Engineer Review

I was based in a production engineering team, where I worked alongside a range of multidisciplinary teams on the production equipment in the facility, such as technical, quality, production and automation engineering. This included working on change controls, continuous improvement activities, activities relating to process safety, general admin and newsletters. I was also involved in the response to breakdown of equipment, using problem solving and root cause analysis techniques to complete investigations, in cases using process data.

I feel I have greatly increased my soft skills in completing this placement - confidence in working with a wide range of people, presentation skills, communication, adaptability to the fast paced environment and teamwork. I also have learnt a great deal about the production equipment which is used at GSK, and the logistics and complex nature of the supply chain, particularly and understanding of the highly regulated environment and quality procedures which are used day to day.

My responsibility during my placement gradually increased throughout the year, starting from small contributions to projects at the start of the year, to leading projects towards the end of the year. I received support from my manage throughout this process, and was also supported from the online training process and standard operating procedures. Initial examples include making new signage and responsible for newsletters, whereas as time progressed examples included leading change controls, meetings and investigation projects.

Initially when joining there was a lot of online training to be completed, supporting some baseline knowledge. I had a lot of support and regular checkins with my manager, also signed up to various mentoring schemes; I had two mentors on site, and another mentor at another GSK site. There was also an early talent manager on site who was there for support if we needed it, as well as 20+ other placement students to talk to. I found in general all colleagues were very friendly and always willing to help and support where I needed, especially when asking questions!

In general, the company culture was very transparent, with a strong patient focus. Although very busy and fast paced at times, with lots of high priority tasks, managers were willing to listen and support when needed. There is a strong early talent community, with lots of events throughout the year, both social an work related, and the opportunity to be part of a social group of students, where committee positions are available. There was also events with apprentices and graduates, and wider groups such as for pride, international womens day and celebration of a broad range of cultural events.

I enjoyed my placement year, especially towards the final months when I gained greater awareness and responsibility. It was challenging at times, especially in the first few months adapting to working full time in the production environment, and all the associated rules, regulations and acronyms, however this was alleviated with time. I particularly enjoyed the wider opportunities, including STEM volunteering at local schools, hosting visitors for site tours and career guidance sessions. I feel I have developed both personally and professionally over this year, and I know pharmaceutical engineering is something I would want to continue a career in the future.

Yes

When applying to GSK, check the job descriptions carefully, there are a variety of positions available with similar job titles however very different responsibilities. e.g. engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical technical/technologist. I would consider the location, and how likely you are to be working on site full time. In terms of application tips, I would say be clear, genuinely interested and completely honest, and do lots of research into the production processes and safety considerations which are implemented in pharmaceutical production as a whole. I definitely would recommend the placement scheme GSK offers as a whole, including the wider opportunities which are on offer.