Industrial Placement Student Review

Item: Industrial Placement Student at GSK
Rating: 4.6
Author: Anonymous

at GSK

Placement (10 Months+)

Science, Research

Stevenage

Review Submitted: July 2025

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 - Overview of Role

4.8/5 - Skills Development

5/5 - Support and Guidance

4/5 - Company Culture

5/5 - Overall Experience

5/5 - Future Career Prospects

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.

On a day-to-day basis, I am either in the lab doing an experiment, which typically takes a full day. Alternatively, I am analysing the flow cytometry results of an experiment which typically takes approx. a week. I sometimes have meetings or attend internal lectures. I have one main uni project and little side projects that I have been working on.

Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?

During my placement, I was given considerable responsibility, including ordering reagents and determining which experiments to conduct and how to plan them. Although I enjoyed a high level of independence in my work, I consistently had access to support and guidance from numerous colleagues, especially my supervisor, whenever I needed advice or assistance.

Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was

4/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?

I've primarily developed laboratory-oriented skills. Spectral flow cytometry was a new technique for me, and I have learned extensively about it—from preparing samples through PBMC processing to staining samples, operating a cytometer, and analyzing flow data. Additionally, I gained valuable experience in conducting regulated work and creating audit trails, including the use of signals for tracking and compliance purposes.

How would you rate the training provided during your experience?

5/5

How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?

5/5

How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?

4/5

Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development

5/5

Support and Guidance

How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?

I received immense support and guidance throughout my placement. Before using any equipment for the first time, I was thoroughly trained, and I received demonstrations of experiments before trying them myself. During these initial attempts, my supervisor was present to observe and assist as needed. Everyone in the lab is eager to help whenever needed, and there is always someone available to provide assistance.

How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?

5/5

How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?

5/5

Company Culture

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?

GSK is known for being a great workplace with a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The staff is highly skilled and eager to answer any questions you may have, creating an enriching environment. Moreover, there are numerous social events held on site, offering opportunities to connect and engage with colleagues outside of work.

How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?

5/5

How would you rate the social opportunities?

4/5

How would you rate the diversity initiatives?

2/5

How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?

5/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?

I've loved my placement and can hardly believe how quickly the year has passed! It has been incredibly insightful to observe how a large company operates and to begin to comprehend the vast pipeline leading to drug manufacturing. I'm eager to bring the skills and knowledge I've gained back to university for my final year. The friendliness, kindness, and understanding of everyone on site have made this year a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship

5/5

Please rate how your experience met your expectations

5/5

Future Career Prospects

Please rate the future employment prospects at GSK

5/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend GSK to a friend?

Yes

What advice would you give to others applying to GSK

The application process for GSK is quite competitive, but it's important to be genuinely passionate and curious about your work, as everyone here truly seems to love what they do and is enthusiastic about it.
You are not expected to know everything, and it's completely okay not to have all the answers. Asking for guidance is encouraged and demonstrates your willingness to learn. Don't hesitate to ask questions; it's a sign of active engagement and a desire to grow professionally.

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