Associate Study Manager Review

The work placement was very enjoyable.

Even though I was a student I was treated like everyone else in the department, and as my placement progressed I was given more responsibilities.

My manager was great she made sure that I got a chance to explore the rest of the company by helping me set up shadowing opportunities with other collegues in different areas of the business. She was easily approachable and made sure I was making the most of this experience.

This varied as some days I would have very little to do but on other days I would be really busy. Over time I learnt how to manage my work load, and how to prioritise work.

As my placement progressed I was given more and more responsibilities which made me feel valued and a part of the team. Eventually I was chairing team meetings and was given an opportunity to produce a vital document for the project I was working on.

The whole experience has helped me learn a lot about myself but also about pharmaceutical companies. Skills such as time keeping, organisation and improving my communication skills will definately help me through my degree but also beyond. I've had the chance to work with a variety of people and this has helped me improve my team working skills.

I worked in an open plan which I actually really enjoyed. Everyone was very friendly and easily approachable, whether they were senior staff or not we all sat together.

From day one it was all set up very well by my manager. I started working with my project team in the first week while I continued with my training. I felt this was a good idea as it helped me learn about my project much earlier. Throughout the year I was given opportunities to visit other sites and expand my knowledge about GSK.

I was given the same opportunities as the other collegues and was allowed to attend training programmes e.g a team working workshop

I think I would definately be able to get a job back in the organisation however it may not be directly back into the role I am currently doing for my placement. I would love to work for GSK again!

The placement students all got on really well and socialised a lot whilst on placement.

I personally lived at home during placement as it was nearby. However from what I've heard from the other students it is definately difficult living out and socialising but that still didn't stop them!

The nightlife around the area is not very good. Most of the time the students went into london or other areas on a night out. It's fairly easy getting into central from where they lived.

I already live in the area and my uni is also local so in terms of activities outside of work I think its fairly simple. Some of the students joined the local gym.