Industrial Placement Student Review

Fully supported in my role, brilliant colleagues and I gained many new skills of which have made me feel much more confident to apply successfully for a PhD. Fantastic experience overall.

I fully integrated into the department, and was included in many meetings and all socials. Additionally, I was able to contribute to various projects covering a wide range of topics.

I had an array of supervisors as my project required the completion of a complex scientific method, so I had to call on several colleagues with various expertise. As this was the case I had concentrated guidance both within and outside of the lab, and as a result I successfully completed my project, with an additional work, to a high standard.

I always had something to do, whether it was office or lab based. Much of my learning and overall project development was self-led with direction from supervisors, but if I did need additional work I was assigned it by much supervisors.

I was given vast responsibility, whether it was to conduct and oversee my project, to contribute to other work internally or externally to my department, or in extracurricular circumstances (for instance I was a STEM Ambassador and led the other IPs).

I have already noticed a vast difference in my ambition, motivation and productivity. I am much more organised now than I have ever been, and am constantly working towards my degree or otherwise. Additionally, I am beginning to apply for PhD programmes and have my CV and cover letter ready to go to apply and hopefully be successful by the end of the year. Overall I am very independent, am confident in a laboratory setting, and am confident I will have a successful final year.

The general atmosphere in the office was great. Everyone in the office, up to 30 people, were very busy individuals involved in many projects, and so they were focused on their work. However, the atmosphere was relaxed and I would very comfortably approach any supervisors or general colleagues if I had a question or needed help.

Very well organised. Before arriving us newly hired IPs had a familiarisation day with our supervisors and received lots of information on how the company works, accommodation in the area, finances and more. When I started, my project was already determined, and I was in the laboratory as soon as I had finished any compulsory training. Throughout there was always support too. Overall it was obvious both my department and GSK in general had hired IPs many times before.

The company invested in me in so many ways, whether it was through training or otherwise. I received a budget that allowed me to train in whatever I felt would help me or would develop me, I received specialised training from experts in their respected fields, and I was trained in different lab techniques and had general training until the end of placement. Additionally, I was not only supported to apply for scholarships and training away from GSK, I was also allowed to shadow different departments and gain work experience in these.

Very appealing. After completing my PhD, I would love to return for future employment.

Yes! There were around 30 IP students onsite, and hundreds nationally. We had regular socials after work and at weekends, and we became a great group of friends. Secondly, my colleagues were fantastic, and we had many regular socials after work, at Christmas, a summer ball, as well as playing sports together.

I was paying £500 rent every month, but I was lucky to secure a very nice modern flat with another IP student 5 minutes from site. Food and drinks in the area weren't exactly cheap but weren't too costly either. As we were on a good salary, we didn't notice it too much.

The GSK site I was based at was in a small, picturesque town. However, the nightlife was good, and there were many pubs and nice bars to choose from, as well as the option to jump on the train to neighbouring towns.

Many opportunities. I was a trustee of a local charity which was a brand new position for me but one I've always wanted to do, and I took up running too. I also considered volunteering for St Johns Ambulance, more local charities and the local hospital, and overall there were many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work. Being based near London had extra advantages also!