Laboratory Scientist Review
at Pfizer
Degree Apprenticeship
Science
Sandwich
Review Submitted: November 2022
Overall Rating
4.6 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
My role within the company at the moment is to test and confirm the identity of raw materials used within the pharmaceutical industry. On a day-to-day basis this involves using a variety of lab equipment for example the FTIR to confirm the identity of samples against a reference material.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have really enjoyed my programme to a large extent, I believe the programme has already made me grow as a person as in it has boosted my personal confidence and given me a sense of belonging that I feel other paths would not have.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt many new skills in my role including how to confidently handle high-level lab equipment, in addition in my role I feel I have really developed my ability to communicate and ask for help from my superiors and colleagues as my company likes to advocate open communication.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme is very well structured and organised, for example when I was introduced, I felt comfortable and confident that all my instructions were clear, and I understood my role; and I still do now. Anytime I have any queries there is always someone available to help very quickly but I don't have many due to the organisation skills of the programme.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive lots of support from my employers, I receive regular check-ins from my superiors and other colleagues where they check that I am happy in my role and if I have any queries. Within my programme it has been made very clear that I shouldn't be afraid to ask any questions and that everyone is happy to help.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I receive quite a bit of support from my training provider. For example, at the start of the programme I was assigned a personal tutor who is someone I could go to with any queries about the course or even personal issues. The lecturers also have made it clear they are always around to answer any questions as well.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification gives me a better understanding of the theory behind the instruments I use on a daily basis thus allowing me to be more confident when using them and helping me top interpret the data that they produce.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are many social activities and networking events to be a part-off, for example I am a part of the apprentice network which is a way for the apprentices with the company to keep in touch with each other. There are also a variety of conferences and clubs available to join and be a part of.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Pfizer to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I think it's a great company with an amazing apprenticeship programme in that you are made to feel so welcome and treated like a valued member of the team from day one. It provides great opportunities for those who wish to endeavour for a job in the science community and help them feel comfortable in not only the working environment but in the scientific field as well.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Pfizer?
Some advice for when you're applying to work at Pfizer would be to research the company first and make sure you have a good understanding of what the company stands for and the roles within it this will help you to grasp your role much easier which helps when interviewing especially. Furthermore, don't be afraid to ask questions or get things wrong, the community within Pfizer is so understanding and sympathetic to those applying and just starting out; I've learnt that the most important thing to do is to ask questions, it tells your employers that you are engaged and want to be there also everyone I've worked with has been keen to answer any questions I asked even if they seem silly.
