Industrial Placement Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year at GSK. I have learnt so many transferable skills along with specific lab techniques, such as mass spectrometry and flow cytometry, which I believe will be very beneficial for me when looking for future employment. I have also been able to explore different areas of biology which has given me an understanding of what I enjoy the most. Furthermore, the opportunity to meet and network with various professionals who are experts in their field of research has been very inspiring and motivational.

As an industrial placement student I felt incredibly valued by my colleagues. There was not one moment where I felt that the work I was doing was not beneficial towards the project aims. Additionally, my colleagues always expressed their appreciation for the work I carried out for them which made me feel like a true member of the team. I loved being able to present my data in important team meetings as the area of biology I was investigating was critical for the projects progression.

Before beginning my placement I was allocated a supervisor who did an amazing job of supporting me through the 12 months. I was also guided by a number of other scientists who I worked closely with during my placement which allowed me to communicate with a range of people thus developing many connections. Although the support was readily available, I mainly worked independently however if I ever required any assistance it was always there which was a perfect balance for me.

I never had a day where I was bored or did not have enough to do. The majority of days were very busy however, as I was in charge of my own work load this was what I preferred. As I was able to plan and organise my own workload (which was one of the great aspects of the year) I could create my own routine and tailor my work to what was convenient for me. I was also aware that fellow students working in my department were also very busy but this was never a negative. I was keen to generate data as much good quality data as possible.

From September to around November me and my supervisor had frequent contact time as this was the period when I was still grasping basic skills, the change of environment/people and getting the hang of new skills I was being taught. However from December until the end of my placement (end of August) I was given lots of responsibility and worked mainly independently in the lab. I was conducting critical experiments in both the biology and DMPK labs thus generating large and vital data sets which I would then feedback to the team. I did feel the pressure at times however I felt like this motivated me deliver and gave me the chance to really show what I was capable of.

I believe that the practical and theoretical skills I have developed during my 12 months at GSK will help me a great deal when it comes to writing up my lab report in the final year of my degree. My ability to critically analyse data and concisely write up lab reports has been massively improved along with the range of lab techniques I now feel confident in. Also, working for a globally renowned pharmaceutical industry has provided me with an insight into what scientific research is really like in the real world, subsequently increasing my passion to succeed at university and return to a similar role.

The office I worked in was open plan and the desks were first come first serve. This was a brilliant method to encourage you to work next to different people, widening your social circle. The office also had quiet rooms allocated to those who had important work/deadlines and needed to concentrate however, the office was typically quiet. As it was open plan, I was able to chat/ask questions/catch up with colleagues by catching them at their desk. On a whole the office was very bright, cool and inviting.

GSK have employed placement students for a long time and it is clear that the placement scheme is incredibly fine tuned. My supervisor had also had students in the past (which was the same for many of the other full time staff) so he was very organised and knew what to expect. I was very impressed with how smooth the 12 months went as I didn't experience any downfalls regarding the organisation of my employment.

From the beginning to the end of my placement I did not stop developing as an individual and I was also being trained in new skills. Also, specific seminars and lectures were set up directly for industrial placement students across the site. I was also given the opportunity to attend many lectures from visiting speakers.

As there is no guarantee that I will be employed after I complete my degree, I got the feeling that by making a positive impression you are possibly able to get your foot in the door. Also, I was able to put my name down for a direct entry mailing list which informs me when any roles are advertised which I may be interested in. Furthermore, GSK offer placement students to sign up the 'future leaders programme' if you were interested in returning to GSK after your degree.

As the social scene was quiet, monthly after work socials at the local pub were organised where the whole office was invited. Furthermore, we had a works Christmas party in London which was all paid for and great fun! I also had a free Christmas dinner at the onsite canteen over lunch during the week leading up the Christmas. The social team additionally organised 'team build' activity days where the department when out for the day and played games etc.

I lived in Stevenage during the 12 months of my placement, which due to the close proximity of London living prices were high. I rented a room in a shared house with 4 other professionals which was £570 a month including all bills. There were some lovely restaurants and pubs in Stevenage old town but again, they were not cheap to eat/drink. Many of the students had house gatherings or travelled into London which was reasonable on the train (~£10 return).

There were a couple of bars in Stevenage which was not anything to rave about. Most students, instead of going out, enjoyed a meal or an evening drink in the local pubs rather than going out at night. If it was a nigh out I was after, travelling into London was the best idea however very expensive.

Stevenage has many gyms and fitness clubs locally and also a gymnasium if you enjoy gymnastics. There is also a cinema world, bowling and indoor trampoline park in the leisure centre along with various chain restaurants. Sometimes the students met up and had a day out together in London. I enjoyed the placement meal we had the first week and last week of the 12 months.