I wanted to develop my business acumen and learn about the corporate industry. As I intend of pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry post graduation, I knew a placement would provide me with invaluable experience and also differentiate me from other applicants.
On the Rate my Placement website
I first had to submit an online application on the company's recruitment portal. Following from that, I had to take an online numerical and verbal reasoning test. I was then invited for a telephone interview to talk through my CV. The final stage of the was a face to face interview before I was offered the placement.
My role was to support the Operations Team of the Healthcare Services Business Unit, focusing specifically on Strategy, Marketing and Communications. (Activities listed in next column)
I had a diverse role on placement and therefore my day to day activities varied. The following are a few key activities I was involved with in my placement year:
I developed a Capacity Model for the Technical Team within the business unit. This model supports the management team in forecasting future resource requirements to effectively and efficiently manage future projects.
I managed and devised marketing materials for an NHS England Early Intervention for Long Term Conditions Test Bed program. I worked cross functionally with both internal and external stakeholders to prepare and process materials through formal regulated approval processes within a tight timeline.
I organized Global Monthly Innovation Calls for more than 100 innovation-interested invitees to share best practices. I selected topics and contacted speakers for the monthly agenda to drive the right conversations about innovation.
I was a project manager for an Oncology Early Identification Project. As part of the project, I set up a team space site which enabled the communication of important information to the project team and allowed everyone to easily share key documents. I was also heavily involved in the development of the cancer patient pathway and I translated information gathered from subject matter experts into an interactive diagram using Microsoft VISIO.
I enjoyed being given real responsibilities and accountability. I was given opportunities to get involved across a variety of projects, not just on an internal level but also national and global levels. I have been given so much exposure not only to how a corporate organisation operates but have also gained so much knowledge about the NHS. In addition, I have also networked with so many subject matter experts in the field who all have a common goal of improving the health and wellbeing of humans and animals around the world
The challenging aspects of placement was learning how to say no. Coming in as a student into corporate setting, I had set an expectation for myself to say yes and take on as much work as I could to make a good impression. As the year progressed, I learnt how to prioritize work based on how it would impact the business and also learnt how to ask for help from fellow co-workers when I needed assistance.
I used transferable skills such as problem solving skills, communication and decision making which I had developed from the first two years on my course on placement. I developed these skills from activities on my course such as lab sessions, statistics and communicating with lecturers, coursemates, and other university members.
Definitely. I am know aware of all the opportunities and various routes I can pursue after I graduate.
Do a placement as it's one of the best things you can do for yourself. It may be daunting to leave your course mates but the experience you attain in a placement year will be invaluable for the rest of your life.
Form completed: 26 Jul 2017