Clinical Study Administrator Review

Thoroughly enjoyed my placement and the life that came with it. I was on 'flexi -time' so depending on what time I came into the office would dictate what time I could leave. I was able to maintain a strong work-life balance by being able to use the on site gym and participation in a variety of gym classes. I had the opportunity to become acquainted to different personalities and characters globally and work with such a diverse range of people. Furthermore, I had the chance to visit some of the hospitals I was working with in cities I had not visited before. Overall, I have had an incredible year.

My colleagues made me highly valued and were very friendly. If anyone found a more efficient way of completing a task, we would let each other know. If our workload was very high, we would help one and other to get it done (where applicable). For example, help with the preparation of new site files for a clinical trial study.

My manager was always ready to help or advise me. However, if I could not get an adequate answer to my question, my manager would do what they could to find a resolution for me. Or put some time in with me to go through what I needed help with. It made everything much simpler.

I was constantly kept occupied. When a larger project/task would begin to die down, it would be time for other monthly tasks to be carried out. My days would fly by as I was always getting something done. Throughout the year I would say there were perhaps only 2 or 3 quieter days.

A considerable amount of responsibilities. I was trusted to directly communicate with each participating hospital and trusted to pay vendors on time without missing any financial deadlines. Also, I was fully responsible for ensuring hospital study files were a reflection of the ones filed on site and would regularly conduct checks to ensure this was the case.

This placement really cemented how to prioritise my workload and how to make the most out of my time. This is highly beneficial towards both my degree and future careers. It also taught me major people and telephony skills so that I am more comfortable talking to people who's faces I do not know.

The atmosphere in the office was expected. Often it was quiet enough to enable people to conduct their meetings in peace. However, there would be the occasional joke that would have everybody laughing together. It was a very good environment to work in and people were respectful of it. There was a hot desk policy, so you could move to a quieter area if you wanted to.

Overall the work placement was very well organised. The handover period was 2 weeks between myself and the previous placement student. And the handover to the next placement student is also a two week time period. Everything was organised for me prior to my arrival which really helped speed up the process of my training.

There were constant training sessions that I would be invited to attend. Often my manager would organise many of these training sessions. It helped ensure all colleagues were up to date with the latest software or programmers and enabled everyone to feel comfortable using these platforms. We would also be trained to become champions to help the wider users of a platform.

It was highlighted that there was a separate graduate scheme with them they we could express our interest for. The current graduate placement students have spoken very highly of JnJ and opportunities offered to them. I have also worked with two other graduate students that have successfully stayed on at the company for 4-6 years and promoted since they had started. It does look very appealing.

There were always opportunities to bond with the other students, whether it was days out, activities, etc... You would also meet other placement students at lunch, at the gym or randomly bump into them on the campus. It was interesting to see how each placement student's actual work varied so greatly.

The cost of living was OK and what was expected for going further up North. The area i lived in was perfect for my dietary requirements so I was very fortunate for that aspect. Socialising was incredibly good as I was living in a student area and there were close links to cinemas, etc...

There was not really a nightlife in the area that I worked in, however central Leeds life was incredible. There was always something to do or places to check out/visit. There were always new bars/restaurants that were opening up. And transport was never an issue as there were various means.

There were several opportunities to get involved with additional activities outside of work for example at the local schools nearby, volunteering opportunities, fundraising events and social gatherings e.g. for a brunch to meet each-others families. I also had the opportunity to organise a few events too. The team would always make time to attend these activities.