Medicinal Chemist Review

I had a fantastic time on my placement. I found the work engaging, challenging, and thoroughly enjoyable. At no point did I feel that the work I was given was trivial, derivative or demeaning.

The colleagues I had were a fantastic group of people - they were all incredibly friendly, accommodating, and passionate about their work. I never felt as if I was being patronised or judged on my ability.

Since I had a scientific placement within R&D, the support with my work that I received was second-to-none. Any questions, queries or concerns I had at any point were always addressed - any external work I had to do was supported whenever I needed it.

Scientific R&D is a very busy job, and so there was never a shortage of things to do. However, I feel that there was the appropriate level of expectation, and whenever work began to get too much the pressure was taken off. It was, near enough, a perfect balance.

Every day was a new learning experience, and our skills were constantly challenged and improved throughout our time on placement.

My office was, in fact, a chemical laboratory, so the atmosphere is different to the typical office anyway. In fact, we had a very good, friendly atmosphere - but with the appropriate level of seriousness and professionalism that would be expected of a research lab.

The organisation that GSK had for the placement was excellent - the placement scheme has been running for many years and runs extremely well.

It is always possible to learn new things on this placement. The other scientists around you are very experienced and knowledgable, and are more than happy to answer any questions you might have. Internal lectures and seminars, as well as guest lecturers from academia are a frequent fixture - learning courses are available to all placement students.

Unfortunately, graduate recruitment within R&D is currently very poor to non-existent. That said, graduate recruitment into the corporate structure is much better and if you are looking for graduate opportunities outside of actual scientific research, then there are plenty of opportunities.

Since there were about 140 placement students at my site, all with similar interests and at roughly the same stages of their degrees, there was an excellent social scene between the students.

The placement was based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. Since this is commuter belt territory for people who work in London, accommodation isn't particularly cheap. However, the amount of money you're paid whilst on placement is enough to live on, and enjoy yourself.

There certainly is nightlife in Stevenage... perhaps not of a particularly high standard, but it's certainly there.

Opportunities to volunteer for events, charity fundraising.