Human Resources Placement Student Review

My placement year at MSD was fantastic. I was given a lot of responsibility which is exactly what I wanted from a placement year. Every day was different and I think a big bonus for me was being given the opportunity to visit the other sites in the UK. Working in a pharmaceutical industry was such a great experience. I learnt a great deal about all the different drugs and it was fantastic to see all the employees so passionate about the drugs and causes.

The company is constantly evolving, meaning that even the simplest day to day tasks were always different. The amount of responsibility I was given within the team because of this in my opinion shows the true extent of how valued they made me feel and how much trust they had in me to perform well.

The management and on the job training was great. I had a two week hand over period with the student I was taking over from which was a great help because it meant I could ask a lot of questions! I had regular meetings with my supervisor which helped me a great deal in terms of monitoring my progression.

Some weeks were definitely busier than others! There were some days when I'd get in at 8.30 and five minutes later it would be 4.30! even though some days were quieter than others there was never a moment when I was sitting round clock watching trying to find something to do. Between project work and day-to-day tasks there was always something to pick up!

I felt I was given a great deal. I also felt that this was something I earned rather than was just given which gives me a sense of pride. The more you put into your placement year the more you get out of it and that was definitely the case for me

I could not give a higher recommendation to doing a placement year. I have developed my skills so much and this year has provided me with knowledge and skills that university alone could never give me. Taking the year out has been so worthwhile. It has been a lot of hard work but when you look back/think back to when you first started and think about how far you have come and how much you have developed it is truly satisfying.

When I first started we were about to convert to 'open plan' offices which has been such a good highlight. The atmosphere within the office has been great and everyone is so friendly and chatty, there is a real sense of community. This extends to other departments as well not just your own departments. I have made great friends from other departments just by walking passed their desks everyday on the way to lunch!

The placement has been very well organised. I was given structured targets to meet and nearly always have a deadline to meet! I was given clear instructions in my first week regarding my job role and day to day activities. I was put on relevant training courses to extend my skill set and was frequently given guidance and help from my colleagues and supervisor.

For me this has been the highlight to my year. Even from the start I have always been able to develop. Whether it be guidance on how to write an email (harder than it sounds!) to being given the opportunity to attend recruitment expos in London and develop my knowledge in the recruitment world. I have achieved my six sigma yellow belt through a very engaging training session and have also completed my insights profile which is probably the most interesting few pages I have and will ever read (it's a personality/working attitude profile) I thoroughly enjoyed the training courses on all our new products and services and this has engaged my interest in the pharmaceutical industry further. The work that the people do in this industry is truly outstanding and working so closely to people who are passionate about helping people and animals alike is truly inspirational.

I would recommend this placement to anyone and would definitely look to come back here in the future

The social scene has been another perk of working for MSD. All of the students are very close and I definitely feel I have made friends for life. We are even planning a holiday in the summer!

Hoddesdon itself is very small and basically just a town of supermarkets. However, living in Hoddesdon means my commute to work is a 10 minute walk and living across the road from a Morrisons is very convenient. London isn't very far on the train and there is good night life in Essex and Hertford. We regularly go on nights out in London as well which is always great!

Hoddesdon has one nightclub which is OK and has a spoons which is great if you just want a casual drink on a Friday but if you want a big night out then Essex, London or Hertford are your best bets

There's lots of sports clubs, running clubs things like that. I joined Crossfit in Hertford (Crossfit Huntsman if you want to google it) and that was the best thing I ever did. It gave me even more great friends and a chance to get super fit! I also completed various charity runs in London, Hertford and Hoddesdon which was great fun and very reqarding