Intern Review

I have had plenty of interesting tasks to do, and got to see a good cross-section of the company in a short time. The work I have been given was adapted to fit my interests, ability and working speed. The personnel looking after me have been very friendly and supportive.

I felt comfortable asking questions, because my colleagues seemed happy to answer them, and keen to provide me with the best insight into GSK as they could, across multiple business areas. I was included in employee social events throughout. I felt that the work I produced was valued, and I was invited to share it in relevant meetings.

Both my manager and supervisor were very supportive throughout, and didn't hesitate to put me in contact with relevant people to discuss my interests and ideas. In fact, throughout my placement, both actively looked for ways to improve my experience and insight, including finding interesting resources for me, and organising visits to different GSK sites.

My level of business varied from day to day, but there were no days on which I felt overwhelmed with tasks and no days on which I did not have at least one or two activities to be getting on with. My schedule had a good mix of meetings/discussions, and independent working.

Given the short length of placement, it would have been difficult to give me an enormous amount of responsibility, because of the time it takes to get up to speed with the team's work. However, I was tasked with producing some work which contributes to the wider team's work, and my views on the areas I had been working on were listened to.

Firstly, I have been able to apply skills I learned at university to real-world problems, which has been excellent consolidation of skills that were previously purely academic. Secondly, I have learnt many entirely new things which I believe will set me in good standing to work in similar areas after graduation.

The office was quiet and focused, but had a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. I was invited to join colleagues for lunch from day one, and was well looked after by everyone in the team. Because of the hot desk system, I was often sitting next to different people each day, or people from other teams.

The internship was very well organised. I had one person overseeing my time at GSK as my manager, and another supervising me day to day, and providing me with tasks. I was contacted before starting about the type of work I would be doing, and checking whether it would be appropriate to my interests and skills.

I felt very well supported throughout. I was provided with online training to gain some general skills and knowledge. I was put in contact with plenty of different people to help me get a good understanding of different areas, and visits to other sites were arranged for me (e.g. to see manufacturing, R&D, other parts of the business).

I would be happy to work at GSK in the future, either in the same department or business area, or in an entirely different one. My placement has given me a broad overview of the opportunities available to employees at GSK and the working atmosphere seems positive across the company.

Along with Industrial Placement students and recent graduate employees, I was invited to socialise at things such as: a leaving lunch for an IP student, a casual lunch time sport group, and a barbecue for all site employees. I imagine, given more time, I would have been further exposed to friendships within the company.

I did not live locally, because my placement was not very long. I commuted from London, where I stayed with family and friends, so living was fairly cheap. Travel expenses were around £10 each day, but are to be covered by GSK. The on site canteen had a good range of food, which was all reasonably priced.

I did not experience the nightlife in the area where my site was located, because I commuted from inside London. However, because of Ware's proximity to London, I imagine it would be relatively easy to socialise in London from time to time, even if living in the (relatively quite) local town.

In my short time here, there were not an enormous number of opportunities for activities outside of work. Because of this, I'm not sure what the opportunities would be like for a longer placement/general employees. There were plenty of opportunities for socialising within work, and opportunities to travel (visits and conferences).