Microbiology Review

Very interesting to see how things operate on a global industrial scale. The beginning is mainly just reading and understanding SOPs and safety regulations, but contributing to a global company is rewarding and a great experience.

Everybody was very friendly and welcoming. They were very patient and understanding as I was not expected to have knowledge or understanding required for the job initially. I feel like I will form close bonds with people!

There was lots of support provided, at the beginning you are rarely left alone, and there is always someone nearby to help you or answer any questions you may have. There is a huge support network in all departments, and your supervisors and colleagues become like your family.

Initially there will not be a large amount of things you can do, and it takes around a month to get through all your SOPs and safety instructions and protocols. Afterwards the workload is manageable, and whenever I was feeling overwhelmed, somebody will come and help! There are daily meetings in which we discuss how we are feeling about the workload, and if someone is very busy one day, someone else takes over some of their jobs!

Initially you are not given much responsibility as you are not trained, however once your training is done, you are treated like a regular member of staff who complete the same work as regular employees!

The placement has and continues to help me with my lab skills and my organisation skills. The work routine will help me in the future as I will stick to the 8-5 routine, as well as helping me manage my time and workload better.

Everyone was very friendly and very casual, it wasn't as serious as I expected it to be. You can have friendly general chats with everyone and everyone is very good friends and very close.

On the 1st day of my induction, my security clearance was sorted out, which was helpful as I didn't need escorting everywhere. The team I joined at GSK had a clear set out plan for me, as well as mylearning containing all the training and SOPs I needed to learn. Therefore I would say it was very organised, as I always know what I am doing, and if in doubt, everyone is willing to help!

There are regular meetings to discuss personal growth, and my manager follows me closely to assess my process and things I struggle with. Everyone contributes in meetings to discuss the positives and negatives of the previous day, which is nice as someone is always checking up on me. My training involves shadowing and SOPs, and in a few weeks I will be fully trained and able to perform tasks independently.

For GSK, there is a 5-tier interview process. As I am currently employed by them, I can skip stage 1-4 if I choose to reapply after my degree, and my application is fast tracked to the assessment centre stage.

We have a group chat in which we arrange meetings and nights out, as well as work organised dinners and events throughout the year. We also have monthly meetings to assess our progress while on placement.

I am at the Barnard Castle site and living in Darlington. There is about an hour commute, but Darlington is a cute little town with a great character! Barny is nice as well, but perhaps not as social as Darlington.

Darlington nightlife is pretty standard, the clubs aren't the best, but I guess I am here to work not to party!! There are plenty of bars and pubs which are cosy and welcoming. However the nightlife in Barnard Castle is pretty much non-existent.

There are often work organised drinks and meals which are good to get to know your colleagues a little better.