Materials Scientist Review

I got a lot of enjoyment from my placement at GlaxoSmithKline. I learned a lot of new scientific theory and was able to apply it in the laboratory. I was able to use a wider, more diverse range of instrumentation which I had not previously been able to at University, which built upon my skill set. At times, the work and work load was challenging and I had doubts about myself and my results but my colleagues would reassure me or help me out in order to rectify things. I had quite a high work load but I really liked this aspect as I was stretched to perform to the highest standard and learned how to organise myself and make the most of my time.

My colleagues treat me in the same way that they treat everyone else in the team. I didn't feel like "just a placement student" and my thoughts and efforts were appreciated. They were happy for me to train them in techniques and didn't feel threatened by my help. My team as a whole gets on very well; people are friendly and open and everyone has a lot of respect for each other. I felt comfortable asking questions, knowing that they wouldn't be thought of as "silly questions". My team even decided to spice up the work atmosphere by creating a bake-off! Everyone loves cake!

I had several managers during my time at GSK and each one took the time to get to know me as a person, to understand what I wanted to learn on my placement and was able to identify my strengths and weaknesses. At times, they would also push me out of my comfort zone to see how I would cope and whether I could perform better than was expected of me. I felt extremely well supported and knew there was a host of people I could go to to seek help. They always had time for me, and I appreciated that a lot.

In comparison to other students on placement, I feel I was very busy. I always had work to do and would often write lists to ensure that nothing was missed and that I reached my deadlines successfully. I personally found that I was able to make time if another colleague needed support so would always offer my help at board meetings. Despite this, some days were not as busy as others and these would drag so I really preferred the busy days, with lots to do!

I was given a lot of responsibility during my placement. I was able to train other employees in techniques and supervise their first analyses. I would also be at hand to look after engineers when they visited GSK to service the lab equipment. I worked on over 50 high priority projects with imminent deadlines which really benefitted the company - some of these I even led!

I learned such a vast amount of lab and science based skills which will really benefit me in my final year in University. I have even called upon some of my new knowledge to choose a dissertation title for final year. There are many more skills to be taken from a science related placement; time keeping when meeting deadlines, organisation, report writing and team work when working with others on a project. These skills are fundamental to the work place and will therefore be applicable to any job or further pursuit upon my graduation from university.

There was a healthy balance of fun and chattiness however the office would also be quiet enough to complete your work.

My placement was well set up, with a series of tests before an assessment centre and interview. Lots of information was given prior to these therefore making the day very straightforward. Correspondence was very good following the placement offer up until the start of my placement. I even had phonecalls from one of my (now) colleagues.

They invested a lot in myself as I am the only team member trained in a few techniques meaning I was relied upon for all work using those instruments.

The application process to GSK seems very hard however I hope I have made a good enough impression for them to invite me back once I've completed my degree. I could use either the direct entry route or apply to the Future Leaders Programme to gain a job with GSK.

There was close to 50 placement students at my site, so the social aspect was excellent. Large groups would socialise at the beginning of placement, 3-5 times a week but as our work load increased, this reduced to maybe one evening a week and something at the weekend. Due to having so many placement students, we all found who we got on best with and smaller social groups formed.

Living less than half an hour away from London meant renting a single room in a house cost £500+. Despite this, a friend from my University Course also worked on placement for GSK but at a much more Northern site and managed to rent a two roomed bungalow for £280 a month. The cost very much depends upon the location of your site.

30 minutes on the train to London meant that the nightlife was excellent!

GSK have a scheme called 'Orange Days' however my team were unable to get involved this year.