Laboratory Analyst Review

I work as an analyst within the Product Development department. The area I work in is solid oral dosage forms. My day to day job revolves mostly around analysis of content, content uniformity, dissolution and water content to aid product development.

Almost everything I have learnt in the lab has been new to me, particularly the use of equipment such as HPLC's and dissolution baths. I have also developed my report writing, planning and presentation giving skills.

I very much enjoy my programme. I am doing a job I enjoy in order to get a qualification in my chosen field so I can continue to work and develop.

I feel valued by GSK. The general opinion of the apprentices that I have seen is very positive and we are treated as potentially the future of the company.

As I am the first apprentice in my department the programme does not appear to be very structured for me, however it is more so for people coming in after.

Support received from my uni can be inconsistent. Sometimes responses are quick and very helpful, other times they take a long time and are less than helpful.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. For personal development they support most things I wish to undertake. For my university they give me plenty of study time and help with tutoring.

I am able to rent a room and run a car. However, this is only after the pay rises in the second year.

I have attended conferences and outreach programmes and other non work related events. It is dependant on what people want to do as to how many opportunities they get.

Yes

They are the fifth largest pharma company in the world, if that is an industry you want to get into you can't do much better. The company takes good care of its employees and there are many opportunities for development.

Be yourself. Answer all questions fully. If there is a word limit, use it. Do some research on the company before going to any interviews. Dress professionally for any meeting.