Undergraduate Intern - Analytical Science Review

My role covered various aspects from routine analytical testing to research projects and participating in international analytical based laboratory trial to compare analytical testing across a variety of laboratories. On a day to day basis I would typically spend half my day in the lab and the other half report writing or planning.

I have learnt many new skills both technical and soft skills. Technical skills include being proficient in various types of Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, on a wider variety of instruments. Learning different analytical work flows. My soft skills learnt included communication, team working, presentation, planning and report writing.

I was treated like an employee and was valued for my opinion and towards the end was recognised as an expert in my area of research. I was entrusted to participate and represent my lab in an international analytical trial to assess laboratory capabilities and in addition to his was trusted to use the latest piece of equipment available in the lab unsupervised.

From the start I had support and guidance in all aspects of my technical training. The level of training was perfect and allowed me to go at my own pace, something's I picked up quicker then others. Throughout my placement I was constantly being trained on new instruments and techniques. In addition to this there were extra workshops to held develop my soft skills, there were tailored for working in industry generally and not company specific.

The company from the start was very welcoming and very transparent. There was good exposure from all departments about what they did and networking between departments was certainly encouraged. The company culture is one that promotes personal development, yet there was never any pressure to reach any unrealistic expectations. I really struggle to put into words how enjoyable it was to work here and I will certainly miss the environment and my colleagues when I leave.

I enjoyed my placement massively. It really helped with my personal development and has given me so much more confidence, especially in areas I didn't know I was lacking in until I started. The technical skills I have learnt are second to none and are very advanced for someone this early in my career. I was truly grateful to be given this opportunity and would love to continue to work for this company in the future.

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My one piece of advice would be to just be yourself when you apply, the company is interested equally if not more in the type of person you are, then what is on your CV. I would also encourage anyone who is unsure to apply anyway, and make a decision based on the interview if they are successful enough. In my experience the company was very friendly at all stages of the application process, where some companies I applied to were not.