Procurement Associate Review

I worked within the Procurement function of GSK. As a whole, the learning and opportunity within GSK is immense if you are willing to step out of your comfort zone and experience new things. The kind of work you got were also very real (ie. no photocopying and stapling paper, not getching coffee). I was invovled in high value projects with things at stake if I failed to deliver.

The function as a whole tends to be quite reserved with one another, but that does not mean that people do not appreciate you making the effort to interact and get to know them. I was able to forge very strong relationships during my placement, and being with my colleagues on a day-to-day basis is something I look forward to. Beyond everyday interactions, GSK is an organisation that is not very hierarchical. As such, I was able to get time with very senior people within the organisation to find out what they do or get their advice on career development. This is an opportunity that is very valuable, and helped me immensely in informing my career trajectory.

The kind of support managers provide for IPs tend to very strong. At the minimum, of what I observed, managers helped IPs develop the skills needed to perform in their role. I was particularly blessed by a manager who also cares very much for my personal development and future career, so she helped me immensely in identification of my strengths and areas of improvement, allowing me to work in other teams and so on. My year working for my manager will shape my entire career, and I am very happy to have started under her guidance.

The level of activity depends on the individual. I have seen IPs who are able to work standard hours throughout their placement. However, I was keen to be involved in as much as possible to help me learn, which meant that it was not atypical to be working 10 hours a day and weekends during the busy periods. Individuals can control their level of activity based on their preference, and learning how much to take on is a skill in itself. It is still a skill I need to develop, but I am glad that I was able to make the most of my year.

Again, this depends very much on the individual. I was very keen to be independent and take ownership of some components of my work, and my manager was willing to grant me these opportunities. As such, I was invovled in some work that few IPs have access to, such as communicating to directors within the function and developing training materials.

It will not be applicable in my degree, but the confidence and mindset built working with my manager will guide my future career. For instance, I learnt about the level of control I have over my own development, and how I should continue looking for opportunities to expand my comfort zone. Additionally, I learnt more about my own styles and preferences, and how important it is to learn from others. These are things that you do not get through university, but are absolutely crucial to effective team working.

If one was looking for a lively office atmosphere, Procurement at GSK is probably not the place. People are not unfriendly, and are very willing to speak to you, but the function a a whole is quite quiet and individuals tend to keep to themselves. That said, that does not mean that they do not appreciate someone who can inject a bit of fun.

There was no issue with my work placement at all. The first weeks may be a bit hectic with the amout of admin, but this is probably common to all big companies. While the onboarding process onto the function could be a bit more standardised as a whole, your manager will probably ensure that you have the support you need the whole way through.

My function is not precisely best-in-class for training and development, which means that the onus is on you and your manager to ensure that you are developed. That said, the same applies for even the best companies. Development only happens if one chooses to be developed. As such, I do not feel at all let down, because I was able to get all the help I need through relying on my colleagues and by getting invovled in projects.

I feel very strongly for the GSK values, and it is the focus of the patient that will bring me back to the company. Additionally, I really like the cooperative atmosphere in my fucntion, which brings out the best in me and teaches me to be a better person myself. As such, I would very much like to return to GSK, and make an even bigger difference in the future.

The IPs did hold events fairly frequently, but I see that site-based students may not be as involved. Teams also tend to go out for dinner a few times a year. Overall, though, you would need to make a real effort for regular social events.

Brentford is not known to be a partcularly lviely place, and West London is generally not cheap. However, if one would like more social events, one can choose to live somewhere busier and with other students.

Same as above.

GSK does not seem to have many clubs and activities outside work. As a whole, the company is quite family oriented, and most of your colleagues would be spending their free time with family. That said, working at GSK does give you free access to Kew Gardens and a couple of museums, so that may appeal to some.