QA Microbiologist Review

I have really enjoyed my year. The work is varied enough to keep me interested but not so different that it's like learning a whole new discipline each time I start a new project.

By the end of my first week I felt as though I had been working here forever already! Everyone was so welcoming and accommodating, even in such a big company with so many people on site!

My manager couldn't have been more supportive if he tried! In February a side project came up that I was really interested in, though it had nothing to do with my role. I spoke to my manager and he agreed that as my work with him was all under control, I coudl go ahead and persue this other opportunity.

I work in a QA lab which means my work flow depends massively on what the rest of site is doing. If there is a period of time where one of the production areas is in shutdown then it does get very quiet for me and my lab which can get a little boring.

I was given a number of my own projects to head on my own but also had quite a few where I was helping someone else rather than being 'in charge'.

I already had a load of basic lab skills. Working at GSK has improved them and built on them and given me experience that just wouldn't be possible in a university lab. This will greatly help in my final year and also with getting a job after graduation.

I honestly can't think of a day that I haven't had fun! Everyone enjoys what they do and that massively helps.

My manager and colleagues all had a clear idea of what projects would be suitable for me from the begining. I have had one major project that has taken me pretty much the whole year to complete (and took over from a previous placement student) and also lots of smaller projects that have taken just a month or two to deal with. The hand over between myself and the previous placement student was very good as well; we had three weeks overlap where she was able to show me the ropes, take me around site and get me acquainted with people and my surroundings.

If there was a training course I wanted to go on that wasn't compulsory I was always more than welcome to go. If there was a visit to another site and I was free I was, again, more than welcome to go. If I wanted to become fully trained in another discipline within the lab, they made sure I could be. I was also allowed to spend time shadowing other students on site with different job roles such as chemists, people in supply and logistics, engineers etc.

I would love to come back and work for GSK after I graduate, and I do think that that could be a real possibility!

At my site there were about 20 placement students. We regularly meet up and held many events such as Christmas parties, BBQs (some of the placement students have a pool in their garden so we had pool parties too!), Go Ape, Paintball... the list goes on! Across the company there are hundreds of placement students where a central team put on events for us all such as a winter ball, a summer boat party and many nights out in London. With my colleagues we have had many a meal out to celebrate Christmas/retirements/leaving parties etc.

I live in Brighton. Not cheap! It's of course perfectly doable though, just don't expect to have buckets of money left after your year's work.

I work in Worthing- nightlife here is a selection of two run down clubs and a load of old man pubs! Brighton isn't far though so most nights out are there and Brighton is well known for its amazing nightlife.

There are so many opportunities outside of work. If you're thinking social activities then see previous answers- loads to do! If you're thinking more like 'extra curricular' type activities then again, loads to do. There's sports clubs a plenty, music groups and many other things too! I found myself three different dance classes to go to which I've stuck to for the whole year!