Analytical Chemist Review

I am thoroughly enjoying the work that i am doing! It is a great feeling to be able to make a contribution to the company, knowing that my work matters to the well-being of the customers and to the companys reputation. The work itself is extremely varied and keeps me thinking constantly as you are always encountering different problems to tackle.

I feel like i have quickly become a key member of a team that has been together for some time. They have all helped me in my training and really seem to appreciate the help i have given them, especially at busy times. I've also had alot of support from my team leader and manager who have recognised when i have done a good piece of work.

My training has been very thorough and any questions i have had during my placement have been answered very well. They have also given me alot of guidance as to what options i have after i graduate, both within the company and any other options.

It tends to vary from day to day, depending ont he schedule of the batches of drugs that are being manufactured. I enjoy the busy days as i tend to thrive in a busy environment. However, when it is quiet, it gives me time to learn more about the company itself and they also give me the opportunity to do an University work if i need to.

I feel that i have been given ALOT of responsibility. After quite a short training period, i am now permitted to take any samples that enter the lab and undertake the appropriate analysis. It is vital that i carry out this analysis to the highest standard, as it often determines whether drugs are fit to be made into tablets, and therefore be taken by humans. Also, i am responsible for making sure the trade effluent water is within the limits to be released into the watershed. If i dont get the analysis right, peoples' life are at risk, therefore i have alot of responsibility to do my job correctly.

The main skills I have learned are in using analysis equipment, which is probably the subject least taught at university. This is great as i think it will give me a technical edge over my fellow undergraduates. It also makes me more employable as the knowledge i have gained is valued in industry.

The atmosphere in my office is a perfect balance between gettin work done and having a good chat when we are quiet. This is great as it means when we have deadlines, the work gets done, but when we are quiet, i allows us all to get to know each other better and keeps morale high.

Everything ran very smoothly. I recieved all the information i needed prior to starting and also had a site visit arranged for me. Whilst on placement it has seemed very organised with regards to training and what goals i have for the year i will be here.

The company are training me in many analytical techniques but are also very open to me taking any other training courses that are available.

The company is massive and can offer me many opportunities. I will definitely try to stay with the company after i graduate!!

We all got on very well with each other and ended up forming great friendships. We spent alot of time out of work together exploring the new area we were in.

The cost of living was relatively expensive to where i had lived before so it was hard at first to adjust. The cost of socialising was also high, but after a while i learnt how to manage my money better.

The nightlife in Dartford itslef was OK. It is only a short train ride into London city centre however, so there was plenty going on!!

Whilst here i have taken up salsa dancing and continued to enjoy playing tennis and darts on a regular occasion. There is much more i want to do but simply dont have the time to do everything i want to!