Student name: Sanjana Muppasani
Company name: Roche Products Ltd
Role: Product Development Data Sciences, Developer for AI Use Cases
Why did you decide to do a placement?
Before deciding to apply for a placement, I carefully considered the potential benefits and how it would align with my academic studies and future career aspirations. I recognized that gaining practical experience by applying my theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, particularly through AI projects, would be invaluable.
I was seeking an opportunity that would help me identify my areas of interest and provide clarity regarding my future career path. I believed that managing multiple projects with varying requirements would enhance my time management and organizational skills.
I also understood that such an experience would teach me essential life skills such as accountability and independence, which would not only benefit my university studies but also be crucial for my career and beyond.
Overall, I saw applying for a placement as a vital step in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and professional expertise, setting a strong foundation for my future endeavours. With these considerations in mind, I was confident that pursuing a placement was the right decision.
What does your placement involve? What are your role responsibilities?
In my current placement, my role is heavily focused on programming and the development of AI use cases, with the aim of streamlining data ingestion processes to optimise clinical trials. Specifically, my responsibilities include:
- Engaging in both the creation of Proof of Concepts (POCs) and the execution of end-to-end system implementations.
- Using various AI technologies including Large Language Models (LLMs), General Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to enhance and automate data ingestion tasks.
- Working together with key stakeholders such as Data Management teams, Laboratory staff, and Medical Monitors to make sure the solutions meet their requirements and facilitate improved clinical trial workflows.
Do you have any advice to students who are looking for / applying for a placement?
Use key words from the job description in your cover letter. This helps you show how your skills are suited to the role and demonstrates that you are an ideal candidate for the position.
After every interview or assessment, don’t hesitate to ask for feedback – it can give you valuable insights into how companies make their hiring decisions and how you can improve your performance.
Use every interview as an opportunity to improve your self-confidence, interview skills, and mannerisms. Take time to reflect honestly on how each interview went to identify areas of improvement.
Keep applying and don’t give up. Good things take time, and persistence will lead to success.
While it may be tempting to use GenAI to draft your application or provide answers during video interviews, it’s important not to rely on it too much. Employers can see through this, and it often doesn’t reflect well on you.
What support have you had from the university before and during your placement?
The support I received from my university before and during my placement was immensely valuable.
I found my placement opportunity through the university’s careers website. This platform was instrumental in my search and provided a comprehensive list of available placement opportunities.
I reached out to the information advisers in the career’s service who helped me gain a deeper understanding of Roche before my interview. They provided me with insights about the company’s culture, values, and expectations, which were crucial in my preparation.
The information advisers did mock interviews with me, and gave me honest, valuable feedback to help me improve my performance. The tips they gave me really helped build my confidence ahead of the actual assessment centre.
The Careers Service were really helpful while I prepared for my interview. They helped me understand the different tasks that I might have to complete at the assessment centre and guided me through what to do, so I was well-informed and better prepared.
What benefits will your placement have on your studies?
The work I am doing on placement is closely related to the modules I have chosen for my third year. I’ve also been able to reinforce my understanding of the theoretical knowledge learnt at university by applying it in the real world.
- This experience has helped me identify my areas of interest within Computing, so I’m able to make better decisions about my future career.
- Managing multiple projects with varying requirements, time commitments, and technologies has significantly improved my time management skills. It has taught me how to effectively balance my time and take full accountability for my work. This is a valuable life skill that is applicable not only to my university experience but also in my future career and beyond.
- Working within a cross-functional department has helped me to develop my communication and presentation skills, which are crucial for professional success.