This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
-
The Company
-
The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
I had a great time working alongside some really knowledgeable and friendly people, some of which were experts in their fields.
I was involved in numerous high profile projects during my placement, and my opinions and ideas were regarded just as highly as any other member of staff. Over the course of the 12 months I built some great relationships with my colleagues.
Towards the later end of my placement I received a good level of mentoring and guidance by my manager relating to my projects and daily work.
The work level varied depending on the lab workload and different priorities, but there was never a day where there was nothing to do!
As previously mentioned I was involved in numerous high profile projects during my placement and the work I carried out was in line with the daily running of my laboratory, not just "placement student jobs".
The skills I learnt will benefit my final year project and other work at university greatly, notably in project management and core practical skills. Having a good knowledge of what managers in my chosen field are looking for in prospective staff will also help when job hunting after university as well.
The Company
Being in a busy laboratory there was always a sense of importance with the work being carried out, especially in such a quality driven environment. That being said, everyone I worked with was great to get along with and there was numerous nights out which was great.
It was organised before I started what work I would be doing and what projects I would take on, which was explained in my second week! I then learnt all the skills necessary to do before being let loose on such work.
Towards the later months of my placement I only shadowed other members of staff in areas of interest, rather than being fully trained in their processes which I found a little frustrating. I was able to attend numerous training sessions for both my area of work and relating to the pharmaceutical industry as a whole, where I learnt a great deal.
Flexi Time
Sports and Social Club
Subsidised/Company Gym
Company Parties/Events
Subsidised Canteen
Financial Bonus
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
Very, there is an organised management program which I have applied for as well as the opportunity to return as a full time member of staff in my area. For the graduate scheme, if reccommended by your manager, you can skip the first few stages of the application process but you're not guaranteed a place.
The Culture
There were numerous nights out during the year, especially for birthdays.
Very cheap! A lot cheaper than the university city I used to live in.
The local bars and pubs were alright, but for a good night out it would be better to travel further to a city.
There were a few charity events held and I ran in a 5k race, which was great. There was no other major activities held by the company.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
North East
May 2015