Communications Officer Industrial Placement Review

I am responsible for the day-to-day handling of communications on site, including site-wide emails, workplace posts and updating plasma screens. I also organize and run events relating to the culture and engagement on-site, ensuring all of site are up to date on our performance and any news. Within my team we ensure the continuous improvement of our culture, and that both our culture and branding reflects GSK's values, keeping in contact with communication managers globally.

My role has enabled me to develop my technical media skills for my final year university whilst providing a business perspective. Thanks to my flexible role, I have been able to work with various departments for a variety of projects, each requiring different technical skills and enabling me to learn and practice new things. Furthermore, it has also given me an opportunity to regularly work with managers and stakeholders, giving me a sense of responsibility and importance in the work that I do, as well as the confidence to voice my opinions to those more experience and knowledgeable than me. Furthermore, by being trained in various areas such as project management, event organizing and company branding and values,

I was given responsibility straight away, gaining major site-wide projects and having the opportunity to go out and choose my own as well. Managers and stakeholders would put their trust in me to run events in their name or communicate key information to site. I was both a learner and a leader during this placement, getting to take charge of my projects and events whilst still having room to make mistakes and develop my skills.

I have met people inside and out of GSK which I have learnt a lot from. Interacting with lots of different people at GSK has benefitted me by widening my knowledge of GSK as an industry and the career opportunities that may be available to me in the future. Participation in various meetings has aided me in my professional conduct and presentation skills to multiple knowledgeable individuals whilst always receiving the help and support needed

Though there was significant change to both the wider organization that is GSK but also site changes such as stakeholder management and culture, I felt like I still enjoyed being there as well as my team who were often positive despite the challenges they faced. Everyone is keen to help each other and there's always support smiles no matter where you go. Even when tensions would arise I felt as though they were dealt with very professionally.

My placement has enabled me to explore the large role that is Media and Communications, and find many aspects that I love, whilst building on my skills and the things I already found enjoyable. I have been able to improve both my work skills and my networking skills, meeting other IPs from various site in different roles as well as becoming apart of the team within my own area of work. I have been provided with a wider view of the businesses open to my role, and the opportunities I can take within that role. I was given plenty of room to grow and develop whilst challenging what I already know to build on my skills and my confidence within the workplace environment. I now have a much more motivated view towards my future career and a clearer understanding of all the options available to me

Yes

Put yourself out there and don't be afraid to ask questions. The more you show your true personality during the assessments the more likely you are to succeed as they are specifically designed to find the right person for the job. You will be guided the whole way and though the work may be a lot when applying the outcome is defiantly worth it as working at GSK is certainly rewarding and great for the CV.