Work Experience Placement Review

The week I spent here was very enjoyable, giving me a good insight into each aspect of the company and how the different teams work together. All the staff were extremely welcoming and were more than willing to take time to explain what they were doing and their roles within the team as well as answering any questions I had. I was involved within a small but friendly team which made the experience engaging, interesting and highly rewarding.

All of the workers I spent time with were very helpful, taking time to explain in detail what they were doing step by step. The week was well organised, with members of staff taking time out of their work to answer any questions we had as well as listen to any comments we had, making me feel as if any ideas I could contribute would be taken on board with consideration. Although during a weeks internship you cannot do any significant work, some of the tasks we were given had impact on other team member's work, giving the impression of working as part of the team instead of just observing.

Despite spending just a week here, my time here was especially well organised, with a timetable for the week prepared beforehand to ensure we got to spend time in each department as well as completing tasks both individually and alongside the other students on the placement week. Throughout the whole time there, there was always someone available to ask any questions we have and give us detailed insights into what its like to work at the company.

Having never completed any placements or worked in industry before, being able to see how content and processes I have learnt about during college and university was extremely useful. I got a deeper and clearer understanding of what it means to work within an industry lab setting as well as what the day to day tasks consist of. Several members of staff also shared advice from experience of how to improve and better organise work, which I can draw from when completing my own work in the future.

I cannot fault the organisation of the placement week - although the week was planned out before we arrived, giving us time in each department, there was also time available for us to get a better look at any areas of particular interest to us. For example, at the end of the week we were given a tour of the manufacturing area, with a significant amount of time dedicated to explaining the entire manufacture process.

From the time we arrived I felt extremely welcomed into the team, with all of the staff we worked alongside being very friendly and creating a relaxed but productive work atmosphere. Despite some instances, everyone in the department offered additional help, going above and beyond what I would have expected as well as including us in their friendly chats and offering food and drinks to involve us as part of their team. There was a clear respect for the structure of the team, with the team leaders listening to concerns of the other workers to create an ideal work environment.

Having just spent a week to gain an insight into the company, there was little opportunity for training and development.

Even though I only spent a day in each area of the company, I feel as though I got a good understanding of what it would be like to work there in the future thanks to the team members welcoming us into the team and making it feel as though we were already part of the team. We were also invited to join in with a retirement celebration during a lunch break during the week, further giving me an insight into the work environment of the company.

On the first day, we spent the morning talking to the group leader who explained the beliefs of the company and their values as well as outlining how the company operates. Furthermore, throughout the week we got additional insights into aspects such as the other offices/manufacturing plants of the company based around the world and what each one focuses, explaining how each of them maintain an organised system and communicate effectively to ensure things run smoothly.

I have not yet made a decision on my future career path, but the time I spent at this company has helped by showing me a job in an industry setting could be a serious possibility I should consider. Both the company and staff working there exceeded my expectations and went above and beyond to help us get the most out of our time there - although I did not learn about the opportunities for employment and career paths, I would be more than happy to work as part of the team here in the future.

I got to spend time with and chat to members of staff from both the office and department my placement was with as well as those from other departments, such as the manufacturing side of the company. Despite this, due to the limited time I spent at the company, I was not able to properly network and build professional relationships for the future. However, after meeting and chatting with the staff and knowing how friendly and welcoming everyone was, I would feel extremely comfortable to contact the company in the future should I need to.

There was no official information on activities outside of the work, but several employees chatted to us about their experiences such as exercise classes etc.

I would highly recommend the placement here to anyone with an interest in gaining an insight into industry or quality control lab work - both in chemistry or biology related fields. Not only did I benefit personally and learn about a professional but friendly industry work environment, something I had not previously been able to experience, but I also had an enjoyable and rewarding week where I felt welcomed and valued even after such a short time there.