Communications Officer Review

Working with the communications team to produce daily, weekly and monthly communications, keeping signage both digital and physical up to date, working with the team to organize and plan events at the site including the opening of new facilities. Managing multiple inboxes and an anonymous question forum and providing answers to these anonymous questions. Working with the leads of various departments to ensure that messages are reaching the teams in the right way and at the right time. Video and photo editing as needed.

I have definitely learned new skills during my time at GSK including how to use platforms and softwares I didnt even know existed before I started such as SocialChorus and Vevox, whilst developing knowledge of well known programmes such as PremierPro and PhotoShop. I also developed a lot of personal communication skills and found my own personal style of communicating on a large scale with the site and on a smaller scale with the senior leadership team and stakeholders.

Yes, from day one I was given plenty of responsibility. There was never a time during my year on placement where I felt as though a project wasn't my own to do as I wanted with or that I was unable to do something without approval from my manager.

The culture at GSK is such that everyone is willing to help and aid you when you ask for it. There was no person who I asked for help from and was turned down, even when something had nothing to really do with my role. When I asked questions they were answered promptly and also followed up by an offer to learn more through watching something being done or a training course being added to my learning.

At the start of my placement there wasn't much on in terms of social activities and people getting together as COVID was still a big part of day to day to life. However, I could tell the culture was good and based on a sense of togetherness. Throughout my year I have seen many sports events and socials happen, even when they were difficult due to covid rules. The site I am at has its own club and gym adjacent which allows for great socialization. There has also been meals out and other socials. The diversity and charitable initiatives on site have also been fantastic with the employee resource groups hosting events regularly and the CARE committee having charitable drives. The whole site was supportive when the IP students did a coffee morning for Macmillan and together the site raised over £300.

My placement has been amazing, it has challenged me in some ways but has been an amazing learning experience. I have loved the work I have done and the team I work with. The company culture aligns very closely with my own values. When I graduate I definitely want to work with GSK again.

Yes

Not sure about the application process, but once you are in don't stop asking questions and finding out more. The company is huge and complex and there is so much to learn, even in a short time.