Process Technologist Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement at GSK it gave me an insight into what working in industry involves. I was able to develop my skills and build on technical knowledge from university as well as understand more about how businesses work. I have been challenged with working with different levels within the business.

During my placement overall I felt that I was very much valued and was a key part of my team. I received the support from colleagues with work I was completing whilst being able to assist them in their own work as well. There were occasionally some colleagues who did not see me as part of the team at first but with the support of my small team I was valued after a few months.

I was given a lot of support from my manager from weekly catch ups and being approachable at any point in the day. I was provided guidance and feedback on work I had completed so that I could improve as well as being encouraged to present my work on every opportunity. My manager helped me constantly review my work load and helped by adjusting according.

Overall through placement I had the right balance of work load to complete. There were times near the beginning and through placement where I didn't have quite enough work however as soon as I mentioned this there was work I could assist with. At times I was too busy however I had support from my colleagues to help me complete the work.

My responsibility increased as my placement progressed however from the first week I was given a weekly responsibility which was a great way to learn about the role I was in. The second half of placement I was running a project with organising a team to help complete experimental work which I have seen to completion and is ready for the next stage.

I have increased my communication, team work and flexibility skills whilst on placement through completing projects and working to demands on site. These will help feed into my degree along with training I have received which is included in modules for my degree as well as software which I will be able to use in the future.

The office had a very positive atmosphere where I could focus on work as well as have conversations with colleagues. It was a relaxed so that approaching people in the office could be at any time of the day. There was plenty of cake to brighten up the days across the office.

The role that I was going into had many previous placement students therefore was supported with the team willing to guide me if I was unsure. As a site the placement students didn't have the resource all the time to support however overall it was well set up in my department and improvements have been made over the year.

The company invested in my development with allowing site visits to other sites to build an understanding of the business and allowing me to go on tours of different areas of site to find out what other departments are like. I was provided with training in all areas required in my role with addition guidance and training in technical report writing.

There are future prospects within the graduate programme which I have applied for with the support of my manager. Through the network I have built whilst on placement I have contacts to find jobs within the company following graduation. Future prospects of employment are appealing and considering which department I would be most interested in returning to.

There was a great social scene with other placement students with having multi events throughout the year not just at my site but across the country, along with other early talent colleagues. My department also had social events with meals and nights out throughout the year providing an opportunity to build greater networks.

The cost of living was reasonable, I lived at home during placement therefore was different to other placement students. Due to being at home I socialised with friends I already had through just catching up.

There was quite good nightlife where I worked with a few options and easy train access to cities for a bigger night out.

There were plenty of opportunities to get involved in local events around the area. There are plenty of sports centres get involved in as well as travelling around the local area.