Industrial Placement Student Review

I have had a fantastic time here at GSK, the work is challenging but interesting and everyone is very friendly. I would recommend this placement highly.

I have been doing research as part of a team and therefore feel valued as we work to achieve the same goal. Every student is placed into a department and subteam and therefore has a particular role to play.

You are assigned a supervisor who is there to help you with anything you may need - plus there is help available from several other members of staff.

Work load can vary significantly day to day. Some days I would be very busy in the lab, other days would be more slow data analysis. However you can control your workload yourself to find whatever suits you and your supervisor.

I was fully responsible for my own project and time but given a great deal guidance along the way.

The skills I have gained this year will help significantly for future life in the work place and any business environment I will encounter in the future. Skills such as laboratory technique I will also be able to carry through to my final year at university.

Whilst at GSK I worked in the new 'Smartlab' which is designed to encourage interaction and conversations between different departments and scientists. Therefore the atmosphere was lively but very focused on scientific research.

The placement has been very well organised. There is a induction day before you begin placement to introduce you to the area and people you will be working with. Then from day one you are supported until you find your feet.

GSK has helped me to train and develop in all the laboratory skills I will need for my project, but I have not been trained beyond this.

GSK offers a Graduate Scheme which all industrial placement students can apply for before it has been opened to the general public. There is no direct entry route after placement but with the skills and understanding of the organisation you may benefit when applying for positions in the company post graduation.

There are several other students also on placement so the social life is great. Departments and colleagues also have regular social outings including a Christmas meal and Orange day where you volunteer together.

Stevenage and surrounding area is relatively cheap to live in, with easy access to London without the London prices.

There is one club in Stevenage and a few bars including a Whetherspoons but for a great night out you would need to travel (e.g. to St Albans or London)

Other than social activities very little opportunities are offered. However there is an annual orange day where your department volunteers at a local charity for the day.