Analytical Industrial Placement Student Review

I work on the early stage of drug products and conduct routine analysis including liquid chromatography, dissolution and Karl Fischer titrations. Approximately 60% of my time in spent in the lab with the rest used for write ups and personal development.

I have developed the analytical skills I learned at university and have learned and gotten to carry out many more such as mass spectrometry, NMR, IR, Raman, LC, Dissolution and titrations. Getting hands on practical experience helps you to get to grips with the theory behind the techniques as well.

I lead my own 10 week analytical project which involved planning and sourcing the necessary materials and carrying out all the necessary lab work on my own as well as evaluating my own data and deciding the direction the project should go in. I carried out lab analysis routinely on my own and trained others in the use of the instrument I used for my project. I also organised team training events.

I had an incredibly supportive supervisor and line manager and the rest of my team were also very supportive and helped me out with anything I was struggling with. I had regular 1:1s with my supervisor and manager where I could raise any issues I was having as well as flag any opportunities that I would like to get involved in.

General atmosphere is very encouraging, no matter how high up in the company people will always try to make time to have a chat and explain their own career path. The company is striving to be as inclusive and diverse as possible and there are many opportunities to have your voice heard.

I really enjoyed my placement, I learnt so much and developed so many skills very the course of the year that I would not have done by just being at university. Sometimes balancing university work was difficult but it was worth it for the amount that I learned over the year.

Yes

Be yourself - don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you'd like, be curious. Follow the advice for the interview preparation. Be kind and respectful. Say yes to as many opportunities as you can, the more work you put in the more benefit you see.