Analytical Chemist Review

by MSD

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

3.9/5
  • The Role
    4.0
  • The Company
    3.8
  • The Culture
    3.9

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

    • First month or so was difficult, learning new skills in an area in which I had no previous experience. My colleagues were very helpful however and I soon got over that tricky period. By the time my placement was up, I had learnt an incredible amount about the pharmaceutical industry and gained experience with a number of new scientific techniques. Looking back now, the decision to take a placement year as part of my degree was one of my better decisions!

    5/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

    • Everyone was very supportive throughout my placement and always prepared to help/answer any questions. Given the department I worked in was relatively small, everyone knew each other and there was generally a good vibe about the office etc...

    4/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • Excellent. Management/supervisor was always prepared to take the time to answer questions. Also willing to let me get on and learn things for myself without constant interference - meant I made some mistakes, but equally meant i learnt that much more and greatly benefitted my personal/scientific development.

    4/5
  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

    • Never short of something to do and definitely more toward "too busy". I was more busy that I would have liked to have been at times, though this was primarily due to thea large amount of coursework required by university throughout my placement year

    4/5
  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

    • Completed a personal research project which, as time went on, I was allowed to run as I wished. Had some good discussions with supervisor, and other members of staff whilst deciding the best route to take. Given the chance to communicate my work to other members of the department, and other sites across the world at regular intervals.

    4/5
  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • Greatly! Transferable skills such as time management/planning etc... were critical and quickly developed. Looking at a career within Research and Development so skills developed such as scientific writing, experiment planning etc... will certainly hold me in good stead!

    4/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

    • Plenty of cameraderie around the place - having a good sense of humour is definitely a bonus!

    4/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • All pretty good. Submitted a CV for an advertised position and was invited to interview. Was contacted within a week with a job offer. Once I started, a chance for a member of staff from the University to visit me was arranged. No problems with getting work cleared for submission to University.

    4/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • I was allowed access to the same courses as full time employees. Was able to order whatever was necessary to complete my work well.

    4/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • Flexi Time

    Subsidised Canteen

    Subsidised/Company Gym

    Company Parties/Events
    4/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • The company is definitely a good one to work for and I enjoyed the time I spent within my department. Currently completing a PhD so not too sure what industry I want to specialise in after that currently. If I do decide on pharmaceuticals, MSD would be top of my list for job applications

    4/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

    • I didn't benefit from this quite as much as I would have liked as I had a 100 mile round commute each day. Plenty of opportunities were available however - paintballing was a particular highlight!

    4/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • Prices competitive with anywhere outside of London.

    4/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • Plenty of pubs and bars. Not too many clubs.

    4/5
  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

    • Yes - football (5 and 11 a side) sessions were held each week. A few cricket matches were held. An on-site gym etc...

    4/5
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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

Chemistry, Medicine, Pharmaceutical, Science

East Midlands

October 2013

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