I am currently undertaking my Industrial Placement with Pfizer Ireland in Cork and work as an Associate Scientist within the Process Monitoring Automation and Control (PMAC) team.
Our team supports multiple Pfizer sites across many different time zones. I have been fortunate to work on a variety different projects across many disciplines including but not limited to statistical analysis [multivariate data analysis (MVDA)], SOP testing and small-scale testing prior to plant production. One project I worked on needed to stop a process at an exact pH using computer-based models. First in the laboratory at a small scale but now being run in the actual production plant which makes me proud to have been involved in the project.
Living in Cork for the year was an amazing experience
Getting to see and do as much as possible around the amazing sites throughout Ireland and Cork city itself. With many pubs and adventures to go on the possibilities are endless. I set myself a challenge to do at least one tourist-related thing each weekend; visit a wildlife park, museums and a film festival among many other things. During the process of finding a placement I was supported by an Industrial Placement Advisor and my Personal Development Advisor (PDA).
I feel that having this experience working in one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world will be a huge advantage when it comes to finding a job after I graduate. The placement gives you a real understanding of how the chemistry learned on the course is put into place within a company. You learn so much more than just how to do the job. There are lots of opportunities to work with so many people from a variety of countries and chemistry backgrounds from all levels in the company.
The whole experience from the placement to living somewhere new is so valuable and something that I won’t forget. Everyone should try and complete a placement as you never know what doors it will open further down the line.
