Industrial Placement Student Review

I worked as a synthetic chemist within a small team - our aim was the scale-up of the synthesis of a drug. I completed experiments within the laboratory, adhered to health and safety requirements, maintained my online lab notebook and attended team meetings.

I learned a range of synthetic techniques and worked with semi-automated reactor systems, as well as automated column chromatography equipment. I learned how to adhere to health and safety requirements, and built on my communication and time management skills, as well as learning about process chemistry and the challenges involved with scale-up.

I had a full responsibility over my masters project, which lasted around 3 months - I planned my time and experiments, as well as the next stages of the project. At other times however, I was told what work to complete each week - I was responsible for ensuring this was completed.

My supervisor was excellent - he offered lots of support during my masters project and whilst I was being trained. This continued throughout my placement. The other members of my team were also very supportive and were always on hand if I had any questions - I really enjoyed working with them.

The atmosphere in my team was excellent - I always felt included despite there being a gender imbalance within my team. The office sometimes felt quite large and there was a lot of people I didn't really know. However it is lovely being part of a cohort of placement students as there are often things being organised.

I really enjoyed completing my masters project whilst on placement as I experienced a great deal of autonomy and loved the opportunity to manage my own project and deadlines. Sadly some of the tasks in the last few months of placement were very repetitive and boring, albeit crucial for the project; I did not feel I was applying much of my general chemistry knowledge at times.

Yes

Do lots of research on the company and their values - include this in your cover letter and be prepared to discuss the values at interview. Be prepared to answer chemistry specific questions at interview.