In Vivo Bioimaging Review

I work in the In Vivo Bioimaging department at GSK. This involves setting up and running imaging animal studies. There are different imaging modalities which are used within the department including MRI, CT and optical imaging. Studies can take some time to organise and you first have to write a protocol and get this scientifically and ethically approved. You then need to create and study plan and submit a study support request to ensure there are enough staff available to help out with running the study. I then attend pre-study briefings and scheduling meetings to organise the final details on the study and set specific time for the study to start. Studies may be a few hours to a few weeks long. After this the data (images) acquired are analysed and I then put together a report of the findings and upload this along will all other information to eLNB. As I work with animals before I could do this I first had to complete my modular training and obtain my personal licence.

Completing my modular training and obtaining my personal licence has allowed me to develop numerous new skills in terms of working with animals as well as a better understanding on the legal side of things. I have also improved my presentation skills and feel more confident I can come across as professional when attending meetings to discuss studies I can involved with. I have developed my skills in terms of knowing the correct way to present data.

I mostly enjoy my programme however like all new opportunities I am often faced with tasks and situations I find challenging which can be stressful. However I have a great team of people in my department who are always will to help with anything I need. I find the role very interesting and enjoy all the learning opportunities I am given.

I feel very valued by GSK. My department make me feel included in all aspects of the job and ask for my input and opinion. I get asked to help out on other projects and am know getting to the put where I am able to run my own with help from others, this makes me feel like my contribution to the department is important and valued.

I feel like my programme is structured well however the structure of the programme is not always made completely clear to apprentices and managers. Sometimes my manager will ask me a question about the programme which I thought he would have known the answer to and I might not be able to help him myself. I have however given this feedback to the early talent team and we are working to improve this.

There is a good level of support from my main tutor and he responds quickly whenever I have a question. He is always encouraging and supportive of any decision we make. However, if I have academic questions sent to specific tutors I may be waiting a long time to get a response and occasionally I have had to wait longer than the 3 weeks agreed

I have a massive network of support from various people I work with. I have a buddy in there second year who I can go to with any problems and is always there to help with work based or university questions. I have a mentor within my office who I have regular meetings with to track my progress and I can ask them for support when I need it. I also have regular catch ups with my manager again to track my progress and see where I need more support. I know I can always go to anyone within my department and ask for help with any issue I have.

I am paid a very good salary for my role especially as I do not yet have much experience however as I travel it can sometimes be tough to fund this. However we have two pay rises a year so as the apprenticeship progresses this will be less of an problem.

There are many social opportunities for apprentices and IP students at GSK to get together and get to know each other. I have made many new friends from this and they have allowed me to grow my confidence in social situations, which I can now use at work as well. There is a group called NxtGen at GSK who help keep everyone connect and arrange various activities outside of work for everyone.

Yes

I have only been there for a few months but I have already learnt so much and feel confident that by the end of my programme I will be more than ready to take on a full time role and I believe I will be able to obtain a first class degree wit the support I am given. I have enjoyed my experience so far and have a great network of support to help me grow and develop and this is something I feel every young person training for a job would benefit from.

Don't be overly nervous on application days and just remember to be yourself. Those involved expect everyone to be nervous and so if you make a small mistake they won't hold it against you. Be confident to ask any question, there is no such thing as a stupid question and everyone is always happy to help. Take everyone opportunity you can, even if you feel like your are outside your comfort zone it will be a great learning experience and you will always be supported.