Industrial Placement Review

I really enjoyed my placement year with GSK, I was initially worried that I would struggle with the practical component as I hadn't had much exposure to practical lab work during my degree but that was never the case. I enjoyed both the work and social side of my placement. Although it was different to being at University I really enjoyed the fact that once you left work you didn't have to worry about revision and exams.

I was always supported and encouraged to pursue any development opportunities I wanted to, whether it be in my department or elsewhere e.g business. My colleagues and supervisors made me feel like I was valued, as well as my work. I felt included as part of my group as well as my department.

My supervisors provided me with fantastic support and I had a mentor that gave me guidance on future career plans. Any problems I had could be addressed to my supervisors and they always made sure I fully understood the answer.

I did have times where I was very busy but it just meant I worked that much harder or extended my working hours slightly, it was never too much to handle. I was in control of the time management of my project so if I found I was too busy I could always slow down the pace so that I could fit everything in.

My project was a standalone technology development placement so it was largely self driven meaning I had a lot of responsibility. I was in charge of writing up my results, planning experiments and liaising with colleagues to ensure speedy progress of my project.

The practical and analytical skills will be so helpful for my dissertation and if I chose to apply for a PhD they will really enhance my application. The transferable skills I developed are applicable to any job I apply for in the future. They are always trying to help you develop, for example I got the opportunity to shadow techniques that weren't necessarily needed for my project as I had been interested and wanted to know more.

Very friendly and we had a hot desk format so everyone was easy to find and approachable. There were also lots of opportunities to network with people inside the department e.g Networking Breakfasts and social events.

The placement was very well organized, GSK have thought of every way to make sure you have the best experience possible, educationally and socially. My placement report was processed efficiently so it was ready to be given to University by the time I completed my placement.

Any courses I requested to do, e.g presentation style course or days shadowing off site, were funded by GSK and they were always happy to help my development. This was as well as enabling any shadowing of techniques I wanted to do.

They have exciting Graduate Scheme opportunities but they are very competitive. They are open to placement students as well as all other students so even if you don't do a placement with GSK I recommend applying.

IP UNITE has been set up by GSK as a way for students to socialize and arrange events together. IP UNITE is for all students located near to each other, e.g Stevenage, Stockley Park, Ware etc..

The area I lived in was affordable and had relatively good socializing opportunities and great links into London. Everything was within walking distance.

Good for a fun casual night out, easy to get into London if we wanted something a bit more sophisticated. There are a couple of clubs and quite a few pubs in (Old Town) Stevenage but there is also Hitchin and Hertford which you can get to on the train with relatively good nightlife.

Yes, there is a gym on site so if you play Netball, Football or Squash there were regular sessions set up so that you could meet people from work in a different environment. There were also opportunities to help in the community through GSK and help worldwide fundraising.