Course: Big Data Analytics 

Name of Placement Employer: Parexel International 

Job Title: Statistical Programmer 

 

Overall, describe your placement experience:  

My placement experience was entirely different from my classroom learning. It applied what I learnt to real-world situations. This experience was not only rewarding but also transformative, as I gained valuable insights into the industry and developed essential skills. The opportunity to collaborate with professionals, tackle real challenges, and contribute to meaningful projects made my placement truly great. Overall, it has significantly enriched my education and prepared me for my future career. 

Describe a typical day within your placement job role:  

A typical day in my placement job role as a Statistical Programmer was diverse and engaging, involving a mix of collaborative and independent work. The day sometimes began with a team meeting to discuss ongoing projects, deadlines, and any challenges we were facing. 

Following the meeting, I would spend a significant portion of my day coding in SAS, creating or modifying programmes to generate datasets, tables, and listings for clinical trial data. This work required careful attention to detail and adherence to regulatory standard. 

Debugging was also a regular part of my day. I would meticulously review code to identify and fix any errors, ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of our programs. This process often involved problem-solving and creative thinking. 

Throughout the day, I would collaborate with other team members. I also dedicated time to documenting my work. 

Occasionally, I would participate in training sessions that has been assigned to me. This is to stay updated on industry regulations, new programming techniques, or company-specific procedures. 

Towards the end of the day, I would often review my progress, plan for the next day, and ensure all my work was properly saved and backed up. 

 
What were the areas of your placement you were most worried about before starting, and how did you overcome these?     

Before starting my placement, my main concern was my lack of work experience in this specific field. I worried that this might limit my ability to contribute effectively. However, during my placement year, I realised that success in the workplace relies on more than just technical skills but also, soft skills such as effective communication, time management, leadership, attention to detail, etc. Additionally, getting feedback from my colleagues and actively asking for help when needed played a crucial role in my development. The mentorship I received was particularly valuable; my mentor provided guidance and support that helped me navigate challenges and build my confidence. This experience taught me the importance of a well-rounded skill set and the value of collaboration and mentorship in a professional setting. 

Best part of the placement year:  

The highlight of my placement year was undoubtedly my final day, when my mentor presented me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. It was a moment of recognition for the contributions I made during my time in the office, including taking additional tasks and organising fundraising events. Reading the heartfelt farewell comments from my colleagues reaffirmed the positive impact I had on the team. 

What are the skills you developed as a result of the placement year? 

During my placement year, I significantly improved both my technical and soft skills. My SAS programming proficiency improved dramatically through real-world applications, including creating datasets and generating reports. I also developed strong data management skills and gained understanding of CDISC standards. 

My communication skills improved as I effectively communicated with my team-members across continents. Also, my time management improved as I learned to use my calendar efficiently to plan my day and balance multiple projects with varying deadlines. Problem-solving and attention to detail were strengthened through debugging and data analysis tasks. 

This experience equipped me with a well-rounded skill set, combining technical expertise with essential soft skills, greatly enhancing my employability in the industry. 

 

How do you think your placement year will benefit you within your final year, and applying for and securing a graduate role?  

 

This experience informed my choice of dissertation topic, it allowed me to select a subject that's both academically interesting and relevant to the clinical industry needs. 

 

When applying for graduate roles, this experience on my CV will set me apart from other candidates. Also, I have developed a professional network and gained valuable references. The practical skills and industry knowledge I've acquired has made me more confident for interviews and has given me a clearer understanding of my career path. 

 

 

 

 

Would you recommend other students carrying out a placement, if so why? 

 

I recommend that students undertake a placement, as it provides invaluable exposure to the real world. The experience of working in a professional setting is different from classroom learning; it immerses you in the dynamics of a workplace and equips you with practical skills that are essential for entering the job market. 

During my placement, I not only expanded my technical knowledge but also gained a clearer understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. This self-awareness allowed me to identify specific areas for improvement, ultimately enhancing my personal and professional development. This opportunity significantly boosted my confidence and prepared me for future challenges. 

In summary, I would say a placement is an essential stepping stone that bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, making it a worthwhile investment in your future career.