This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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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 enjoyed my placement very much, it has given me experiences I didn't think I would get.
I felt extremely valued by my colleagues, as I was responsible for my own projects. If I was not completing that work another employee would have to be or in some cases they would hire a consultancy company.
Weekly meetings were given, however they were always available if I needed to discuss a matter urgently. Also had two appraisals which enabled me to hear feedback on the work I had been doing, allowing me to continuously improve.
The work load varied depending on time of year and the stages of the projects you were working on at the time. On a daily basis it was up to you to schedule your own time. I was quiet at one point so I spoke to various colleagues and then joined new projects.
I was given a lot of responsibility, in terms of the work I wished to complete and the direction of my placement. I was also able to represent the company externally and present my work and given projects that strategic decisions were based from.
I went on the normal training days throughout the year like all employees in our office on risk management, project management etc. I feel that the soft skills will help in terms of future employment but also can be transferred into university work; such as presentation skills, report writing, proposals.
The Company
I worked around many others students, apprenticeships and graduates, which meant there was a buzz in the office. It would depend on the day - but the office was very relaxed and we also took part in the office eggheads competition and there were wii and table tennis tournaments at lunch time.
Very well - especially the transition into the company.
I would say that the people invested time into us and the company supported by putting on sessions, although the industrial placement students organised these.
Flexi Time
Sports and Social Club
Subsidised/Company Gym
Company Parties/Events
Subsidised Canteen
Financial Bonus
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
I am in the process of applying to the graduate scheme. I feel that the company will develop and there are many options for you as an individual if you are able to get either a direct entry role or graduate scheme. I think if you enjoy GSK's culture and values it is a company you will want to work for again!
The Culture
I think this depended on which site you were based at. IPUnite is an initiative that is set up to unite students however geographical challenges will get in the way. I think you have to be prepared to travel to events. We had a Christmas ball and a boat party, however as a smaller group of students we went bowling, paint-balling, go karting, for dinners -it depends on the effort you put in.
Not to bad - I live 20 mins on the train form kings cross. I have been able to save however you are paying money for being so close to London
Stevenage is not particularly great - however London, Hatfield and Watford are close!
Summer event with all colleagues but similarly to above it depends whether you want to get involved. Events included Badminton Bowling
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
London
May 2015