Cell and Molecular biologist Review

I really enjoyed my work placement as over the course of the year I have managed to expand my knowledge and capabilities. I have thoroughly enjoyed the working environment from start to finish and have found the support of my colleagues invaluable

As previously, I have been given incredible support and guidance throughout the year. Everyone within my department has been more than willing to give up their time, to give their academic input and advice

For the majority of my placement I have been very busy, so have very really had any prolonged period of time in which I am bored

I have been allowed to work individually and on projects within the department, giving me a great sense of responsibility, which has added greatly to my placement experience.

The practical skills that I have learnt on my placement have surpassed those that I would have been able to acquire during my undergraduate degree.

The working environment throughout the year was always a positive and friendly one. There was a constant network support surrounding me, with all of my colleagues willing to help me with issues I faced ranging from technical IT issues, to data interpretation and eLNB queries.

I think the overall organisation of my work placement was good. However, I feel as though this is an aspect of my placement that could be improved. I feel as though the direction of my project should have been more focused and streamlined, although I understand that this can be difficult due to the ever changing nature of projects.

The terms of personal development, I have been able to take part in team training days within the company. I have also been to a conference that was flagged up to me by my Manager. Over the course of this conference I managed to gain a wider insight into the field of study and was able to interact with international experts in the field.

There seem to be a lot of future employment opportunities, especially as the department I am working in has plans to vastly expand. I have been asked about coming back to work in the department, indicating interest on their part. I am also thoroughly encouraged by the number of past IP students within my department.

Towards the beginning of my placement, the social scene within the department was fairly quiet. However, after the initiation of the departments social committee, the social scene has picked up. There is also a good social scene for IPs outside of the department setting, with events being organised by the IPUnite team.

I have lived at home during the course of my placement. However, living in the greater London area is fairly expensive. However, this is accounted for, as you receive the London pay rate.

The nightlife is not so good in Stevenage. However, there are quick connecting trains into London, making it a possibility to go easily go out in London, where there is a good night life scene. However, this is fairly expensive in comparison to areas further up north, and therefore difficult to do on a regular basis.

There were a fair amount of opportunities to get involved in outside of work, including the Tough Mudder challenge.