Analytical Chemistry IP Review

I found the placement to be fast-paced, exciting and completely engaging. It was hard work and often I was very busy but the work environment itself is very encouraging to see as there is an easy culture of making friends and asking for help etc.

My colleagues were all directly involved in the same work I did so it was very easy to see that I contributed the same amount as my colleagues and that they benefitted form the work I did. When doing specific work by myself for someone in my department or on site they always valued my findings.

My supervisor was extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of not only our department and the routine testing but also most of the site as well. He was very supportive and helpful whenever I encountered difficulties or made mistakes.

As my role was linked to issues on site, like unknown contaminants found in batches etc, the work often came in slower or faster at times. The routine work I did was well-known in advance, meaning I could easily schedule around busier or slower days. All in, I was mostly busy 8 hours a day.

I was given the exact same work as the employees on my team so it's very easy to say I got the same amount of responsibility as regular employees.

As this role was exactly what I am planning to look for after university this was an excellent chance to see how my university studies would apply to real work and also how well-suited my uni lab skills were. In addition, the year out has allowed my to reflect on my uni studies and see how exactly to apply myself for my final year.

Very comfortable! The team was a general spread of ages with lots of experience and also new starts so I could relate to everyone and chat very easily with everyone.

I was the seventh IP in my team, and there have been regular IPs for some time. The IP selection process for the company itself is more generalized but over time they have adapted the process really well to the site. The placement itself is well-structed with gradual skills development and lots of support.

To be honest, I am stills surprised at just how much the company has invested in me as a year-long contract IP. As a potential future employee, IPs do represent a valuable asset, so they do recognise the need for personal and skills development.

Very appealing! As a large company with a vast range of job roles even within my specification as a chemistry student there is plenty of opportunity for future employment.

As there weren't that many IPs onsite there weren't any IP specific social events but there were loads of department wide and team wide social events. I was rarely bored.

The area I live in is very reasonably priced in terms of living costs and transport, especially having moved form a large city!

The nightlife is very lively, not too many clubs nearby but still accessible via the train. Bars and pubs are especially common and very friendly!

There are opportunities for sports, volunteering and as the site is fairly rural there are also plenty of outdoor sports nearby. The train station is located close by and great for links to nearby cities.