Industrial Placement Student/Complementary Worker Review

by GSK

Best Student Employer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

3.6/5
  • The Role
    4.1
  • The Company
    3.8
  • The Culture
    2.8

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
  • Really enjoyed my time at GSK and learned so much throughout the year, both scientifically in the lab as well as research skills and being part of a big company.

    4/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
  • Most colleagues recognise the work and effort the students put it to help the department progress.

    4/5

  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
  • My supervisor supported me throughout the year, less so as I became more independent in the second half of the year. He provided a good level of guidance in the lab to ensure I was comfortable with all lab techniques before left to work alone.

    5/5

  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
  • Very busy. My project was very lab-intensive.

    4/5

  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
  • Once I was comfortable to work alone, I was very independent making decisions about my work and lab experiments. When I needed help, my supervisor was always there for advice.

    4/5

  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • My development throughout my placement year will be extremely valuable for my final year of study. I have gained great transferable skills that will be very beneficial when completing my final year lab project. I have also developed my interpersonal skills and confidence through presenting my work to senior colleagues and peers.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
  • The SmartLab environment was good. It was relaxed and never intimidating, but everyone worked hard. More relaxed and fun around festive periods eg Christmas.

    4/5

  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
  • Great organisation.

    5/5

  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • We received a lot of training towards the beginning of our placement, as well as additional training courses throughout the year. These were both lab training, safety courses and other key business aspects which have provided me with key skills.

    4/5

  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
  • Flexi Time

    Sports and Social Club

    Company Parties/Events

    4/5

  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
  • I have decided to pursue a career in medicine rather than the pharmaceutical industry. However, further down the line if I decided to change careers, I would only change to the pharmaceutical industry and GSK would be my first choice of company to work for.

    3/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
  • Monthly socials were arranged for students and staff. These were great opportunities to chat with members of staff as well as other students in a more relaxed, less professional environment.

    4/5

  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
  • I lived at home during my placement year so this question is not applicable to me.

    3/5

  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
  • There are a few pubs and bars, but very limited. Luckily London is not far.

    1/5

  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
  • I regularly attended netball and Zumba classes at the fitness centre after work. There are plenty of other sports to get involved in too.

    4/5

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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

Pharmaceutical, Science

South East

August 2018


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