IT Service Specialist Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my year at GSK. From day one, I was made to feel part of the team, just like a normal full time employee. I was trusted to complete valuable tasks and everyone was really helpful if I felt I was struggling or unsure on what I was doing.

There was never a moment where I felt like 'just a student'. Everyone valued my opinion and the work I contributed. I was given continuous feedback and guidence when needed but I always felt like I was part of the team. Even though majority of the team were older than me, there was always someone to have a chat with about your weekend!

My line manager gave me plenty of support and guidance when I needed it, but enough flexiblity to get on with tasks by myself and make appropriate decisions. I had weekly one to one meetings with him but other contact time would vary depending on what I was working on or if I needed help. He was always approachable if I needed support though.

My days could vary depending on the projects I was working on. At the beginning of the year, it was a little quiet as I got used to everything. However, as I connected with more people, my days got a lot busier as other managers approached me to help with their projects meaning there were times I would struggle with the workload - this was often due to my inability to say no though! My manager was always sure to ask me if I was okay with my workload before giving me other tasks to do though.

As I progressed through the year, I was given more responsibility and was able to make my own decisions without contacting my manager everytime. My manager was very flexibility and allowed me to do whatever I felt was necessary and appropriate with my time. I also worked on a longer project towards the end of my placement where I was able to assist with final decision making.

I've learnt a lot of transferable skills throughout the year which will help me at university and in the future. I also got the chance to attend a three day PRINCE2 Foundation course and exam which I will be able to use in future job roles.

There was a considerable age gap between me and the rest of my office, meaning it was mostly quiet but everyone was still friendly and willing to stop and chat. There was one other student my age which was good but it would have been nice to have others around similar ages.

My team have had a new student every year for the last five years so they are well prepared with the process and what's expected of a student.

They paid for me to attend a three day training course in London to achieve my PRINCE2 Foundation certification.

The grad scheme is extremely competitive as they only employ two people in IT who have already been selected. However, there are still opportunities for direct entry roles.

Although the site where I was based was known for being in a quiet location, there were still 40 students in total and we made an effort to go out at the weekends or go to the pub in the evenings.

Pretty expensive compared to university towns but not as bad as London. We were close enough to London to get a train in but the last train home was quite early, making it difficult to get home after a night out.

There was only pubs in the surrounding area but the closest nightclub was in the next town - one stop by train or a ten minute taxi ride. Wasn't much choice but it was okay.

There is a sports and social club on site so there is loads of different activities you can get involved in either at lunchtimes or after work.