Learning invaluable skills on my placement year

Emma Pye
Emma Pye
Undergraduate student
MChem Chemistry with Study in Industry
Emma worked at a major pharmaceutical company during her placement year, helping her prepare for her final year and future career.

My placement year was based in Stevenage at one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world - GSK.

During my year I worked as a Process Chemist where I was concerned with the optimisation of a three-step synthesis of a tris-nitrile amide towards a pharmaceutical target.


During this time I learnt many skills that have proven invaluable upon returning to my masters year. A few of those being time management, public speaking, presentation skills, problem solving and teamwork.

Emma Pye

MChem Chemistry with Study in Industry


One of the most important things I have taken away from this placement is how to act in a professional manner and interact with people from different walks of life. I also gained an appreciation for the drug discovery process.

Being based at GSK was truly an enjoyable experience where I got to challenge myself daily. Stevenage is also a 20 minute train journey away from London so there is plenty to see and do whilst based at GSK.

The University was extremely helpful when it came to addressing any queries I had regarding the distance learning modules.

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