Amna's industrial placement

Amna Kashif is an undergraduate Chemical Engineering student who has just completed her industrial placement year as a Device Technologist at pharmaceutical manufacturing company GSK. She tells us about her experience.

"I’ve spent the past 12 months in the Assembly & Packing team — a year full of learning, growth, and real impact.

I played an active role in the manufacturing of respiratory devices, gaining a strong understanding of their design and assembly. Seeing them go from parts to patients was truly rewarding, and knowing my work supported the delivery of life-changing respiratory treatments gave real purpose to what I was doing.

Beyond my core role, I took part in the Engineering Development Trust's Bronze Mentoring Programme, where I assessed and supported students interested in STEM careers and joined employee resource groups — both great ways to meet new people and develop outside the technical world."

I’m most proud of…

"One of my proudest achievements was leading a technical report that directly influenced a process improvement in the manufacturing line. It wasn’t just about data analysis — it was about translating complex findings into actionable recommendations that were actually implemented. Seeing my work contribute to both efficiency and sustainability targets made me feel like I wasn’t just a student, I was a valued part of the team. It affirmed my ability to operate in high-stakes environments and deliver impact."

Unexpected learnings…

"One thing I’ll take away from my placement is the ability to ask better questions. Early on, I hesitated to speak up, but I learned that asking thoughtful questions can lead to stronger decisions and deeper understanding. That shift in mindset has stayed with me.

I was surprised by how much emotional intelligence mattered. I expected the technical challenges, but navigating team dynamics, adapting to different communication styles, and learning when to speak up or step back, that was a whole other skill set. It taught me that being technically competent isn’t enough; influence and empathy are just as critical in driving change."

 

My advice to students who want to go on placement…

"Don’t wait to feel 'ready'. You’ll grow into the role faster than you think. Be curious, ask questions (even if they seem basic), and treat every task as a chance to build trust and learn.

Also, keep a reflective journal. It helps you track your growth and makes writing future applications so much easier."

My placement year has broadened my perspective

"I used to think of engineering in quite narrow terms — mostly as technical problem-solving. Now I see how much impact comes from understanding systems, people, and long-term strategy. I’m more open to roles that combine technical depth with wider organisational thinking, and I’m excited to explore that further.

I’m now looking forward to returning to Queen Mary to complete my final year of Chemical Engineering, ready to take everything I’ve learnt into the next chapter!"