Skin and Oral Health Scientist Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement with GSK. I was lucky enough to work through the company merger and explore how a big company reacts to a large change. I was also lucky enough to have a large amount of freedom without my projects.

The people I worked with valued my opinions and my ideas. They didn't treat me like a temporary colleague, I was able to get incredibly involved and never felt undervalued.

For the most part I received excellent support and guidance, however I had a change in the area of business I worked in half way through my placement and trying to consolidate what I'd learnt during the first half of my placement was difficult.

My work load varied day by day. On a usual day, I was in the lab for more than half the day. Even if there was no lab work to do, I still had plenty of computer work to do - such as writing up reports and experiments. GSK were flexible enough for me to have plenty of time to complete my university work too.

I was given freedom in my projects and allowed to adjust my time and goals myself. I was often in the lab alone after training and encouraged to be as independent as possible. After my change of business area, I was more closely supervised but the majority of the work still fell on my shoulders, allowed me the main responsibility.

I have learnt some invaluable skills both in and out of the lab which will help shape my final year project. I fully believe I have come out more prepared for the rest of my degree and possibly my future job roles.

Completely laidback! Everyone was super friendly, there was always so much going on. The office I worked in was like it's only little family. When we merged into another office it became a bit more formal, but still really relaxed.

On the whole the placement was really well organised, from the onboarding process right to the end. There were plenty of check-ins, and always a friendly face if you needed anything. I do feel that some areas need to be a bit more streamlined as not all of the IPs had access to the same things, but this is more down to individual managers than anything else.

I received standard training for the areas I needed to be trained in. At one point there was talk of me going on additional sessions for more advanced things, however the covid outbreak prevented this from happening.

I would definitely apply for a graduate role within this organisation. They have been a fantastic company to work for and have many options for IP students and graduates. IP students who wish to do a graduate scheme with them have the chance of fast-tracking through the application process and colleagues are always willing to help with this process.

Due to outside commitments I never fully participated in the social scene with the IPs, however they ran multiple events and encouraged a social scene. I participated in team days, team lunches and other get togethers with my work colleagues when they happened during work hours. I also participated in activities with my placement students I they happened during work hours.

This was NA for me as I remained living at my own home with my children during my placement.

Again, this is NA for me as I didn't participate in the nightlife. Weybridge does have some lovely pubs and restaurants though and is incredibly scenic.

There were so many outside projects that IPs are able to get involved in. I was due to spend a week in a camp for disabled children and their siblings, which was unfortunately cancelled due to covid. I also took part in an event called Your Future, Your Ambition which showcased the many STEM careers available for school children after their education. There are many other opportunities too and information is readily available on the things you can get involved in.