Industrial Placement Student Review

I really enjoyed my work placement year at GSK. I felt really well supported by my supervisor and surrounding team. In addition, working in the Research function of the company was stimulating and rewarding - with lots of opportunities for personal development. I have absolutely no regrets about undertaking a placement at GSK, and will carry forward many of the skills I have acquired throughout my placement year.

I felt valued by the vast majority of my colleagues, especially within my individual team. Whilst there was a cautious approach towards student lab work (eg supervision at all times), my team members really took an interest in my individual project which I undertook. In addition, my supervisor would regularly discuss his own work with me and seek my input. We were also regularly encouraged to speak openly at team meetings to share our opinions with the wider group.

My supervisor was the highlight of my year at GSK. He devoted an incredible amount of time to my project, development and training. I never had an issue with insufficient help or advice, and always felt able to ask for more help if needed. He genuinely took an interest in my personal development and training - and I think I am far more competent and experienced in a vast array of lab techniques thanks to his considerable efforts.

The workload was never overwhelming, however I was generally kept quite busy. Undertaking a lab-based placement involved a lot of planning and executing experiments, which can be time consuming. I would regularly find myself staying late - however this was always optional and always my own choice. There was always plenty of work to do. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic where working from home was required, I was still kept busy at all times.

I was given almost complete responsibility for my own project. My supervisor would suggest ideas and support the development of my ideas, however I had relative freedom to take the project in the direction I wanted. It was nice to be involved in an active project within the organisation - knowing the work I was undertaking would help an important project for the company.

I think specifically the scientific training I received this year will greatly help me in my final year at University. I had extensive experience with many different lab techniques which will no doubt help me in my final year undergrad research project. Also, my scientific knowledge has greatly improved and I am much more confident undertaking statistics and writing reports. In addition, the soft skills I have developed in teamwork, presenting, analysis and planning will help me in any career path I pursue.

The office had a great atmosphere. As the office was hot-desking, there was a wide variety of people I interacted with on a daily basis. The office was generally very relaxed and people would have regular conversations - however everyone was generally hard-working and focused on their tasks. The labs also had a great atmosphere, with all my colleagues willing to help me if needed.

The placement was very well organised. Even prior to beginning my placement, my supervisor was in regular contact to ensure I felt supported during the onboarding process. At the beginning of my placement training was provided in basic lab techniques and general GSK practices. Throughout the year there was regular chances to review my personal development.

I was given extensive training. I was trained in several lab techniques till I was at such a level that I was competent undertaking these techniques on my own. In addition regular trainings were provided on scientific skills, analysis and statistics. There was regular opportunities to participate in company wide development programmes and also business unit specific development. I was also able to undertake some external training courses.

I would happily return to GSK in the future, as it is a great company to work for. I think there are various options for me to return to GSK, and I was also given the opportunity to apply internally for the company's graduate scheme. I think the company places importance on the training it provides its placement students and this is reflected in the number of placement students who return and secure full time roles.

Within our department, there was a small group of placement students who would regularly interact both at work and out with work. There are also a lot of placement students at the Stevenage site, hence there was plenty of social opportunities throughout the year. Our department also organised regular socials and this allowed for interaction with team members.

Stevenage has a relatively average cost of living, in line with many large towns and cities outside London. The accommodation prices in the local area were reasonable and night outs were reasonable enough. There was lots of restaurants to choose from and all were reasonably priced. There was also a leisure park which was fairly priced too.

Stevenage does have some big bars and restaurants, however there is not a huge choice. Generally old town had some nice areas to go for a drink and socialise after work, but nights out were generally reserved for London as it is only 30 mins away on the train. Generally however we stuck to socialising in Stevenage.

There were lots of opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work. Also, there was some annual events outside of work. In addition to regular socials, there was a sports centre which had regularly sporting events and classes. There was also virtual lectures and seminars both during and outside of work hours which you could attend.