Analytical Industrial Placement Student Review

I really enjoyed the experience. Initially I was a little sceptical about it but following the initial month of training and actually carrying out lab work, I really enjoyed making a difference. I felt that having a real job for a year really matured me and being able to build strong relationships with adults who had been in the same position a few years before gave me further confidence into what kind of job I wanted to do afterwards.

I felt very valued by my colleagues. I often had questions at the beginning of my placement, not just about how to carry out a particular experiment but actually the theory behind specific techniques. My team members were happy to spare time to talk me through certain topics and make sure that I understood everything I was doing. After completing certain packages of work my colleagues would always offer some feedback so that I would be able to improve next time.

I was given as much support and guidance as required from my supervisor. I had regular 1:1 meetings with my supervisor to talk about science related topics as well as personal things, such as, how I was coping with the placement and if I was struggling with balancing my university work on top of it. I had less support from my manager, only getting some when asked for which worked fine for me.

How busy I was differed depending on how much work the projects in my team required. This differed depending on which stage the project was currently in. Some weeks I would find myself being incredibly busy whereas other times there was a bit of a lull in work. This never really bored me though as there was always plenty of other work that needed doing which was more admin related than lab based.

I was given a fair amount of responsibility once I had completed all introductory training for each technique. My team would give me work packages and offer support if something went on. As I got towards the end of my placement I was pretty much a fully integrated member of the team. I could complete work to the same standard as others in my team. In the last few weeks I undertook some work which was used in a very important study.

All of the skills I have learnt this year have made me much more competent in the lab. At university I wasn't aware of why I was doing lots of the steps within the lab method but since having been able to ask lots of questions whilst in industry I now have a better understanding. I've also really developed my social and communication skills with people of varying positions of power. I feel as though the entire experience has matured me as an adult.

I worked in a small office made up of 12 colleagues. I loved the experience. Being in a small office meant that I really got to know each individual team member. I was never afraid to speak up and ask anyone for help as you never felt as though the room had to stay quiet all the time. I enjoy it so much that I will be very sad to go!

Before the placement I had little knowledge of what would be expected of me. The first month of starting was brilliant though as it was packed with lab based training, theory training and introductory sessions to the pharmaceutical industry. The process was undertaken in groups so it really helped me to get to know the other placement students and integrate us into the organisation quickly.

They invested a lot. At AZ there are a host of extra activities that you can get involved in through courses hosted by other members of staff. I went of several courses to improve my separation science and NMR knowledge. I also attended personal development courses such as a strengths finder. I also regularly attended science days and coffee mornings to keep my knowledge of recent scientific discoveries up to date.

Future employment prospects are pretty appealing. A lot of the younger employees also carried out placement years which is encouraging. Whilst on placement, one of the other students in their final year of uni applied for a job which they succeeded in getting. The company have also just had a major recruitment drive.

There was a very good social scene. All of the students lived in the same town, Macclesfield, meaning that there was always someone available to make plans with. Many nights were spent trying out the local pubs or going out in the actually really great (but cheesy nightclub) Fever. Socials with team members were also common. Christmas and random team meals were common, as well as bigger events, including nights out drinking, bowling and axe throwing.

Much cheaper than at university. I paid around £250 a month without bills for a pretty decent house. In terms of socialising, it all depends on where you go. Spoons is a student favourite with it's cheap drink deals. There are lots of other really nice mini breweries in the area though which are worth the money they charge for a drink. Also recommend the Red Willow for anyone who loves gin!

Brilliant. Pubs are always open every night of the week. Some even open until 3am which is where I did end up a few timea on a work night! There is one big local club which is guaranteed to give you a good night. If not to your taste then you can always go out in Manchester, get the train there and taxi it back.

There were many opportunities to get involved with activities outside of work depending on your interests. Some of the students joined a local hockey team, cheerleading and even fencing! One of the students played the lead in a local production of Cinderella as well. There is something for everyone if you're willing to look.