Charlton’s studies equipped him with the foundation to secure a professional placement at GlaxoSmithKline, where he applied his academic learning to real-world challenges in supply chain and procurement.

Having gained a clearer understanding of the industry and his career interests, he explains how he now feels better positioned to apply these insights both academically and professionally to his final year and future.

From a big city to a smaller one; appreciating the different pace

I am originally from Hong Kong and lived there most of my life. But, at 13, I moved to the UK to attend boarding school.

One of the reasons I chose Bath for my undergraduate degree was the environment. It’s a student town and it’s not too big - I didn’t feel the need to be in another big city like I was in Hong Kong.

I also liked that BSc (Hons) International Development with Economics was quite broad. The economics aspect combines with politics, sociology and global issues, which suits my interests.

After initially wanting to do a three-year degree, I switched to the four-year course with a professional placement and am working with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in their headquarters in London. While I hadn’t initially planned to work in the pharmaceutical industry, the opportunity came up and I have found the work surprisingly interesting. My family is quite entrepreneurial, so my long-term goal is to run my own business, though I’m not yet sure what industry that might be in.

A new start and how academic life has sharpened my thinking

Starting at Bath was a smooth transition for me. Having already spent time away from home, I was quite used to living independently. My flatmates were all gap year students too, which meant we had a lot in common straight away. On the first night of Freshers’ Week, both flats that shared a living space met up, and we all went out together. I’m still living with two of those friends now, which has been great.

The academic side has been both challenging and eye-opening. The seminars are a real highlight. Unlike school, where discussions are more limited, the seminars here are small — often just five or six students — and can cover sensitive topics that spark real debates. Everyone is respectful, and I have learned to appreciate viewpoints I might never have considered otherwise. It sharpens your analytical skills because you need to listen, assess, and respond quickly.

I’ve always been quite a good listener and university has helped me develop that further. I try to take a moment to reassess my thoughts before voicing them, which is crucial in discussions where multiple perspectives are involved.

The course has given me a broader and more critical view, especially when it comes to politics and social policies. Coming from a privileged background, it’s been valuable to study topics like women's rights in South Sudan or global humanitarian issues, often taught by lecturers who have spent years working in the field.

Some of our lecturers have backgrounds in banking or public policy, and guest speakers often bring different perspectives to the table, which helps put abstract theories into perspective.

Reflecting on my placement at GlaxoSmithKline

At GSK, the supply chain is split into internal and external streams. I work on the external side, where most of the manufacturing is done by third parties. I specifically work in the small molecules division, dealing with products such as oncology drugs, Ventolin for asthma inhalers, and other medical-grade drugs.

My role involves a mix of scheduling and planning for potential stockouts or delays, ensuring everything is completed on time, and managing a significant amount of internal paperwork.

I also requested to be more involved in procurement, as I wanted to work further with external people. My manager was supportive but made it clear that I would need to take the initiative. I have since taken on price negotiations, which has been both challenging and rewarding.

I have also been involved in tracking financial liabilities and other performance metrics. So, between procurement and sales, I've got experience negotiating prices on one side and managing liabilities on the other, effectively covering both sides of the financial equation.

While these projects may be small in the context of GSK’s overall size, they have given me valuable experience and responsibility.

One of the biggest skills I’ve gained is time management. I was never one to leave things until the very last minute, but I did have a habit of procrastinating slightly. Working at GSK, where planning happens months or even years in advance, has forced me to manage my time much better.

I’ve also developed my strategic thinking skills through procurement work. I've been fortunate to receive guidance on negotiation techniques, like how to build an argument and sell a point, which will definitely help in the future.

Being on placement has also taught me a lot about budgeting, responsibility, and independence.

Convenience and security at Bath

Bath, as a city, has been perfect for me; it’s far enough from London for a bit of peace, but close enough for convenience. The University’s campus itself is compact, with everything within walking distance — the facilities are excellent, too. I particularly enjoy the Lime Tree canteen on campus, while in the city centre I head for Mokoko and The Watch House for coffee and studying.

The international student services team have been especially helpful, whether with visa extensions or just day-to-day support. The university’s 24/7 security was also a reassuring presence, particularly during first year when I would occasionally lock myself out of my room!

I’m looking forward to my final year and then seeing where this all takes me.