Extending my chemical experience

There are many reasons I chose a course with a placement year, but above all, I wanted to experience working life and test my academic knowledge.

I spent my placement in the quality control support unit at Novartis, based in Italy. Managing the analytical documentation for drugs export, international regulations research and laboratories supply were my main tasks and those I enjoyed the most. As well as gaining a deeper knowledge and experience of analytical chemistry, I also began to understand the workings of a multinational company.

Placements advice

My time at Novartis showed me I enjoy management and with my background in chemistry can easily fit into a pharmaceutical company at a managerial level. This is where I’ll be heading at the start of my career.

I strongly recommend placements to all prospective students. Alongside studying I volunteer for a tutoring organisation and always advise choosing courses with a placement to those I mentor.

Look for placements early and don’t turn down opportunities you don’t think you’ll like; you may be surprised, and every placement provides a unique experience.