate programme work may not appeal to everyone.But, it has various ways it can help you achieve your goals and if talent is shown - you can be sure to receive an offer. It is very important to speak about your goals with your manager to allow them to find an opportunity, that is just right for you!

There are facebook/whatsapp groups to arrange for social events. Many interns live close to each other, therefore you will hardly feel away from home! Many interns arrange for night outs, dinners and just catchups on regular basis. There is also a weekly catch up meeting done every week for all interns.

It is pretty expensive to live in Surrey. I suggest renting a room with either other interns or via share a room website. Try to find the cheapest possible as that is the only major cost. It is very close to London, therefore it reflects in the cost of living. But overall it is not too bad, but budgeting/planning ahead is a most. You can also take a free bus to work!

It's close to London - and that is the best part about it! But ... Epsom is hardly alive. It's a small town therefore expecting a great nightlife is silly. Reigate and Redhill seem to be better areas to live.. however again they are also towns! But again, it's close to London, therefore you are not too far away from it.

Many interns do volunteering outside of work. You are allowed up to 5 days a year to volunteer in your work time, therefore make use of it, if you can. I was not involved in many things outside of work but I am sure other interns did quiet a few things to keep them busy.