Biomarkers- Bioassessment Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the placement. The job itself was both challenging yet rewarding and the people were some of the best people I have ever worked in comparison to previous jobs or at university.

I felt very valued as a member of my team. I was able to contribute suggestions and ideas as well as take part in lots of the work. My colleagues on the whole were incredibly friendly and really easy to get along with and the atmosphere amongst them was great.

Both my manager and team manager provided me with ample support from the very beginning of the placement. My manager was very friendly, organised and down to earth which made her great to work with and an amazing manager. I was guided through my placement very well, to a point where I was not spoon fed but also not left in the deep end on my own.

This varied very much. Overall I would say I was busy 80% of the time, however as I was based in the lab, some days would be non stop and some would be quieter. Despite this there was always something to keep me busy, for example an on-line course I was able to complete through the company, writing reports, reading literature etc.

Lots! I was given responsibility very early on too, where I was handling equipment etc that was incredibly expensive! I felt like I was valued enough like as if I was a permanent member of staff and was therefore given similar responsibilities.

Lots. My placement was very much linked to my degree and it therefore helped me gain and develop lots of skills I will use in the future.

Atmosphere in my office was great. Everyone was friendly and approachable, I could ask anyone for help and they were always willing. Everyone was generally happy and positive which made it a very easy office to work in!

Fantastically organised. The placement team that set it up are amazing. They helped me with absolutely anything I needed and organised the placement very well, from before we even started to the very end.

The company was brilliant in terms of extra training, it encourages this a lot. I was able to complete an on-line e- learning course on Project Management and the company paid for my exam which I passed and now have a qualification for. The company is very willing to invest in you if it can, you just need to ask!

Very appealing. I would come back to the company, however personally I'd like to explore other industries too. But I would never rule going back out as my time with the company was thoroughly enjoyable.

There was a good social scene with colleagues, however this was more towards the second half of the placement as we all began to really get involved and settled. As lots of the placement students lived together, this meant we did socialise together at home too.

The cost of living was cheaper than where I was staying at university (in Birmingham) which was great. The nights out are not too expensive either so I would say it was very reasonable and not expensive.

The night-life around work was not great, the area isn't really the place to go out. However, I lived in the city centre with other placement students which meant we could literally walk to the night life which was great.

Yes, definitely. I joined a dance group for a short while and also went to gym everyday that is subsidised through work. However I did find that with working, you do get tired and its hard to find time to join other activities, but if you really want to there's always a way.