Business Analyst Review

I've worked at several companies before my placement, doing a mixture of both work experience and paid work - but I've enjoyed my time at GSK most!

I was regularly asked for my opinion on projects we were undertaking and my feedback was taken into account during meetings and reviews.

My managers were immensely supportive - but not just in the traditional sense. I was regularly put me forward for new projects with a range of customers from across the business.

My workload varied throughout the year. There were times when I was becoming overwhelmed, and had to prioritise work appropriately. However there were times when I found myself with not much to do.

I was given responsibility for running several projects throughout the year, and working directly with senior stakeholders within the organisation.

Time management, presentation skills and stakeholder management were skills I was able to develop significantly throughout my time at GSK.

Again there were times when we could have a joke and a laugh with people across not only our own team, but the entire company. At other times when project deadlines were looming, the atmosphere could be a lot more sullen.

The hiring process was a little patchy - application processing is done by a company called Gradweb, who constantly seem to have issues with the applications systems. Aside from this the interview process is very well done, you're able to express a preference on where you'd like to work within the company. When you're placement begins, the way it's run and the work you're given tends to vary massively as students report into their own individual line managers. Generally speaking though, they have a good grip on how to work with placement students. The only other gripe I had while on placement was with the employer - as you'll be a contractor from another company, and technically not hired by GSK. The company that employs placement students seem to make mistakes quite often, I had trouble getting holiday pay I was owed and payslips were sometimes incorrect and they would never get in touch to say they'd made a mistake unless you mentioned it yourself.

I was given a lot of soft training (time management, presentation skills, stakeholder and project management), I wasn't offered any formal training though - however other students were able to undertake ITIL and PRINCE2 training courses.

Can't comment on this as the graduate scheme has recently changed and the details will probably be updated on their website.

Lots of nights out, and events both in and out of work. Being in London there's tons of stuff to do as well!

Anyone can tell you clubs and bars in London definitely aren't cheap! I was living and working in London (Zone 3) - So rent is astronomically high and made moving to the area and finding a decent place to live quite difficult. Travel is pretty cheap though if you have an oyster card!

Central London is like minutes away on the tube! Need I say more?!

Plenty out there, both volunteering in schemes run by GSK (Orange Days), or other activities.