Industrial Placement Student Review

The role involves attending team meetings, planning experiments, both individually or with the help of your supervisor/team, and carrying out those experiments. The data is analysed, and presented to your supervisor/team in meetings. So presentations need to be made to clearly share data, both internally and externally (especially for collaborative projects). Communication through emails is also maintained with collaborators as well as emails, to come up with the next steps in the project.

I have definitely learnt many laboratory skills, including a list of new analytical techniques and how to carry out those assays. I have used a range of high-tech equipment that I would not had the chance at university. Many existing lab and office skills were developed, especially in experiment design. I have also learnt a lot about the pharmaceutical industry in general, and how a drug product is taken from it's discovery through to administering it to patients.

Yes - Planning my experiments and managing my work time were entirely up to me. Although supervisors give you support, I was able to work individually quite early on, and through most of my project to plan experiments, and collaborate both internally and externally on my project. I was also involved in team meetings and discussions around other projects, and able to help other team members in their work. I was given full autonomy of my project.

This may vary from different project supervisors, but during my placement my supervisor gave me the right amount of support and guidance. At the start they helped a lot for me to adjust to the new environment, and whilst being trained on new laboratory techniques. Early on in my placement I started working individually with less and less guidance, but always at a pace that was comfortable. My supervisor is always available when I need the support, but allows me to have autonomy of my project.

This may vary across different sites, but in my office the culture was amazing. Everyone in my office was very friendly and relaxed, and it was an enjoyable place to be in. The company has many events (many had to be virtual only). There are often conferences, social events, sports events and many more, which encourage inclusivity within the company. Occasionally there are events such as free breakfast or a food and drinks reception which are great fun!

I loved the company culture, and the team I was in. However, the work I was doing is not my area of interest so I did not fully enjoy it. At times I also found myself not having enough to do during my work day, so I would sometimes feel as though I was wasting time. Being in industry did not meet my expectations - Science is a lot different to how I imagined it. I think if I had been involved in a project in my area of interest I would have enjoyed it much more, and if I had a role in this I would definitely come back.

Yes

Prepare well for the interview, but try not to be nervous and let your personality show. People want to know that you will fit into the work environment. Everyone is so friendly so don't be afraid to ask for help, especially in those early days after joining. Make the most of your placement, try shadowing other scientists on new techniques and talk to your team about your project. They may offer advice/ideas that you haven't thought of.