Process Chemist Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the project I was working on. I had hands on experience with novel technology that was beyond the scope of my university studies. It was highly engaging to work and contribute in a field that is constantly changing and developing with new advancements.

I felt highly valued by my colleagues. This is mainly due to the work I was allocated was integrated in an overall goal to provide a technology for GSK. My colleagues were supportive and helpful in my development, and provided a friendly environment to operate in.

I was given an indescribable amount of support and guidance from both my supervisors which helped accelerate my development during my placement year. Whenever I had an issue or a challenge, my supervisors were both approachable and helpful. Biweekly meetings to discuss my workload and progress were really helpful in giving both guidance and support.

I was constantly busy throughout the year. Minimum hours are 7.5h a week and overtime is optional. There are several times when I worked overtime. Considering how much I enjoyed my work, I actually looked forward to extending my hours to increase my performance!

My supervisor was really busy, hence I performed the laboratory work in his place. Therefore, I was given a lot of responsibility to perform the work I was given efficiently and effectively. The responsibility was not pressurising, but created a sense of purpose and value to my placement year.

I took my third year examinations during my placement year. A lot of the concepts I gained at GSK helped me understand the topics I was studying. Furthermore, I my organisational and teamwork skills have significantly improved over the past year.

My office had a friendly and relaxed environment which made working in easier and less stressful. There was a sense of teamwork and co-operation when colleagues discussed their ideas. It was inspirational to see people working extremely hard at the same about something they were passionate about.

The placement was organised to a very high standard. Prior to the start of the placement, all chemistry students attended a 1 week course at Bristol University to brush up on laboratory skills. Furthermore, there were a lot of opportunities, such as volunteering, socials and lectures which gave a much broader experiences that extended beyond laboratory work.

GSK invested a lot of itme in my personal training and development. In the first month, there was a lot of student-supervisor contact to help myself settle in to the environment as quickly and efficiently as possible. Furthermore, I took several online courses in the first week which gave insight into the company's values and expectations. Throughout the year my supervisor would adjust my workload appropriately so I was constantly challenged to the right level.

My experiences this year have been highly positive and have further motivated me to pursue a career in scientific research. GSK have demonstrated the vast array of opportunities for my development as both a chemist and a professional worker. Additionally, I was in an environment where I was constantly learning and evolving. Consequently, future employment with GSK is a very attractive and viable path to pursue a scientific career for myself.

The social scene was impressive considering a lot of time was dedicated to the placement itself. The IP ambassadors are enthusiastic about providing opportunities for socialising with others. Pub lunches and dinners with colleagues were also worth looking forward to during the week.

Cost of living and socialising was relatively cheap in Stevenage. There are good living costs for flats which are of reasonable standard. Nights out were also pretty cheap depending on what I had planned. I lived in Old town which was in the pricier end, but I still found it affordable.

The nightlife mainly consisted of restaurants and pubs as there were no clubs. This was more appropriate for a placement year where clubbing nights out were not as common. However, London was a train away hence a more extravagant night out was also feasible during the weekends

Opportunities outside of work were rather limited. There were a few gyms, shopping centres and a few libraries. Nonetheless, when opportunities were limited, the placement students made extra effort to arrange something leisurely and relaxing