Clinical Pathology and Diagnostics student Review

I really enjoyed my work placement as I was able to interact with a variety of people across departments, and gain knowledge outside my role. I was allowed to take on any extra curricular opportunities so I built on both my technical and soft skills which will enhance my CV.

My colleagues really welcomed me into my team. They are friendly and approachable, and are more than happy to help you with any questions or advice you may need. I felt like I was apart of my team and was gradually given more responsibility as my placement went on but were always willing to help.

I sat opposite my manager so he was easy to update with what I was doing or wanted to do. I was always allowed to take part in opportunities of interest such as Over The Wall camps and insight days at GMS and GSK house. My project supervisor would give me lots of reading over email.

My daily schedule would vary depending on the samples in that week. On some days I would be incredibly busy with given tasks whilst others I would have to use my initiative and work on my project report or uni work. Overall, the work load was manageable and provided me lots of experience.

My responsibilities gradually increased over the year, and you were never signed off on anything unless you were confident. I had a lot of independence when it came to analysing and writing up my project report. I often worked with other colleagues so didn't always have full responsibility, but this allowed me to learn lots of useful tips and tricks which will help in my final year project.

My laboratory skills have improved which will allow me to produce more accurate results in my final year project, and save me time as I have learnt lots of tricks. My Microsoft excel skills have improved from beginners to advanced which will help me with data analysis in my dissertation and coursework.

The office is open plan. Sometimes it can be very loud with lots of chatting and laughing which allows you to get to know your colleagues within and outside of your department better. Sometimes it will be very quiet but this allowed me to concentrate better. The overall atmosphere was always relaxed and friendly.

Whilst there are graduate schemes in consumer healthcare and corporate, if you want to join a grad scheme in research and development, you need to gain a masters or PHD so for me, the near future employment prospects are not great. Long term however, I would like to join the company again.

Ware is fairly expensive to live in due to the close proximity to London. The town is quite small but with many pubs, with a double costing between £6-£9. My rent and electric was around £412 a month plus wifi and water. This was quite cheap compared to other placement students houses, and my house came with furniture whilst most didn't.

In Ware, there are multiple pubs however only around 3 have a good atmosphere. There is a weekly quiz popular with students on a Wednesday, and a couple of cocktail bars with good evening deals. There are no clubs in Ware or spoons. Nearby Hertford has a bad Popworld but does have a wetherspoons.

Yes. I took part in lots of extra curricular. I volunteered at STEM events, once in Birmingham at the Big Bang Fair, and again at a local high school. I was given the opportunity to spend a week volunteering at an Over The Wall seriousfun residential camp for children with health challenges and their siblings. I organised cake sales, and joined the GSK team for Tough Mudder 2019.