GSK graduates

Research & Development

Our scientists work hard to discover new ways of treating illness and disease, making the most of their wide-ranging talents and our resources, which are devoted to the application of science to improve the quality of life.

When you consider that it takes around 12-15 years and over £500 million to discover and develop a new medicine, we need to be determined and innovative to develop our molecules into medicines as quickly and efficiently as possible. As a graduate, you'll use the most up-to-date technology to help us maintain a healthy pipeline which ensures a flow of new products to people around the world.

We are one of the largest pharmaceutical collaborators in industry, and we work with academic institutions, governments, and other pharmaceutical companies. Because we believe that the strength of our combined efforts will help people live healthier and happier lives.

"When I graduated with my MBiochem degree, I knew I wanted to work in the pharmaceutical industry, using my studies as a strong foundation in my day-to-day job. I've enhanced the biochemistry fundamentals I was taught at university, and learnt how to apply them successfully within industry."
Cherry, Biochemist

"I really enjoy the GSK culture which is based on the diversity of people working within the company, the passion for achievement and the emphasis on performance with integrity."
Yannick, Scientist

Sales & Marketing

Pharmaceutical (Commercial) Sales & Marketing
Our Commercial business is a crucial part of GSK, committed to selling and marketing the pioneering prescription medications that combat illnesses from cancer to cardiovascular disease, and save and improve lives across the globe. And, by undertaking three six-month marketing placements working with key brands, as well as a 12-month sales representative placement, you can join us in making a major impact on the quality of people's lives worldwide. The product line you'll work with is one of the most innovative and well-established in the world. Similarly, our Sales & Marketing people are amongst the best in their field - so you can rest assured you'll be surrounded by and learning from some of the sharpest and most ambitious talent in the industry.

"The rotational placement structure of the commercial Sales & Marketing programme offers great exposure very quickly."

"The fundamental nature of pharmaceutical marketing, working with the NHS to ensure that patients receive the right medication for the right reason, really appealed to me - the strategic challenges of this field coupled with the knowledge that the products you are marketing can really make a difference to people's lives, lead me to the conclusion that this was the right programme for me."
Kim, Sales & Marketing Trainee

Consumer Healthcare
One of the most dynamic and visible sides of the GSK business, Consumer Healthcare is the force behind brands like Aquafresh, Beechams, Lucozade and Ribena. For graduates with some previous sales experience, we offer the opportunity to join our Field Sales teams as a Business Development Executive. Throughout, we'll give you the tools to build customer relationships, negotiate deals and assist with sales development. In short - everything you need to develop a rewarding sales career.

"The job itself is very varied, as each day brings a different challenge with
different people."
Alex, Business Development Executive

Engineering & Science

We lead the rapid commercialisation of GSK products allowing our team members to take a pro-active and hands-on approach to shaping the world around them. Our efficient global network of sites uses a variety of processes and the latest technology to deliver four billion packs of medicines and healthcare products a year to patients and customers. As a result, our scientists and engineers are applying their talent in ways they never thought possible. They collaborate with other areas of the business such as Research & Development as well as Sales & Marketing to ensure the smooth and rapid transition of their newly developed products into full-scale manufacture, and the consistent supply of high quality products across the world.

Our success is down to technical and scientific excellence as well as the interdisciplinary strengths of our team, including scientists, engineers, statisticians, production managers, and chemometricians. Our teams achieve results that are at once immediate, highly visible, and save lives.

"Within the company, you will meet people from all backgrounds, which makes the business a highly diverse and exciting place to be. GSK employees are passionate about the work that takes place and the direct impact it has on the patient."
Kim, Chemist

"Changing sites frequently means quickly adapting to new teams, ways of working, projects and processes. It is key to be adaptable and learn quickly on the job in order to rapidly be productive when starting in each new role. It is a great opportunity to learn about many pharmaceutical processes and to get to know new teams across different sites."
Lucy, Chemical Engineer

Finance

Finance sets ambitious goals for global cost-effective service provision and innovative practice. Working as business partners, we provide full operational financial accounting and control services to the business. As a member of financial management - within areas such as Research & Development, Corporate, Global Manufacturing & Supply, Consumer or Pharma - you can have a direct impact on our growth in a rapidly changing and competitive commercial environment. If you are willing to supply the ambition and commitment, we can provide you with the opportunity to gain the CIMA qualification and develop the skills necessary to become one of our future finance leaders, and really add value to the bottom line.

"The programme was attractive because of the rotations. Spending each year in a completely different part of the company allows me to develop good business awareness and gain a broad range of finance skills."
Craig, Finance Trainee

"I was attracted to the programme as it is well-structured, has a dedicated programme co-ordinator and provides the opportunity to study for the highly respected CIMA qualification."
Andrew, Finance Trainee

Information Technology

At GSK, our IT function has to be as dynamic as the products we bring to market. From maintaining databases that help in the identification and validation of disease targets, to developing paperless drug submission systems, 'virtual teams' and wireless technology, you'll have the opportunity to work across all areas of the company and add real value to our projects and services.

Whether contributing to internal IT services or developing wider business strategy, the breadth and depth of your skills will develop, whilst your efforts will make a difference to the lives of people living across the globe.

"I was looking for a career with ongoing progression, coupled with first-class training and career progression. The aim of the programme - to produce effective IT managers and professionals of the future - also met with my ambitions."
David, IT Trainee

"There are a number of different IT business units within GSK that can offer completely diverse experiences. The ability to work within these different environments and build networks across the organisation was a key attraction to the programme."
Richard, IT Trainee

Purchasing (Procurement)

Purchasing (Procurement) supports the commercial ambitions of every department in GSK. We manage an annual spend of £7.3 billion, and since 2000, our procurement and business practices have delivered savings of £1.6 billion and made our products more commercially competitive. By working closely with our suppliers to maintain assurance of supply, quality, service and costs, we are able to connect innovation with significant savings. It takes the right blend of original ideas and focus to join Procurement and play a role in managing GSK spend, building market research, and overseeing financial analysis.

"Procurement is about creating close relationships with the business and delivering a service which gives them best value from their suppliers - making that difference really attracted me to the programme."
David, Procurement Associate

"Over the past two years, I have undertaken a number of the training courses which are available to those in Procurement. I have also been given ownership of a number of larger projects which, with the high level of support I have been given, have enabled me to develop."
Claire, Procurement Associate

GSK is proud to promote an open culture, encouraging people to be themselves and giving their ideas a chance to flourish. GSK is an equal opportunity employer.