Summer student Review

My main job was interesting but quite repetitive. However, my colleagues made an effort to find other jobs in other areas for me, to break up the monotony of it, which I appreciated and really enjoyed. I also made sure to contact different areas of the site for tours, so I could experience other aspects of the company.

Most of my colleagues were friendly and welcoming, both in my office and in the lab. I think they valued the fact that I was doing a job that they didn't have the time or desire to do. They offered advice and answered all my questions, being very patient when I was just starting out.

It helped that my desk was directly next to my manager's, so he answered all of my questions as soon as I had any. Unfortunately, he had a two week holiday about halfway through my placement, but he left me with alternative contacts if I needed advice or a job or something that needed approving.

During the first two weeks during my training, I couldn't start my independent job, so there were some points that I didn't have a clear goal that day. However, once I got started I had plenty to keep me going. At one point I was unsure if I'd be able to finish in the 12 weeks.

I was given more than I expected, especially with the extra jobs that I was given as my time went along. Although compared to the people that had been here for over 10 years it was obviously nothing. However, I didn't feel under too much pressure as I could still ask for guidance.

It was my first real experience of an office environment, which taught me time management, diplomacy and teamwork. It was also good to get some experience with a lab environment, and become familiar with their computing and data collection systems. This will help me if I do a lab research project for my masters.

It was mostly quiet and hardworking, but not in an uncomfortable way. Everyone was very friendly and approachable if I had any questions. We also had fun, with some light teasing. There was even chocolate and sweets out sometimes. Despite the age gap I got on really well with everyone.

The first induction day was very well organised. Anything done through central GSK and HR ran like clockwork. There was a great chance for the summer students and IPs to meet the current people on the graduate scheme. In contrast I feel that maybe our department wasn't quite ready for us, as it took a little while to get going.

I was given a lot of training through MyLearning, and a few face to face training sessions. A lot of it was safety oriented. Most of my other training was on the job. I was offered lots of opportunities to see the whole site though, and learn a lot more about the company.

The graduate scheme definitely interests me, but probably at another site closer to home. It appeals mainly because I'd get to fully experience 3 other areas of the company, before I decide what I specifically want to pursue. If I were't already doing a year abroad I would have considered an industrial placement here.

There was a good social scene with some of the other summer students, who I met on the first induction day. Though that was mostly through our own doing. There was only one other organised event through the company. However, we saw each other after work occasionally and had breakfast together every Friday.

I did not live in the area that I worked in. I lived in my uni accommodation and commuted by car each day, which was roughly a 40 minute drive. The socialising costs were pretty cheap, but more expensive in the nearby Newcastle, which has more to do and see.

I did not experience the nightlife in Barnard castle, but the nightlife in the nearby Darlington was pretty good, and even better in Newcastle. Commuting however wasn't that easy. There was a pub right outside the site that people occasionally went to after work, but not late into the evening.

No not really. I think there may have been a sports club and some classes, but these weren't really advertised.