Chemistry Industrial Placement Student Review
by GSK
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
3.7
-
The Company
3.6
-
The Culture
2.6
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
I enjoyed the experiment gained, but realised this job is not fulfilling for me. I also found myself very tired by the end of the year as I find we are not allowed many holidays (partly because we have to book the bank holidays as days off).
Everyone was very friendly, there are almost as many IPs thans Full time employees and they value our work. We can also speak to them when we feel the need to, and several social events were organised where we all had fun.
My supervisor was very present for me, guiding me through every step, and being very patient. I am very grateful to have had her by my side this year.
The guidance was to start 1 or 2 reactions a day, and this kept me busy. I don't really like having 3/4 things going on at the same time, which was complicated for me, but this is a personal preference.
Every IP had some target compounds, I had some as well, which were sometimes very important and high priority.
It is valuable knowledge, but it won't help me much as I will study in the environmental major next year and I am planning to continue in that field. But if I had chosen to continue in organic chemistry, it would have been the perfect training.
The Company
Some people were very relaxed and some were not, as in every field. The general atmosphere was good !
I always had something to do, we were invited to some meetings, could attend he lectures, our supervisor could answer all of our questions. IPs are part of the company so everything is very well set up.
As we were able to attend all of the lectures, it was enriching for me. I particularly liked the "inclusion and diversity" lectures, this subject is key to me.
Sports and Social Club
Company Parties/Events
As I don't plan to work in pharmaceuticals, I am not interested in the offers for the moment. It can change if I find an environment-related offer.
The Culture
There were things organised among us, but not that many. Apparently some years it can be very active, it depends on the social affinities of everyone of course.
The rents are quite high as we are close to London. Also as I wanted to do some activities only available in London I had to pay for the train which is not cheap, but it was not too bad.
Some pubs and a Bar&Beyond, not my type. We could do some house parties.
Again as we were close to London there was always this option, even though it includes paying for the train. I wanted to do one activity in Stevenage but there was no teacher available so this was disappointing.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
Chemistry
South East
July 2019
