Industrial Placement student in the Medicinal Chemsitry department. Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement at GSK Stevenage in the Medicinal Chemistry Department. From day 1 you are able to get involved in important ongoing projects and are made to feel like part of the team. You are provided with a vast amount of opportunities for presenting your work and getting involves in internal seminars.

As placement students you are expected to undertake the same roles and work as full time employees. IP's are seen as an valuable contributors to ongoing projects and your supervisors won't be afraid to challenge you.

Overall, GSK is very invested in the wellbeing of their employees, IP's included, and as a result there is an environment in which you feel supported and valued no matter what you role is within the company. You are offered 1:1 sessions with line managers both in and out of your team to ensure you get the best out of the placement year.

In terms of lab work, you are able to set your own pace after the first few weeks with the expectation that you will work hard and produce what is asked of you. Additionally, you will be expected to attend project meetings as well as internal seminars, giving you an opportunity to learn more about the company. However, as a company GSK value the need for coffee breaks as a good time to network and take a break.

The work you are given within your placement is your own and you are expected to undertake the same roles as other employees with some support from your supervisor. You are also expected to present your own work and take an active role in meetings. The amount of additional responsibility you take on is up to you, as there are plenty of opportunities to get more involved within the company, such as taking a role in IP unite.

Working day to day in the lab has meant that my laboratory skills have developed significantly, helping me to feel more confident and learn new skills whilst conducting experiments. Additionally this placement has significantly improved my presenting skills as well as my ability to network within the company.

The general atmosphere was relaxed, with the PhD's, apprentices and IP's as well as employees there is a very mixed range of ages which leads to a safe and fun atmosphere where you can both build relationships within the team, get work done, and have support from other staff members when needed.

The beginning of the placement is very structured to enable your integration into the role. Following on from this you are provided with a lot more freedom in your time management. There is not a set 'improvement scheme' to follow from GSK, though often your university will expect you to keep a log of how you think you have improved.

You are expected to go through the same training as any new starter to the company, to ensure safe practices. Additionally, IP students were provided with small study sessions run by the PhD cohort which helps to further develop your knowledge.

GSK offers a variety of further opportunities for placement students. This includes both the PhD scheme and the future leaders programme.

IP unite organise events for the industrial placement students throughout the year. Including both a winter and summer ball. With colleagues you are expected to attend the Christmas party which varies between departments.

In Stevenage you should expect London prices, which is taken into account in your pay.

In Stevenage this is very poor. However, London is only a 30 min train ride away and most events are held here.

GSK have a sports facility which you are able to join at an additional cost. There are many sports teams set up within the company such as football, hockey, badminton etc.