Global Regulatory Operation Excellence Review

The placement gave an opportunity to experience what it is like to work in pharmaceutical industry. I worked in regulatory department and was given high responsibility activities. I lead and co-lead a variety of projects which helped me understand the regulatory side of the industry a lot better, as well and build up on some of my most critical professional skills.

I really felt as a part of the team, even through most of my team members were based in other offices in the UK and elsewhere. I was invited to all team meetings and was treated the same way as other team members. In later months of the placement I was given to lead some higher responsibility tasks and projects, and my efforts and accomplishments were valued by all team members.

I received more support during the first few months as it naturally took some time to get familiar to the role and the company. Later through the year I was given more responsibilities and worked autonomously, however, my team always made sure I received support and guidance whenever I needed.

I was busy most of the time, but this varied from day to day. The first couple of months we mainly had trainings and introductory meetings, but later on I was given more tasks and got involved in some wider projects which kept me busy until I finished. There were some really busy periods, but the team always offered their support when I needed.

I was given some higher responsibility tasks 3-4 months into the placement. After Christmas I assigned as a project manager/lead of a few projects. I also supported my manager with some high responsibility tasks. I really feel that I was exposed to some high responsibility cases, but at the same time, support from my team was always available as well.

I definitely found this year valuable and do not regret my decision to take this. I improved a whole variety of skills, including project management, leadership, team work, communication and collaboration with people from all over the globe, time management and critical thinking. I do believe these will be useful when I go back to uni, but I think this will be way more beneficial after that, when I have to actually apply and demonstrate them in my graduate job.

The general atmosphere was positive, we had a strong undergraduate community as there were around 60 of us based in Walton oaks. My team was great too, they were supporting and really welcoming, we also had an undergrad from last year staying a bit longer so he gave us an introduction to the role which was really good.

I was highly impressed with the overall scheme. I know undergrad experiences varied a lot depending on their team and manager, but I am personally really satisfied. 3 months in I was asked what kind of skills I was to develop and what do I expect from this year. based on my answers I was given a few projects and opportunities to develop that.

Probably less that their regular employees or students in other department, but still more than I expected. They also aimed to complement the lack of personal development opportunities by giving me more responsibilities and more interesting projects to work on, which turned out really well. my team also shared their experiences in different conferences to make sure I get the most of my year at Pfizer.

I would definitely come back to this company. I really like the culture and the type of work. I would like to get exposure to other industries and roles through, but in terms of my long term plans, Pfizer is definitely on the list. I know quite current employees in my team were undergraduates before.

Yes, the undergraduate community is pretty close. There were around 60 of us and 20 or 30 more based in sandwich.

We were living in Surrey, spending most of the weekend in London, so naturally it was fairly expensive. But I covered all my expenses myself and saved some money for next year. It depends of course on your lifestyle but I'd say that for most people the salary is enough to cover their living expenses.

Most students live in Redhill/Reigate or Epsom. There are quite a few pubs and a couple of clubs, but we were tend to go out in London every now and then. That o course was a bit more expensive. Overall, it is a fairly good place to live, as it's really easy to get to London when you need to.

Yes, we have a STEM ambassador scheme, where we go into school and talk about pharma to younger students. There's also HBS which is a global program. They have events in London and you can attend them at a discounted price, or join as a volunteer, which in that case is free.