Formulation Scientist Review

The work I was given was of a very varied and interesting nature. The team I worked alongside were always helpful and supportive throughout the year, making the job very fun :) GSK provided me with a great deal of opportunities to get involved with many different aspects of the business to increase my knowledge and enjoyable experience.

My department was only small, but they were extremely welcoming and friendly. I am hoping to definitely stay in touch with them after I have left. I have also been lucky to get to know and work alongside many other employees in different departments who were very sincere and grateful for my work

Both my manager and supervisor played key roles in, not only my professional development, but also personal enjoyment and skills development of the year. They trained me to a high standard in a fun and engaging way, and also have become friends on a personal level, enjoying spending time with them both inside and outside of work

Some days were much busier than others regarding lab work due to the nature of the department I am working in involving preparation for pre-clinical investigative studies. Howevere, if there was less lab work, I always had desk work to do, and I was never bored. in my opinion, the balance was just right

I was given a lot more responsibility than I originally expected I would be given as a placement student. I felt valued as a genuine member of staff, as I was given solo work of importance that I felt I was contributing greatly to wider projects involving many different people.

The skills I have gained in this placement year have really set me up for my final year at university and in future careers. I have greatly learned the value of time management and networking skills. I have done many formal presentations, in addition to improving my organisational and personable skills.

I worked in a big open plan office (hot-desk area) which included multiple different departments working alongside one another. this created a very supportive and lively atmosphere in the office, and increased the number of people I engaged with in a day. There was opportunity to sit in different places every day

I have attended several different conferences and training events throughout the year, at prestige locations such as the Royal Society of Chemistry, which increased my knowledge and made me feel like a valuable member of staff. The training undertaken by my manager for me felt very in depth and worthwhile.

There are a wide variety of prospects, from the FLP (future leaders programme graduate scheme) to direct entry roles, and the opportunity to return as a contract worker through an agency. I have been given lots of information and help regarding the application processes and pros/cons of each option available.

A crowd of 20-40 students allowed for a good student atmosphere in the town I was living in. there were lots of social events organised amongst us for after work and on the weekends. IP Unite also organised nationwide IP events, my particular favourite being the boat part on the Thames.

Hertfordshire is not the cheapest but also not the most expensive area to live. it offers lovely housing, close to work (I lived a 10 minute walk from work), and also great transport links into central London in less than an hour which I felt was very beneficial and provided a lot of fun weekends

The town in which I live (Ware) has lots of pubs but not a club. howver, Hertford is the neighbouring town and there are a couple of clubs there which are easily accessible by a 5/10 minute train journey or taxis, and so it was there when wanted/needed! I enjoyed my year

Allenburys Sport and Social Club provided a wide variety of sports teams to be involved in, as well as the bar with discounted drinks and a subsidised gym. Many colleagues used the lcub which led to a friendly and fun atmosphere, very close to site Many staff parties added a lot fo fun