Biological Reagents & Assay Development (Biochemistry) Review

by GSK

Best Student Employer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

3.4/5
  • The Role
    4.5
  • The Company
    3.2
  • The Culture
    2.0

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

    • I worked with great people on a brilliant project and thoroughly enjoyed the year I spent with GSK.

    5/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

    • I did not expect the amount of responsibility you were given here. After the first couple of months I was presenting to large groups and in charge of all the work I did, experienced colleagues would ask my opinion in areas they required assistance.

    5/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • There was a really good balance, my supervisor was always there if I had a problem, but he let me take responsibility for my own work.

    5/5
  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

    • It really depended on how my project was going, sometimes I had really strict timelines and had to work late most nights, at other times I had little lab work to do but this gave me time to write up my project.

    4/5
  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

    • After 3 - 4 months I was in charge of everything I did, I presented at all meetings, went away on conferences and designed all my experiments. My supervisor was always there for me if I got stuck though!

    5/5
  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • The skills I have learnt will really aid me persue a career in science. Other crucial skills like communication were also well developped.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

    • The people in my office were friendly and always there to offer advice. (They also brought in lots of baked goodies which is always nice!!)

    5/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • This was hit and miss, I found that the company didn't know quite a few crucial details....such as when our contracts ended and when we were meant to be leaving. It took quite a lot of effort to find out.

    3/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • The company really excelled with my training, offering me chances to travel and meet with external people at conferences and meetings to develop my own skill sets.

    5/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • Subsidised Canteen

    Subsidised/Company Gym

    Company Parties/Events

    Staff Sales/Staff Shop

    Above 25 days holiday
    2/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • I would love to go back to work for GSK, however due to the financial climate I highly doubt they employing any undergraduates at all.

    2/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

    • There was a lot of house parties and bbq's among the IP's, it was mainly a case of making your own fun as there isnt much to do in Stevenage.

    3/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • Fairly cheap to live and socialise in Stevenage.....but the is nothing to do there unless you go into London (which is expensive)

    4/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • Excluding pubs there is no nightlife.

    1/5
  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

    • Theres quite a few sports teams / classes but if you dont like that kind of thing then no.

    2/5
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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

Pharmaceutical

South East

June 2012

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