Biology Industrial Placement Student Review

I really did enjoy my work placement and always looked forward to coming into work everyday. I found the ability to work on your own project stimulating and engaging. The split between lab work and office work was a great way to break up your routine and kept you motivated each day.

I felt highly valued by my colleagues at GSK. My team were extremely helpful and would always offer to help me no matter how busy they were, and valued my opinion. Besides that, just my general colleagues who weren't necessarily based within my team were super friendly and always approachable if I ever needed help with anything.

My supervisor was fantastic at providing support and guidance wherever it was required, especially initially when working in the lab. She really encouraged me to maximise all the available opportunities available to me at GSK and was always open to helping me no matter how busy she was. I cant thank her enough!

I was busy on a daily basis, but the amount would be completely dependent on my experimental timeline. However, there was always a good balance as when lab work was quiet, data needed to be analysed which stopped me from ever having nothing to do. Work was never too much and my supervisor would always be available to help if I ever needed it.

I was given the responsibility of co-ordinating my own project, with the help of my supervisor. My supervisor was obviously far more experienced than myself so I would listen to her advice but the final decisions about what I would do next, or when I would do certain experiments was always down to me.

I have developed enormously both inside and outside the lab. I have been introduced to a variety of new lab techniques and my general scientific knowledge has improved massively. Also, I have practised Scientific report writing and generated a Scientific poster, all skills that will be extremely useful for final year of Uni. Outside the lab I have developed a huge range of transferable skills. These include communication skills, flexibility and time management skills when balancing time-dependent assays with various meetings.

The atmosphere in the office was very laid-back and friendly. Everyone in the office was extremely friendly and would be keen to offer any help or share any advice regarding careers. There would also always be music in on the lab, which seem small but it can make your day a lot more enjoyable.

The work placement was extremely well set-up, with a great deal of effort put in to make you immediately feel welcome and connected with other placement students. There is a familiarisation day prior to your start date which allows you to familiarise yourself with the environment and to meet other placement students so you immediately feel at ease when officially starting.

GSK did invest quite heavily into my personal training and development. They hired external companies to visit and provide some training, as well as allowing us to use all the equipment we required to complete our projects. This equipment required training in learning how to operate it, so GSK also devoted a lot of man power in teaching placement students competency in the lab.

Working in Research & Development as a future career would require a PhD, which is an option I have yet to fully commit to. However, GSK also offer a graduate scheme called the 'Future Leaders Programme', for various departments, which as a placement student you can apply directly for during your placement year.

Yes there was a very good social scene with both my fellow students and colleagues. There are other 150 placement students at the GSK Stevenage site, and strong efforts are made to integrate them all. There is an elected Industrial Placement body called 'IP Unite' which organises various Industrial Placement socials throughout the year, which includes a winter ball and a summer boat party down the Thames. Separately, GSK organised a fully paid for Christmas party for my department, and we have monthly socials.

My apartment rent was quite expensive so my cost of living was quite higher than most peoples. The cost of living besides this was average, and similar to many other cities. In terms of socialising, with the exception of a Wetherspoons, most pubs in Stevenage are similar to London prices.

Stevenage is really quiet for nightlife, which is just limited to one High street that is full of pubs. Some do play music on weekends, however most close at around 1-2am. However, London is only a 25 minute train journey away but is expensive and is an expensive Uber back if you miss the last train!

There were various opportunities to get involved with outside of work. For example, I personally play football at least once a week in the site Sports hall and ran the Tough Mudder Classic with GSK. GSK even agreed to match any funds I raised for their charity, SaveTheChildren. There is always so much to get involved with, you will regularly get e-mailed about various opportunities!