Placement Year Student Review

I would conduct experiments in a laboratory and then write up my findings from those experiments. The key was to seek out findings in a way that would be commercially valuable to the company. These experiments would support decisions on what drugs to develop and why. I was encouraged to meet with senior leaders to discuss the implications of my findings and to make recommendations. I was also encouraged to keep detailed logs of my experiments.

I have learnt a lot of new skills. In addition to developing my pre existing knowledge of chemistry, I was able to explore other ways to interpret the subject. In particular, I was encouraged to think about chemistry in a commercial environment. I learnt a lot of skills in teamwork and communication which has helped me for the future. I learnt time management skills and I was able to conduct myself well in a testing environment.

I was given a lot of responsibility when considering the fact that I was still a student. The company trusted me to interpret my findings and to relay those findings back to senior management. I was given the responsibility to work on specific areas. I was able to go away and train others on processes that I had familiarised myself with. I also had a lot of other responsibilities outside of the work such as with socials.

I received a lot of support and guidance during my placement year. This support was both from my team and managers, but also from the wider organisation. I was encouraged to seek out other areas for learning and development, including coding, public speaking, and online courses. I was given a lot of help with how to conduct experiments on the logistical side of things, including keeping safe. I was given support to help colleagues learn.

The company culture was great. I get on very well with my colleagues. A positive working environment was created for myself and my colleagues, where we were encouraged to ask for help when necessary. I was given the support I needed to feel comfortable working as a student. There was a competitive atmosphere but that was to be expected because the majority of the people working at the company are ambitious people, many of whom are young.

I really enjoyed my placement year. It was an opportunity for me to learn the skills necessary to pursue a career in science in general and drug discovery in particular upon graduating. Whilst I am not fully sure that is what I want to pursue yet, this internship nevertheless confirmed my interest in the field. I met a lot of ambitious people who were great to worth with and be around. I also learnt how to conduct myself well.

Yes

Try and emphasize the ways in which the course you have been studying has helped to give you the skills for a successful career in science. You may not know exactly what area you want to go in, but having a skillset that comes with studying a scientific course is highly valuable. Try and go along to careers fairs where you can speak to recent graduates about their experiences in order to make an informed decision.