Respiratory Technologist Review

I found my placement invaluable and incredibly enjoyable. Leading projects, investigations and teams has allowed me to achieve my objectives to challenge myself and lead complex projects and teams through multiple problem solving and decision making scenarios. Conducting these under pressure in a manufacturing environment has thus allowed me to build upon my skills in developing my personal and team leadership skills.

Through reward and recognition (R&R) at TAPs to recognition at team meetings, there have been several ways I have felt valued by my colleagues. These include reward schemes such as breakfast vouchers, "Recognition of Excellence" Certificate and nomination for an IP of the year award, all of which have made me and my contributions feel valued to the value stream as a whole.

I have been fortunate to attain guidance and support from management across the value stream, from Production, Quality, Engineering, Validation, Technical and more. Through effective communication and escalation when required, I was able to get swift and effective responses from management to ensure actions were completed in time and projects were not delayed. Various forms of attaining this support were available, including team meetings, daily accountability board meetings and project-specific meetings.

Workload fluctuated on a day-to-day basis based on the project workload and general actions requiring completion. During the first few months workload was more based on learning the process/the way industry works and ensuring compliance through completion of relevant training modules. Following this the workload was fairly high on a day-to-day basis. I particularly enjoyed the busiest periods due to the challenge of completing tasks on time, whilst incorporating project/time management and team leadership skills.

Fortunately I was given multiple responsibilities, from leading major investigations, leading significant change controls to improve production efficiencies and ergonomic risk-based continuous improvement projects, as well as leading complex trials. I was also held accountable for these projects and provided frequent updates to value stream management teams throughout. Thus I felt extremely valued as a member of the team and was allowed the opportunity to stretch myself in terms of leading projects, investigations and technical knowledge.

The ability to lead multiple projects and teams simultaneously will aid with leading projects/dissertation during my final year at University. Furthermore making complex decisions under high pressure through leading and overseeing trials has built upon my ability to work effectively under pressure to create high quality work which is valued across teams - This is one of the many invaluable skills I have developed and am confident will be transferrable in my future work.

Generally the atmosphere in my office working environment was supportive, with support readily available from multiple areas on different elements of my project work. Generally the atmosphere was also great in terms of leaving celebrations/get-togethers and frequent sweets/cakes brought in for the team. This has created a friendly and supportive working environment to encourage creativity, innovation and an atmosphere where raising concerns and improvement ideas is valued.

The industrial placement was organised well, with both responsibilities and support readily available from all areas of the value stream and general project work increasing in complexity as I progressed through the year. I was particularly pleased that projects were increased in complexity and responsibility as I progressed, with greater accountabilities and responsibilities as I progressed through the year.

I was particularly pleased to be able to develop my technical knowledge through development opportunities provided by my Manager and staff across site. My line manager approved all development opportunities I requested, and encouraged me to build upon my development through frequent one-to-one meetings. Individuals in graduate programmes and other schemes I am interested in across the GSK network have also been supportive of my development through application advice, tours and development-related discussions.

There are various future employment opportunities at GSK, from graduate programmes to direct entry jobs. Although these schemes are highly competitive, completing an industrial placement provides me with a key competitive advantage through attainment of detailed knowledge of the industry and the way it works. Furthermore, building upon my network of colleagues at GSK has improved my chances of employment prospects in the future.

The social life at GSK was great, with a social club close by to various restaurants on the high street a 10 minute walk away. Furthermore, a train station 15 minute walk away has direct links to London Liverpool Street (trains arrive approx. every 30 minutes), allowing social events after work.

Due to Ware being close to London, the cost of living is fairly high - however IP pay takes into account living costs of the area and therefore cover this. Ware has numerous pubs and restaurants which allows easy socialising with work colleagues after work. Ware also has direct links to London, a common hub of socialising and general night life.

There are numerous pubs in Ware, however night life is focused more so in Hertford. Hertford is In close proximity (approx. 5 minute drive / train journey) and contains pubs/clubs to enjoy, including clubs with various genres of music for all tastes. There are also direct links to London which has a great night life.

There were opportunities to go on development tours with colleagues across site to various GSK sites, and to develop my general knowledge of GMS, R&D and the various elements of GSK which come together to deliver medication to our patients. There are also STEM-related opportunities to attend big bang science fairs and represent GSK. The opportunity to represent GSK is also available through becoming an ambassador to represent GSK at University.