Industrial Placement- HR Review

My placement was at GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) in the HQ in London, in Human Resources. I really enjyoed my placement, within my role I was dealing with a global market constantly, and I was always engaging with people from different parts of the business. I got the opportunity to go to different sites in the UK from R&D (Research and Development) to GMS (Global Manufactoring Supply) where I got to see how our products are made from powder form to what goes out onto the market. It was really fascinating to experience all different parts of the business from Corporate level to frontline work. Having these experiences was really important, as it helped me understand the business as a whole.

The work I did was always well recognised in the team, and felt like I was making a difference through the work I was doing. Sometimes I feel that the time and effort that went into producing a work/completing a task didn't have as much recognition as the final result. But I definitely felt throughout my placement, that I was valued as a person and the contributions I made. For example when I produced our global marketing materials that get distributed across the world to facilitate training sessions, it felt very rewarding and definitely of some value.

Everyone in the team was always willing to offer support and guidance whenever I needed it, as often I would need direction on certain systems or for example how to approach certain situations effectively. In terms of my 1:1 Development with my manager, I felt I could of been given more continuous feedback, as I never really got any feedback about my performance or ways to improve from my manager. I had to set up these meetings, as these weren't given to me when I started.

The great thing about my job is that there is aways something to do, I am always kept busy on a range of tasks. I currently manage 2 projects, so these keep me busy. I am always engaging with people globally, and keep busy by monitoring our processes and engaging with the clients. If for instance there is a time that I don't have enough to do, I will read up on articles/books available in the office to help aid my university work, there are lots of great resources and people to pull on in GSK House, so I always ensure I make use of their knowledge! There are sometimes where I am very busy and it's almost hard to manage, however my manager has helped me prioritise certains tasks, so I am always on track.

I was given lots of responsibility while on placement, I managed and lead my own Communications project, where I created our marketing materials going out for training facilitation workshops globally, this was great fun. I lead up another project, which I was in charge of driving, monitoring and engaging with the clients, this felt like a lot of pressure looking back on it now however when I was in the project, it all became second nature to me. It's only when we aren't reaching our target/have a deadline you realise how much responsibility falls on your shoulder, but it was great to be given real work.

I felt I could of been given a lot more development from my manager and feedback, however I have definitely learnt a considerable amount since being here, despite not having that direct guidance from my manager. I have had to face numerous challenging situations throughout my placement whether that be, how to deal with conflict, approach situations professionally, time management etc. However one key learning I will take back to my degree and also personal life is resiliance, this was a very important aspect of my time at GSK. I learnt how to be resiliant when the pressure picks up and how to manage my state of mind at work when personal life takes hold. In my final year at University I appreciate this will be a very busy and stressful time however, after going through some hard learnings while on placement (not forgetting the good ones too) I feel more prepared for University but also for when I get a job after uni. I would definitely recommend to anyone to apply for a placement/summer internship as it really does prepare you for after university.

It is very different across sites, in the HQ it was very corporate, very busy and can also feel very isolated as it is all open plan hot desking (which is great for meeting new people in different teams within your sector). However when you go to different sites such as GMS (Global Manufacturing Supply), there is more of a team atmosphere, and you don't feel as stranded. But GSK is a really good friendly atmosphere, everyone in the company is so willing to help and were all working towards the same purpose, so there is definitely a huge amount of energy. It's fantastic when we have big global announcements/event and everyone gathers on the bottom floor of the building, and there are hundreds of people there, it really feels like I am apart of a huge team.

I feel my placement wasn't well organised, when I arrived on my first today I didn't get any introductory sessions such as how to use the systems, or where to find things, a lot of my placement I have had to figure it out for myself or ask the questions. I had to put in development meetings as these weren't given to me, and had to actively ask for feedback. I think a lot of this has to do with your manager, as other placement students didn't have this experience. But the good thing was there was a great placement student community and I made lots of friends there who came from different parts of the business, so often I would ask the questions there if I couldn't get to the answer myself.

The company has a pre set up system with training that needs to be completed, such as Code of conduct which everyone is required to do. This system is really useful, as you can do free courses on there to learn about certain systems. My team put me on a course to learn more about the role I was in, this was great as I took a lot from the course and could apply it to my day/university life.

I would definitely come back and work for GSK again, it's a great company to work for and I love everything that they are doing within the industry at the moment. It feels very rewarding to know I work for a company who is making a difference to peoples lives, and I am supporting the workforce.

Yes, definitely! I was based at the HQ where a lot of the placement students are based for Corporate. But lots of social events were organised both outside and inside the company (business skills development sessions, ping pong, boat party, christmas party). I made a really good group of friends while being on placement, and as I was living away from home it meant I was kept busy on the evenings and the weekened! I definitely advise anyone on placement especially those not based at GSKH, to get as involved within the placement community as soon as possible.

I lived in West London about a 10 minute walk to GSK HQ, my rent was £530 without bills and add on the cost of living to that was quite expensive. I haven't had much chance to save, but I am a girl so a lot was spent on clothes! But I definitely had more than enough money to live off, I just think you need to be smart with your money. I recommend for people to get student loans as support, should you need it.

Not really much going on in west london, but i was 30 minutes away from central London so there was always so much to do. And everyone knows you can never run out of things to do in London, there is a pub a 5 minute walk from GSKH, where we get discounted food. So we would often go there after work to relax and have something to eat!

I think it depends on how you approach your placement, if you make friends on placement there then there are endless opportunities available. But if you go home a lot and don't really mix with anyone, then I imagine there would't be much to do after work. But I would always make time after work to go out and enjoy myself, as I was in a new city it was important for my to get involved with stuff otuside of work, such as gym, taking up fitness classes, exploring London etc.