Service Development Analyst Review

This year has been great! I definitely miss the people since my placement year is finished.

I really felt valued in my team as well as in other departments I had to work in.

Even before I started my placement I was given support by the previous industrial placement student, when I started my manager was always there if I needed anything. The year got better and better within the first few months and my director was also there to discuss any concerns or ideas.

I had the chance to have a great manager, I never felt too overwhelmed nor bored. It was a great balance, this is the great thing about GSK, there is good 'work-life' balance too! I could always add more stuff to my workload if I wanted to, which I did because I wanted to be involved in something different outside my department.

Quite a bit of responsibility! I managed to be involved in key areas of the business as well as the CET area. I'm happy the rest of the team could trust me on that.

Communication skills as well as organisational skills. I've learnt to prioritise even more. I've learnt technical stuff I've never had the chance to see at university.

In the office the atmosphere was friendly but quiet, it was ideal to get some work done. Could have a little chat with colleagues by the kitchen area and some days could get some fresh fruits or cakes for important occasions, like birthdays and milestones. Overall the general atmosphere was enjoyable.

The overall work placement set up was pretty good, however the first few days were a bit confusing regarding e-training/learning. Luckily enough for me my team was well prepared to get everything ready. But it was not the case for every industrial placement student. The holidays were a bit of a pain to book at times but it has nothing to do with this I guess.

I had the opportunity to get a certification in a IT training that helps for university and my future career. I've also had lots of internal training and e-learning that were mandatory in order to comply with the workplace policies. It was a bit dull to be honest but have to go through it.

I applied for their graduate scheme, I think it's a great company to work for, there is a lot of change in the IT department which makes it even more appealing to me, I'd be very excited to come back and add value to the organisation and learn even more.

It was really inconsistent, in my department we had a team to organise social event but it was usually not really well attended despite the efforts of everyone to make it appealing. Few events were organised like industrial placement student final year, Christmas party (students and permanent workers) and Summer BBQ, which was great to be at!

London is expensive, I felt somehow limited in enjoying life since the monthly salary isn't that great for London. Living in Brentford would be quite dull, so I chose to live closer to London which was a good choice for me, however the rent is obviously more expensive than Brentford.

I'm not a party person, so I'm not sure I can really comment on that one. However Brentford is not like Piccadilly Circus obviously, don't expect the nightlife to be amazing around there. It's probably cheaper and easier to stay at home and invite your friends over and just travel to London central.

Yes, there were many activities since it's London! You could get involved with activities at work, join some social groups for working out or help some minorities. Or you could do anything you want in London. Possibilities are unlimited, there is always someone to do, always something new, always on!