Life Sciences Placement Intern Review

I was within the Life Sciences Function, more specifically the Tobacco Harm Reduction function where I was involved in developing a novel capability for BAT. An overall description of the project involved developing an end-to-end workflow, aligning protocols and optimising this technology. My day to day included meetings with stakeholders, meeting priorities within the team and spending time in the lab developing my project.

I was given lots of responsibility from the get-go, even when my project wasn't fully fledged yet. This involved helping my line manager with activities and tasks that were a priority and later on I had full responsibility for my project and the outcomes of it by the end. I also liked how we were given full responsibility when presenting our End of Year presentations to the senior leaders as it allowed us to fully reflect on the project independently.

Technically, I have developed cell culture skills, scientific technology development and protocol development along with downstream data analysis skills.
Professionally, I have developed networking, presentation and thought leadership skills and capabilities, skills that are super transferable to any future career I would like to pursue.

There was lots of support and guidance; from the placement team activities to hands-on line manager support, although this is quite dependent on the style of line manager each intern gets. I had a clear understanding of the business as a whole as well due to the 2 month inductions we had at the start of the placement and everyone within the company is very open to questions.

Company culture is super supportive, enthusiastic and almost everyone was a friendly face you could chat to. I never felt judged or looked down upon throughout my placement.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement as it allowed me to have the best of both worlds: developing my technical and professional skills. I would definitely recommend the programme to incoming students.

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