Expert Marketing IP Review

The people at GSK are lovely (especially my manager), there is a strong sense of team and the work is really enjoyable. Have had so many opportunities to scope my own development and choose areas and projects I'd like to get involved with. Reason for 8 not 10 is due to the work itself - not sure marketing is for me

My manager makes me feel incredibly valued and gives me the empowerment to make my own decisions and take project lead. My wider team can occasionally dump 'intern' jobs on me, but having expressed this to them this has generally decreased. As an IP, you really are treated as a normal full-time employee.

My manager has been incredible. He has always been super supportive, encouraging me to get involved in an array of projects to broaden my development. He always makes time for my questions and development meetings and tries very hard to increase my exposure in the wider business. He has felt like a friend as well as a manager.

My business varied day-to-day. This is due to my role being largely project-based and dependent on the workload of others. I have had days where I have been at my desk 9-6 and other days where I have only had 1 hours worth of work. On average I have one day out the office a week due to off-site meetings, conferences, events and working from home.

A lot. I was given numerous of my own projects to manage entirely, including the budget management. I have managed the end-to-end process for events planning and given the executive decision the whole time. In regards to the wider teams projects, my input has always been valued and often put into practice.

In my degree studies, the only skills I will take to Chemistry include prioritisation, organisation and presentation skills. Due to Chemistry being a highly technical degree, a marketing placement hasn't helped in that respect but I didn't expect it to. In regards to future careers it has helped ENORMOUSLY. I have real experience to add to my CV and a whole host of capabilities.

So much fun. Very friendly and never a pressure to be sat tied to your desk working in silence all day. The atmosphere is very collaborative and productive but there is plenty of fun thrown in with charity events, weekly snack o'clock and socials galore. Its very laid back and casual I don't think you could find a huge corporation more chilled.

When I arrived, my laptop and pass and other technicalities had already been set-up which meant I could get started and settle in straight away. Being the first placement student in this role meant the full responsibilities of this role weren't entirely scoped out, resulting in it being largely project-based and therefore workload can vary dramatically.

I have been given numerous capability trainings such as a full-day personal resilience course, active listening course and marketing IQ capability training. IPs are given all the same opportunities as full-time staff and even opportunities to have experience in other departments and with agencies which has been highly valuable. Builds up the CV.

A direct entry role is very appealing as the company is amazing to work for. In regards to grad schemes, I find these less appealing as I believe you already get a lot of experience within the IP role and you then spend another 2 or 3 years doing the same thing which can hinder your development. However often you are guaranteed a role at the end.

Within my department there were 20 IPs. We all formed a 'charity team', coming together to raise money which helped build solid friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. The other students are all very similar to you and like-minded. In regards to wider GSK, there is a programme called IP Unite which connects all the GSK IPs and they put on multiple events throughout the year which is a great way to meet IPs at other sites.

London is always going to be expensive. Rent was £600 a month, bills were £60. A G&T around £7, a pint £5 minimum. There are plenty of places offering happy hour and deals around you just need to be savvy! Didn't stop us socialising just meant I have no money left over!

Very close to central London if you like going to bigger clubs, however these are super expensive and getting ubers there can be expensive. There are smaller, more affordable options available in West London which are good fun! Not very student however you will be out partying with adults lol.

There are so many opportunities to get involved with. For example charity team, Orange Day (a day you can take with your team to go out and about and help the local community), awards ceremonies, volunteering at 'Over the Wall' camps - all mean you meet so many different people.