Laboratory Scientist Review

My role within the company at the moment is to test and confirm the identity of raw materials used within the pharmaceutical industry. On a day-to-day basis this involves using a variety of lab equipment for example the FTIR to confirm the identity of samples against a reference material.

I have learnt many new skills in my role including how to confidently handle high-level lab equipment, in addition in my role I feel I have really developed my ability to communicate and ask for help from my superiors and colleagues as my company likes to advocate open communication.

I have really enjoyed my programme to a large extent, I believe the programme has already made me grow as a person as in it has boosted my personal confidence and given me a sense of belonging that I feel other paths would not have.

My programme is very well structured and organised, for example when I was introduced, I felt comfortable and confident that all my instructions were clear, and I understood my role; and I still do now. Anytime I have any queries there is always someone available to help very quickly but I don't have many due to the organisation skills of the programme.

I receive lots of support from my employers, I receive regular check-ins from my superiors and other colleagues where they check that I am happy in my role and if I have any queries. Within my programme it has been made very clear that I shouldn't be afraid to ask any questions and that everyone is happy to help.

I receive quite a bit of support from my training provider. For example, at the start of the programme I was assigned a personal tutor who is someone I could go to with any queries about the course or even personal issues. The lecturers also have made it clear they are always around to answer any questions as well.

My qualification gives me a better understanding of the theory behind the instruments I use on a daily basis thus allowing me to be more confident when using them and helping me top interpret the data that they produce.

There are many social activities and networking events to be a part-off, for example I am a part of the apprentice network which is a way for the apprentices with the company to keep in touch with each other. There are also a variety of conferences and clubs available to join and be a part of.

Yes

I think it's a great company with an amazing apprenticeship programme in that you are made to feel so welcome and treated like a valued member of the team from day one. It provides great opportunities for those who wish to endeavour for a job in the science community and help them feel comfortable in not only the working environment but in the scientific field as well.

Some advice for when you're applying to work at Pfizer would be to research the company first and make sure you have a good understanding of what the company stands for and the roles within it this will help you to grasp your role much easier which helps when interviewing especially. Furthermore, don't be afraid to ask questions or get things wrong, the community within Pfizer is so understanding and sympathetic to those applying and just starting out; I've learnt that the most important thing to do is to ask questions, it tells your employers that you are engaged and want to be there also everyone I've worked with has been keen to answer any questions I asked even if they seem silly.