Synthetic Organic 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

3.9/5
  • The Role
    4.2
  • The Company
    3.8
  • The Culture
    3.5

    The Role

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

    • I had a wide variety of work on my placement, and got to work on different projects and work with different teams. The work involved was both interesting and stimulating!

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

    • My colleagues made me feel very welcome as part of the team. There were (very few I have to say) some who, I feel, valued placement students less than others, but everyone respected all IPs on site.

    4/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • My supervisor couldn't do enough for me! He was very approachable, knowledgable and I wasn't afraid to ask what seemed like 'silly' questions.

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

    • As with every job, some days were busier than others. There was always something to do, so it was very rare to be sat around not doing anything. Although some days were dead, others exceptionally busy! It balances out over the course of the year I suppose...

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

    • At times I was responsible for making some very important compounds, so I felt my work was crucial at times.

    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 can't explain enough how much this year has helped with my degree - mainly putting the theory into context in a real life situation. Also picked up a lot of practical techniques which will come in handy once I return to university.

    5/5

    The Company

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

    • Everybody was very friendly and sociable, we went for morning and afternoon coffee breaks which was a good oppurtunity to get to know everybody in the office better. Also attended christmas/social gatherings, which was another great way to get to know my colleagues!

    4/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • SRG organise the placement, not GSK. The organisation was ok, and there is somebody on hand to contact if you have any problems. Though at times, replies to emails were slow.

    3/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • Plenty of courses to attend (particularly at the start), and if you want to attend any more you just need to ask!

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

    • Flexi Time

    Sports and Social Club

    Subsidised/Company Gym

    Company Parties/Events

    Subsidised Canteen

    Financial Bonus

    Staff Sales/Staff Shop
    5/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • Excellent company to work for, and GSK have many graduate schemes available so there are always opportunities!

    5/5

    The Culture

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

    • All placement students get on exceptionally well, we all meet up on a Friday (or the weekend in general) at the pub to socialise. Lunch breaks are also spent in 'huddles' of placement students!

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

    • Being from the North East, my eyes were opened at how expensive the South of the country is! Though it is not totally unreasonable for the part of the country it is located in (Stevenage, Hertfordshire). In terms of socialising, there is a Wetherspoons, so what is not to like from a price point-of-view?!

    3/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • Nightlife in Stevenage is pretty dire - Chicago's is "THE" nightclub, but is empty on Fridays and still pretty rubbish on a Saturday. However, get enough placement students together and you can take it over for the night! Living so close to London is great - people organise (usually for birthdays) a coach to bring you back from a nightclub in London, these turn out to be great nights!

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

    • All the standard things in the area - gyms, golf course, football facilities etc...

    4/5
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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

South East

May 2015

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