12 Month University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Biologics Engineering Review

I am working on my own project on Fc engineering. I am in the lab most days and spend time in the office analysing data.
To learn new skills and how to use equipment I shadow others in my department. I attend team and department meetings to keep up with pipeline projects and new innovations.
I have the chance to present my data to the department and the company as a whole.

At the beginning I relied on my supervisor to help me. Now I work mostly independently, being trusted with expensive equipment and reagents. I am working on a novel project.
I am also responsible as a volunteer in the AZInspire employee resource group, helping to organise events.

I have learned many new lab skills such as how to culture mammalian cells, run complicated instruments like the octet, plan assays.
I have been able to apply knowledge that I learned in lectures as I had access to the instruments at AstraZeneca.
I have developed my presentation, communication and teamwork skills.

I was given a lot of support and guidance. Anytime I was unsure of something, I felt extremely comfortable to go up to my supervisor and ask for clarification.
If something went wrong in the lab and I needed help, I could rely on my supervisor to come down and give me support.

The company culture is very supportive and there are plenty of ways to learn from people in different functions. They do really push the 'great place to work' mantra. There are fun events like the Christmas Party.
As there are many early talent there is a good atmosphere for young people and the AZInspire resource group offers lots of opportunities to grow and socialise.

I have really enjoyed my placement year and would thoroughly recommend completing a placement year at AstraZeneca.
Although I can get really busy, I enjoy doing my project and seeing the other placement students as lunch to catch up.

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