QA Validation Leader (Industrial Placement) Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement at GSK. It was a great combination of being entrusted with responsibility and supported when I needed it. The work has given me an insight into career options that I would like to pursue in the future, and I feel that I have a better understanding of the pharmaceutical industry now than I did when I started.

I felt valued by my colleagues and project teams and everyone is easy to get on with. There was always someone willing to help when I had questions, and nobody ever brushed me off or made me feel like a burden. They make for a great atmosphere in the office.

I had two managers within my department - I spent more time with one manager than the other, but they were both supportive and always willing to help whenever I needed it. I had regular checkins which were helpful for catching up on projects and upcoming developments. It would have been nice to have had a better split of work between the two managers.

It varied from not having much on to having deadlines piling up, but this was due to the nature of the role. The first two months or so were spent doing training and following there was not much to get my teeth into, project wise. The pace picked up soon enough.

Most of my work was supervised but I was entrusted with running projects that were important to the business. Support was always there if I needed it but I was encouraged to make decisions and take responsibility as much as I could. I thrived with this independent style and thoroughly enjoyed this aspect.

I have developed my confidence and communication skills, particularly when it comes to an area that I may not know very well or be familiar with. I now have a better understanding of the role of the Quality stream in the pharmaceutical industry, and I can apply this to my degree and work as a healthcare professional in the future.

Fairly laid back, everyone was easy to get on with and it was nice to be able to chat with colleagues. It was quiet when work needed to be done, and it was a good environment that encouraged productivity. People sat in close proximity so it was easy to ask questions and ask for advice.

The placement was well organised in terms of content and projects available but more on the job training could have been done at the very start to transition from online training and workshops to participating in the role more actively. Time could have been managed better between the two managers.

There were multiple opportunities to attend development days or events, organised by both the industrial placement students/agency and the company. They have benefitted me in both my degree studies and helped me find out more about areas that I would like to pursue as a career when I have graduated and qualified.

I would love to come back to work with GSK, as it has always been a company I have admired for the culture and innovation. Doing a placement here has helped me find out more about the business, and I would love to develop my career with an organisation whose values align with my own.

Plenty of social events were organised on a regular basis. The student community was friendly and there was always an event to cater to everyone's preferences and needs. There were many nights out, Friday night drinks, go karting etc. London is easily accessible from Ware so this made it convenient.

Cheaper than London living prices, but manageable in relation to wages earned at work. Budgeting does come in handy particularly if you're looking to save over the cost of the year, which is certainly achievable as a goal. There are plenty of lovely places to rent in Ware, and transport costs are saved as work is within walking distance.

Ware is fairly quiet in terms of night life but there are bars, pubs and clubs in Hertford (not far away by train or on foot). London is also readily accessible (45 mins train into Liverpool Street). There is certainly no shortage of pubs in Ware, so there is always something for an evening!

Yes there are always opportunities to get involved in volunteering activities and mentoring opportunities, particularly with schools in the area and charities. Students are encouraged to take part in these events as long as time permits, and as long as their manager agrees to it. There are all kinds of activities and there is something for everyone.