Analytical Development Intern Review

Item: Analytical Development Intern at BAT
Rating: 5
Author: Anonymous

at BAT

Internship (1 Month+)

Chemistry

Southampton

Review Submitted: August 2026

Overall Rating

5 /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!

5/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

5/5 - Support and Guidance

5/5 - 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.

This role involved a combination of laboratory and office-based work. On a day-to-day basis, I conducted literature reviews, prepared and tested samples for both targeted and non-targeted LC-MS analyses, and communicated scientific findings to stakeholders. In addition, I received training on other analytical techniques, including GC-MS and FTIR, which strengthened my laboratory skills.

Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?

I was given a high level of responsibility from the start of my placement, including taking complete ownership of a study and assisting a colleague with another.

Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was

5/5

Skills Development

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

I have been able to develop my practical skills by being able to operate an LC-MS instrument and receiving training on other techniques (FTIR, GC-MS, MPS Autosampler). Other scientific skills developed included scientific communication, data analysis using python. Transferable skills include collaborating with others, presenting, and time-management.

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?

5/5

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?

During this placement, each intern was assigned a buddy within the team, placement team, and someone in the wider business as a mentor. This system was incredibly useful to ask any questions and understand how the workplace works.

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?

There are occasional social events, such as BBQs during the summer and other events hosted by the employee groups.

How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?

5/5

How would you rate the social opportunities?

5/5

How would you rate the diversity initiatives?

5/5

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?

My placement was an incredibly valuable experience that strengthened both my knowledge of analytical chemistry and my interest in the field. My manager was highly knowledgeable and provided training on a range of analytical techniques, enabling me to operate certain instruments independently. The placement also gave me insight into how analytical chemistry is applied within a corporate environment.

Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship

5/5

Please rate how your experience met your expectations

5/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend BAT to a friend?

Yes

What advice would you give to others applying to BAT

Become familiar with the product portfolio, as this will be extremely helpful during your placement. However, this is something you will naturally learn more about over time, so there is no need to worry if you do not know everything from the get go. Make the most of every opportunity available to you and do not be afraid to ask questions or admit when you are unsure about something, particularly in a laboratory-based role where learning and development are an important part of the experience.