Site Launch Change Controller Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year at GSK. I was part of an inclusive and supportive team and had so many development opportunities boosting my confidence both on a professional and personal level. The work was challenging and rewarding, but if I needed help, I could happily ask anyone in my team.

I felt very valued by my colleagues, even from the moment I started. Each team member took the time to see if I understood the work given to me and see if I was ok. I felt like I was a part of the team very early on and that they encouraged my ideas and thoughts.

My mentors and managers were always very supportive and encouraging. If I needed guidance, I knew I could always go speak to them and they would help in whatever way they could, whether that was work or development related. If I had an issue, they would be able to point me in the right direction and support in resolving this. I had bi weekly check ins with my manager to discuss any problems or help build a development plan.

I was project lead on two projects which meant that I always had something to do. Due to the nature of these projects, there were some days where I was extremely busy, but I knew I could rely on my team to support if necessary, and others were I was not as busy as I'd hoped, but I could use this time to work on development points discussed with my supervisor.

Quite early on into the placement, I was asked to lead two projects, so I had the same amount of responsibility of my colleagues in my team and around me. I felt valued and trusted with this high level of responsibility, but did not feel overwhelmed at the same time.

I developed so many skills during this placement, which was helped by the amazing support from my mentors and my team, that I do not think I would have received anywhere else. I had 1:1 training for many systems and skills and feel confident and comfortable applying for jobs in the future. The time management skills I acquired here will aid me in my final year of study at university.

There was such a lovely atmosphere in my office where everyone was so welcoming and lovely. We often organised out of work events to socialise on a personal level and had bake sales and competitions at least monthly. It was such a nice place to work and feel comfortable in

The placement year was very well organised and before I joined, I was contacted to ensure I felt prepared for the placement. The training period with the previous placement student was thought out and thorough and having a mentor to further train me throughout the year meant that I understood my role and how it fits into the wider picture.

My mentor and manager were very encouraging and supportive of me in terms or personal development and ensure that if I needed a day off to go to a site visit, or shadow a graduate student, they would make sure I was fully prepared. I had quarterly reviews to assess my personal development and how to improve and fulfil the most out of my time on placement.

GSK have many graduate opportunities which I am excited to apply for and learn more about. Throughout the year, the early talent team have aided us in knowing about the different schemes and future career opportunities. If I do not get onto the graduate scheme, I will be applying for direct entry jobs.

We had a placement representative who organised many events for both us and the graduates, ensuring that all placement students go to know each other on a more personal level. There were also larger events such as the placement ball where students across the country all were together at one venue.

It was quite expensive to live in the area I was working in, but it was also a nice area close to work and to other amenities. There were a lot of different ways you could socialise where some wouldn't cost anything such as going to the beach, and others were reasonably priced.

The nightlife wasn't amazing where I worked- there were a few clubs and nice bars, but Brighton was only a half an hour train journey away so often as a group we went there for different nights out.

There were many opportunities in the area I worked in, but you had to find them yourself. There were many other placement students looking for things to do as well, which made finding activities a lot easier.