Industrial Placement- Analytical chemistry 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
4.1
-
The Company
4.0
-
The Culture
2.6
- 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
Quickly became integrated within the research group and exposed to many different disciplines. Given sufficient independence to direct my own research but the support that meant sharing ideas were encouraged. The level and independence of the research was more akin to that of the start of a PhD.
Very friendly group who always involved me in meetings, discussions and social events. Ranging from coffee breaks to group member birthday celebrations to a fantastic christmas do. Given the opportunity to present research to the group and it be received as an equal.
Supervisor always available for discussions on the direction of the research. Members of the group always willing to support day to day work.
Towards the very beginning and very end of the year my daily work load was low but this was to be expected. At the peak of the project days were very busy but this was partly down to my own willingness to do extra work.
Good level of independence as to the direction of the research. Practical work was also broadly independent but help was available.
Became highly specialised in some instrumentation and techniques which will have a huge impact on my upcoming PhD. In addition time management based skills and in particular presentation skills were vastly increased simply due to experience.
The Company
Very fun and interesting office that had a good balance of getting the job done but also having fun as a group when time allowed. This showed when we went out as a group for meals or the Christmas party.
Very well organised administration within GSK. A project was relatively quickly decided upon and supported. Good understanding of the university's requirements and expectations.
Happily supported research and training. Able to get support from external companies that I was able to liaise with directly. This would't have been possible within less reputable groups and companies. Many people were happy to give up time to help at various stages of my project.
Flexi Time
Sports and Social Club
Subsidised/Company Gym
Company Parties/Events
Subsidised Canteen
Financial Bonus
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
A company I would be very happy to return to, in fact I hope to after completing my PhD. Jobs do seem to be coming available after a lull in the pharmaceutical sector.
The Culture
Yes, Many of the Industrial placement students met up outside of work. Made some good friends with both colleagues and also other students.
Relatively cheap but the option of London near by which would push up the price, but worth it.
Stevenage nightlife wasn't really for me but London was close enough for a good night out.
Yes, but not a huge amount to offer within Stevenage itself.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
South East
September 2014
