Molecular Histology IP student Review
by GSK
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
4.3
-
The Company
3.6
-
The Culture
3.4
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
I thoroughly enjoyed my year at GSK (in the Molecular Histology department of TPV). The opportunity to work in a professional environment, in such a well-known company was invaluable. It inspired me to continue on in a career in science.
My colleagues within the group made me feel like a crucial part of the team. Both in completing laboratory tasks, in assisting them to learn new software, and just generally helping them out.
Not only my manager and supervisor helped me, but everyone else I met. Everyone was extremely helpful and more than willing to answer any questions I had, and offer advice.
To begin with, I was very busy. However, since I completed my university project well before time towards the end I did not have as much to do. I am the exception to the rule though, most of my peer placement students were busy right up to the end.
During my placement, I was a key part of several projects. It was great to feel like an adult, and be responsible for my own experiments, result analysis, and feed that back to the project teams.
An extremely useful year, that has affirmed I want to stay in science. The personal, laboratory, and professional skills learnt will surely give me a huge head start in my future
The Company
The office was small, only 5 or 6 people. Therefore it was the perfect work environment. Friendly and quiet.
No problems at all
The team in histology let me basically do whatever I wanted in terms of personal development. Regular meetings with my supervisor ensured I was on track with my project work. Beyond that, I was encouraged to go to several in-house lectures to develop my understanding of science. I learned new techniques which had not been tried by anyone else in the group, as well as pioneered some new software, and set up a new piece of lab equipment.
Flexi Time
Sports and Social Club
Subsidised/Company Gym
Company Parties/Events
Subsidised Canteen
Financial Bonus
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
No science graduate scheme in biological R&D. Post-graduate opportunities exist, so I will be completing a PhD first.
The Culture
There were many other placement students at the site, and at nearby sites in Ware and London. So social occasions were frequent.
Relatively cheap (£300pcm rent)
Abominable in Stevenage. London is close though!
Some opportunities but not loads
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
Medicine, Pharmaceutical
London
September 2014
