Statistician Review

I have really enjoyed my placement year. It has been great to experience a real working environment and I have enjoyed the job I was doing during the year.

I have been treated like a regular part of the team. During the year I was able to feel really integrated and my opinion was always valued.

My supervisor was brilliant at supporting me during the year. She balanced giving me sufficient support and guidance with giving me the independence and responsibility really well. As my placement progressed guidance shifted more towards the other members of my team I was working with, however she was always available if need.

I felt like the majority of the time the workload I had was ideal. The workload did vary as the work coming into the team changed, but I almost never felt bored due to lack of work. I was able to control the amount and type of work I undertook by taking up additional projects when work was allocated. There were busy periods but any extra effort was really appreciated.

Throughout the year I gained more responsibility for the projects I undertook. About halfway through my year I was taking much more responsibility for my work, managing my workload and meeting my deadlines.

I learnt so much during the year mostly through the work I take on daily, but through training courses as well. My technical skills improved dramatically and I learnt lots of new things that related to my degree. I had the opportunity to go on courses for CV writing, presentation skills and programming courses as well as courses directly related to my job. Although the courses were really helpful, I found that I learnt most through the guidance of my team and actually doing the job.

My office was very productive so often quite quiet, however everyone was really friendly. There was a nice atmosphere with people discussing work regualrly.

The placement was organised well and from when I started my department integrated my almost seamlessly. However, as placement students, we were contracted to GSK from an outside company, which often made it more complicated to get administation issues sorted. Although our contact within the outside company was really efficient and helpful.

The company really invested in my training and developement. The year taught me so much and I was encouraged to take time for my personal development, such as finding out more about the company outside of my department.

I would really like the opportunity to work in this company again, and had the opportunity to apply fast tracked for a graduate scheme. The team I was in would require further study to enter in the future. It has helped me to decide that this is an area I am really interested in.

There were many students within the company so there were lots of opportunities attached to this. With about 30 other IPs on my site and mostly living in my same town we regularly spent time together outside of work. I also got to know other IPs on near my sites in similar roles. As a team we went out for a regular meal together, which gave us oppurtunity to socialise outside work.

It was rather expensive as we were within commuting distance of London, however it was not much more than at my Uni. It was more expensive as there were mostly only houses for two people.

There were lots of pubs in the town even though it was so small. The nearest club was in another town nearby which could be reached by train. Being close to London, it was possible to enjoy that nightlife although that was more effort.

There were lots of opportunities to get involved with other things at work such as helping at work experience week etc. The sports and social club offered lots of activities such as trips, sports clubs and interest groups.