Kim Bailey

Country of origin: United Kingdom

Placement: Johnson & Johnson

Since I was 17 and deciding on a university and the course, one of the main deciding factors was if it involved a placement year. This is because I knew that gaining work experience whilst at university not only will provide me with the skills I will need for a graduate scheme /job after graduation, but also a chance to try out a job/industry I may have not already considered.  

At Johnson & Johnson I worked in the pharmaceutical sector of the business, within the marketing team that promotes the drugs for HIV and Hepatitis C. My role was very varied in terms of the projects and tasks I carried out. Projects included creating new marketing materials for doctors and nurses informing them about our drugs and leading internal communication days for ‘World Hep Day’ and ‘World AIDS Day’. I used internal processing systems to organise promotional events and to approve any promotional and non-promotional materials. I was also involved in many charity events and projects outside of my remit. This included organising a charity ‘Christmas present wrapping event’ and taking part in a ‘Live below the Line’ week. 

The experience was invaluable. It was a great year. I learned a lot not only about the industry I worked in but also general business skills that can be applied to any future job, made friends with great people and generally had a fantastic year. 

When I first started everyone from every level was so welcoming and willing to help out when I was stuck on a certain task or project. This warmth continued throughout the rest of my placement. The group of placement students that I was part of was also really fun. We all became close and would make effort to see each other outside of work. 

After I graduate I hope to return to Johnson & Johnson, but if that doesn’t work out I will definitely apply to other companies in the pharmaceutical industry. I think the skills I have gained from placement will help out in the competency based interviews as I now have more experiences I can use as examples. I also think my placement year will also help with my confidence in general. 

The sessions we had in our first year regarding applying to placements was essential. I don’t think I would have achieved the role that I did without the tips and advice we were given by the  LUMS careers team.