Change Management Support Review

I enjoyed the range of activities I got to complete on my work placement, especially getting the opportunity to visit other GSK sites, and working with other teams. In the first few months, work was quite slow but it picked up and the rest of the year went really quickly.

I felt that the majority of my work was valued and I even had people from other teams asking for help sometimes! Some of the work I completed felt unnecessary but it was balanced with work that helped make a difference to the company.

I couldn't have asked for a best manager and even her manager was really friendly and supportive. I even got chance to meet some Senior Vice Presidents and work with our own VP on a project. My manager met with me on a 1 to 1 basis every week to talk about my work load and general feelings about the placement.

It varied on the time of the year, and the current work load, but the majority of the time I had enough work to keep me busy. My manager always asked if there was anything she could give me/help me with.

I was given a lot of responsibility, especially part the way through the year when I was asked to help on a project as a project manager. I was also asked to present to a SVP and write emails that were being sent to over 500 people.

All the experiences I had at GSK, good and bad, have definitely helped with my development and will help with my studies next year. I had a quarterly review of a 'personal development plan' with my manager to make sure I was making improvements throughout the year to my skills. I also gained great feedback from my colleagues at the end of the year.

The office was lively at times but most of the time is was quiet. Other sites I visited were really different and were sometimes too busy! There were regular events to try and bring everyone together to improve the atmosphere.

The placement was well set up and I had no issues settling in. My manager had a placement student for a number of years so it made it easy for me to join GSK.

Throughout my year, my manager always tried to help me develop, through my personal development plan and in my weekly 1 to 1's. If I wanted to do anything, all I had to do was ask. However, there were limited opportunities for gaining qualifications.

The future employment prospects were not as great as some people hoped as they are trying to cut down on the amount of positions in the firm. However, there was the opportunity to apply for a graduate scheme if we wished.

Yes! We regularly did joint placement student activities like going Go Karting, having Christmas parties and just going down the pub for a drink!

The costs for living and socialising were not cheap but not expensive!

The nightlife is a little quiet in the area.

Yes, there was plenty to do socially and on a volunteer basis if you wish!