QRC Analyst Review

Working as an analyst for GlaxoSmithKline has been challenging, but nevertheless rewarding. Although I had previous experience in IT, the knowledge acquired at GSK has proved to be invaluable.

My colleagues have made me feel part of their big family and never made me believe or feel that I am just an industrial placement student. I had the opportunity to attend leadership team meetings, coffee breaks, team dinners and 1:1s with the managers. With regards to my input and my work, it has been highly appreciated and valued. I felt like a professional and never just like a student.

I had support and guidance from everyone in my team, starting with my line manager and ending with our head of department. I had regular 1:1s with my line manager, our director and, monthly, with the head of the department.

The amount of work was enough to keep me busy throughout the day. I didn't have low times and if it ever happened for a meeting to be cancelled, I found a new thing to work on. I was welcomed to ask for involvement in different and/or new projects, if I felt that I had the capacity and time management skills necessary.

I have been given a great deal of responsibility, from acting as a project manager in my first few months of the placement, to reviewing contracts and making sure they align to our standards and requirements.

They will not assist me very much in my degree studies, but they will strongly help me in the career I chose to pursue. Although I am a Computer Science student, working as a Business Analyst for GSK has made want to do this full time.

The general atmosphere in the office was a relaxed one, people were friendly, cheerful and helpful. My colleagues were always there to help with practical advice and nonetheless socialing and joking.

I was the first intern in my department, so a routine was not created yet. Nevertheless, my colleagues and all of the team have received me very well and we learnt together the ropes of the placement.

As I said in the previous comment, being the first student in that department meant that a routine and a clear set of steps weren't yet defined. Having that in mind, I missed the chance of taking the ITIL, but had, however, access to the internal learning system.

Future employment prospects are highly appealing. GSK has many ways of allowing you to come back, either as a graduate or a professional. I have some "mock" interviews at the end of my placements to help me understand the recruitment process better. My aim is definitely to come back as a professional !

The atmosphere among students was great, partly because of the high number of IP students working for GSK. There were regular nights out, drinks after works, coffee breaks, all of which were meant to bring together students from all sites, not just GSK House.

I can't speak from my own experience, because I was leaving at home and therefore commuting, but I know from fellow students that the area (Ealing) is not very expensive, quiet and in perfect reach of GSK House.

I know from fellow students that central London was in easy reach, with plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs. Around Ealing I don't know of night clubs, but I know that there are, however, great pubs, great food and acceptable entertainment.

There were plenty of opportunities to get involved in activities outside work. There were charity events, runs, sports club, social gathering, drinks after work, cycling to work and, nevertheless, the socialising with the students.