Hi, I’m Johansel, a fourth-year Chemistry MSci student at the University of Glasgow. I’m currently doing my industrial placement year at GSK and it’s been a big step in my academic and personal journey. Getting here wasn’t easy. The application process was tough with aptitude tests and multiple interviews that felt overwhelming at times, especially while keeping up with university life.

Before applying I spent time thinking about the Aldridge Attributes. They helped me recognise the skills I’ve built over the years and gave me the confidence to write stronger CVs and cover letters. That reflection helped me present myself in a way that felt honest and true to who I am.

I was lucky to have two brilliant mentors, Tom and Rosie, who supported me through the interview stage. Rosie helped me with technical questions and how to explain scientific ideas clearly. Tom guided me through situational questions and gave me great advice on how to stay calm and professional. Their support made a real difference and I’m so grateful for their help.

Even though I’ve only just started my placement I’ve already learned a lot. I’ve had the chance to work alongside experienced professionals and see how science is used in real-world settings. It’s been eye-opening to see how different teams work together and how detailed and careful the work needs to be.

One of the most interesting parts has been learning about standard operating procedures and the systems that make sure everything is safe and high quality. It’s a completely different world from university labs and every day brings something new to discover. I’m constantly learning, asking questions and growing not just as a scientist but as someone preparing for the future.

Balancing a full-time placement with everything else going on in my life has already been challenging and I haven’t even started my university assignments yet! My academic work officially begins in January so I’m getting ready for that while also tutoring and volunteering in my spare time. These are things I care about and I want to make sure I can keep doing them alongside my studies and placement.

Even now managing my time well is really important. Working in a professional environment comes with its own pressures and knowing that university work is just around the corner makes it even more important to stay organised. The Aldridge Foundation’s workshops on time management and overcoming procrastination have helped me build good habits and stay focused. I’ve been using what I learned to plan ahead and make sure I’m ready for the busy months to come.

This year is already helping me think more clearly about my future. I’ve started to see how the skills I’m developing both scientific and professional can be used in real-world settings and that’s given me a stronger sense of direction. After finishing my MSci degree I’m still deciding whether I want to do a PhD or go straight into industry. Both options are exciting and I hope that by the end of these 12 months I’ll have a better idea of which path feels right for me. This placement is giving me the space to explore, reflect and grow and I’m making the most of every opportunity to learn.

Looking back on everything I’ve experienced so far, I feel incredibly grateful to be part of the Aldridge Foundation’s Next Steps Programme. Over the past four years, the bursary has supported me not just financially, but also through opportunities for personal and professional growth. It helped ease the pressure of university life by covering essential costs like travel and study materials, allowing me to focus on my goals. The workshops on time management and overcoming procrastination gave me practical tools that I still use today to stay organised and balanced. Most importantly, the programme gave me the confidence to believe in my potential and pursue opportunities like my placement at GSK. The support, resources, and encouragement I’ve received have been a constant source of motivation, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. To any student thinking about applying, I’d say go for it! You don’t need to have everything figured out. Just be open to learning and making the most of the opportunities around you. With the right support, you’ll be amazed at how far you can go.