Industrial Placement Student Review

I support my teams in carrying out key global internal communications. This ranges from company wide campaigns, to operational updates. I own and coordinate an internal newsletter that is shared biweekly to an audience of 2,000 GSK people. I manage and maintain key global intranet pages. I help to create and build global communications that are shared across the 100,000 people wide company. I manage and coordinate with high profile stakeholders. I carry out regular data and metric assessments of GSK pages.

I have learnt how to build a working relationship with colleagues and stakeholders, managing expectations and acting as a reliable, steady member of the team. I have also developed my computing skills, learning how to use a range of software including; Akumina, Camtasia, PowerBi, Social Chorus, Workplace, SharePoint and Vevox. These are all software that will be transferable for me in all future workplaces. Finally, I have learnt how to build communications that are accessible and inclusive to their audience.

My responsibility grew exponentially throughout the course of my placement. To begin, I was supported and guided through everything I did. This then developed to supporting me as I began to lead. Now, as I am finishing my placement I am independently running multiple projects from start to finish, with my manager and team available to help if I need them. I am now solely responsible for key elements of the GSK homepage as well as a biweekly newsletter.

I had a 30 day induction period in which I was actively supported every step of the way. I was also assigned a 'buddy' who was there to support me with any work or non work related questions throughout the year. They were on my team and therefore understood my workload and any areas I may be confused on. i also had a mentor who was there to guide me career wise and help we work out what I wanted to do after my placement.

The company culture at GSK is second to none. Every single person I met or worked with was friendly, happy, and ready to help or answer any questions I had. Work life balance is at the heart of the company with an understanding that people need to work around their life, not live around their work. The HR policies allow you to work flexibly to suit your home life with a hybrid model that encourages going into the office 'in the moments that matter'.

I enjoyed learning how to adjust to the workplace and learning the soft office skills that come with working in a corporate environment. I also enjoying seeing my development throughout the year; I gained technical skills and communicative skills that I will be able to carry with me once I have left GSK. Further, the opportunities that GSK presented to me were second to none, I made use of my 'Orange Day' and volunteered at Kew Gardens, I used our corporate members pass to attend shows at the National Theatre and I was actively involved in IP Unite, our society.

Yes

Take your time and be yourself throughout the process. The recruitment team know you are a university student, and they understand that you are unlikely to have been through anything like the application process before. If you have questions reach out to them, they will be happy to help. Finally, in your interview, be yourself, people can tell if you are putting on a front, and it is much better to be your real, authentic self.