SAP Placement Student Review

Overall I felt that the experience was positive, however it took a lot of work on my part in order to get the experience I wanted, as initially I was given a job role I felt would have wasted my year and not stood up to scrutiny when asked about in future interview scenarios. However after 6 months (half way through my placement). I finally managed to switch to the role I wanted to do.

I felt valued by my colleagues as the work i was given actually made an effect on whether a project was given sufficient coverage/ done to standard to 'Go Live'.

I had few dedicated meetings with my manager regarding my progress, however I was always given time if i asked for it.

Some days i was given heavy amounts of work and often took it home with me to complete. Other days I was given nothing and left wondering what to do with myself.

As mentioned earlier, some of the work I was given would have a direct impact on the a service readiness board and therefore if it was not done, then the project Go Live date could have potentially have been pushed back.

I built up a good knowledge of a large corporate business system, I also learnt how to better manage my time however in terms of having a direct effect on my degree it is unlikely this experience has helped.

The teams I worked with were great and made coming into work enjoyable at times.

There was little organisation in the roles I done.

In terms of personal development and training, I felt you really fight to be sent onto courses. After much hassling, I was sent onto one paid accredited course. However GSK also has a library of free courses available on their MyLearning site specifically to do with areas within GSK. I was told to create my own personal development plan which was not reviewed once in the whole year. The only way I achieved what I did was from networking with other people in the company and throwing myself into different projects.

As I don't do an IT and business degree future prospects of going back to the company are nearly 0 as the CIO has said he is not looking for candidate with more 'I' less 'T'. Disqualifying all candidates with technical degree backgrounds.

As I was in GSK House, Brentford. The IP students have a good community within the organisation and actively go out in London and locally.

Lived at home

London is full of bars, clubs and things to do. Brentford however isn't...

I was sent to an all expenses paid Go-Live party and there was always activities planned.