GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the multinational healthcare company, is rated number 5 in the top 100 companies to work forin 2014/2015, scoring an overall average of 4.2/5. GSK’s three main areas include vaccines, consumer healthcare and pharmaceuticals and the company has commercial operations in more than 150 countries. When it comes to graduates, GSK’s Future Leaders Programme has intakes for a wide variety of functions including business and technology consulting, manufacturing science or regulatory affairs. Reviews taken directly from graduates at GSK indicated especially high performance in environmental awareness (4.5), work-life balance (4.4) and company culture (4.3).
The average salary of graduates at GSK came in between £27,000 – £29,000, with one graduate commenting that ‘there are further benefits to working for GSK than just the salary: performance related pay, share schemes, generous pensions, free private healthcare and more’. Average working hours are 8am – 5pm, with a graduate working as a functional consultant explaining that ‘hours are flexible. If you need to work from home you can. If you need to start earlier and finish earlier you can. You manage your own schedule so as long as you deliver, no one will care what time you came into the office.’
‘Real opportunities to develop personal skills and technical knowledge while working within a full manufacturing environment. Great links across a really diverse business with a funding available to utilise that diversity. Relocation to wide range of sites around the UK.’ Chemical Engineering Associate, Technical GMS
‘Opportunities to quickly develop your career and progress through the company. Endless opportunites for career choices, many different areas of science/business you can work in. GSK is a very complex organisation, it takes a while to understand the company’s structure/ways of working. It’s a very large company, you can sometimes feel like a very small cog in the wheel.’ Procurement
‘The vast amount of development opportunities. Very personal. High level of responsibility. Great variety in job. Companies values match mine. Lack of support from line manager. I have been given independence which is a little sink or swim. If I didn’t have my drive and strong character I don’t think I would be able to do my role. A large divide between sites. Operators often don’t feel appreciated because management upward manage.’ Project Engineer
Finally, interview tips from graduates working at GSK include:
Application Advice: It’s important to have people skills and be able to adapt and think on the spot in a challenging and fast pace environment. If you are up for a challenge then this role is perfect for you. Everyday is different.
Interview Advice: Research, Research and more research. It’s so important to know the company’s score values and what we do and how we make a difference on global scale. Learn the mission state. Memorise it if possible. We are all about our mission statement. This is what the company always focuses on. Be confident, but not too confident but also be yourself. This must be a lot to ask but it’s so important to be yourself. QM Functional Consultant, SAP
Application Advice: Take the Video interview seriously – lock your room, suit/dress up and treat it as a real interview.
Interview Advice: Mix of technical and behavioural questions – focus on what they have taught you that would benefit GSK. Chemical Engineering Associate, Technical GMS
Application Advice: This is a ‘Future Leaders’ Graduate Programme and this isn’t just a title to make the graduate scheme seem more appealing, it is reflected in the fact you are given great exposure to senior colleagues and responsiblity on major projects from very early on, so make sure this is a challenge you are looking for. If GSK is a company you specifically want to work for, be sure to mention this and explain why as that interest and passion for the company and its Values will help you stand out. Similarly, make sure you do your research on GSK to gain an understanding of the Company and what about GSK appeals to you as this will demonstrate your interest in working for GSK.
Interview Advice: Be yourself, that way you will see if you are the right person for GSK and also if GSK is the right company for you – it is a two way process. Again, do your research on GSK and what about the company really appeals to you personally and why. Ensure you have examples of where you have demonstrated key competencies looked for at GSK to demonstrate that you have these attributes, otherwise you are missing a great opportunity to demonstrate your ability. HR Associate, UK Pharma HRM Team
Click here to see the full range of job reviews with GSK.
Experts from the best companies in the UK share their experience and advice on how to boss the interview process
Jazz Panesar is a Digital and Technology Apprentice at Severn Trent. Read Jazz’s story here.
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Have your own questions prepared.It's your turn! As the interview comes to a close, one of the final questions you may be asked is "What can I answer for you?" Your interviewer will expect you to have...
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Research the Company.Do your homework about the employer and the industry so you are ready for the interview question "What do you know about this company?"
