Laborotory Investigator Review

At first I was hesitant about applying for a placement year but now look back on it as a fantastic and amazing experience. I had a simply unforgetable time and made some great friends.

When I started my placement I felt slightly overwhelmed with the new environment and work load but everyone was very friendly and encouraging. Throughout the year I was invited to socials and meetings and felt part of the team.

I had weekly meetings with my supervisor which were arranged for a suitable time in which I talked over any data generated, asked any questions I had and talked about things related directly to work and things about my social life too. My supervisor was fantastic and always very supportive and with his office nearby and email address I knew I could contact him whenever needed. I was also readily helped and advised by other people in my department when I asked.

My work load started off easily managable with very little practical work but more reading and finding out about the background of my project. It quickly built up though and I found myself constantly having something to do which was wonderful as I really enjoy being busy and having to manage my time so everything gets done when needed.

I was very responsible for managing my own work load and had to make sure I met deadlines for presenting my data and completing my writeups. I felt I had the perfect balance of independent work within the team.

To a great extent. Not only have I developed skills related to my degree, but I have also developed my social skills and really improved my confidence.

My office was shared with three other students and four GSK staff. It was usually quiet with everyone working on their own things unless it was just us students in the office which was when things got a bit more lively! So I would describe it as a constructive atmosphere in which work could be done.

I think everything was pretty well organised. We had an introduction day before the placement started which was a great opportunity to meet the other students and department heads. The first couple of weeks were planned so that we were not bombarded with too much information and work and was built up according to how quickly each student learnt.

We had the opportunity to attend various lectures and seminars and undertook both compulsory and optional online training courses in practical work and data integrity.

GlaxoSmith Kline have multiple graduate opportunities and future employment with them is a definite possibility!

The students get together for main social events but usually go for weekly socials in smaller groups depending on the events. There is a good atmosphere between the students and a sense of being in the same boat.

In the Stevenage GlaxoSmith Kline site where I was based there was a limited social scene so we often travelled into London which although a bit pricier was much more vibrant and entertaining. Cost of living (rent etc) was reasonable and as long as you manage your finances realistically it is fine.

Don't really think it amounted to much. Like I preveiously mentioned, we often went into London for entertainment and the nightlife in London lacks nothing!

There were regular events taking place both part of GlaxoSmith Kline (such as volunteer work) and social activities organised by students (such as a boat party). It's all about what you make of your time and the opportunities available.