research chemist Review

by GSK

Best Student Employer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

3.7/5
  • The Role
    4.2
  • The Company
    3.4
  • The Culture
    3.5

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

    • I enjoyed the placement but did not enjoy living in Stevenage very much. In retrospect I would have moved to Cambridge and commuted.

    4/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

    • I was treated as a full team member and everyone was very helpful and supportive.

    5/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • My supervisor was extremely good giving a lot of his time to helping me.

    5/5
  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

    • There was always plenty to do but I never felt under pressure.

    4/5
  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

    • I was treated as a full team member and given important compounds to synthesise.

    4/5
  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • I am a much more competent practical chemist thanks to my placement.

    4/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

    • Everyone in my lab was significantly older than me which wasn't ideal. This was not what most people experienced however.

    3/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • Well established and well run placement scheme at GSK.

    5/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • All the placement students were taken to Bristol uni for the first week to better our lab skills then throughout the year the company invested a lot in the students.

    4/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • Flexi Time

    Subsidised Canteen

    Subsidised/Company Gym

    Financial Bonus

    Staff Sales/Staff Shop

    Above 25 days holiday
    4/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • Many sites of GSK shut down during my year there but it is a similar story in most pharmaceutical companies at the moment.

    3/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

    • As everyone lived so close together there was a good social scene.

    5/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • Expensive as in the commuting zone to London. Especially rent and drinks.

    5/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • Poor in Stevenage, Two night clubs but not ideal. However 20 mins from London which is good although again expensive.

    3/5
  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

    • Sports club and teams available.

    3/5
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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

Chemistry

London

November 2010

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