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Higherin
AstraZeneca

University industrial placement Student - Discovery Sciences Review

at AstraZeneca

Placement (10 Months+)

Science

Cambridge

Review Submitted: June 2025

Overall Rating

4.8 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4/5 - Overview of Role
5/5 - Skills Development
5/5 - Support and Guidance
4.8/5 - Company Culture
5/5 - Overall Experience
4/5 - Future Career Prospects

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.
Scientist role based in the laboratory. Tasked with managing an assigned project with support from a designated supervisor. Daily interactions with the close team - especially supervisor. In the office/lab at least 4 times a week. Monthly interactions with wider teams in department meetings. Responsible for the data collection analysis and presentation for my project. Multiple laboratory techniques and analysis techniques carried out every week.
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
As the initial months progressed more responsibility was placed on me to manage my project. Suitable amount of support has been given throughout the placement and a good balance of independence and assistance.
Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was
4/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?
I have learnt a large range of different laboratory techniques including but not limited to: Flow Cytometry; live cell imaging and analysis; and Gel electrophoresis.
I have further developed my analysis skills and programming ability.
Large opportunity to learn with internal learning courses.
Improved Professionalism and 'Soft' Skills such as presenting work and time management.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development
5/5

Support and Guidance

How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?
Large amount of support and guidance from my designated supervisor. This extends to support given by the wider team that I work in. The atmosphere around the office encourages support in and around the team.
How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?
5/5
How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?
5/5

Company Culture

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Friendly atmosphere that is very welcoming from my first day. Collaborative environment throughout the company.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the social opportunities?
5/5
How would you rate the diversity initiatives?
5/5
How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?
4/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?
Had a fantastic time during my placement and I would highly recommend others experience this opportunity. I was consistently challenged throughout my placement allowing for consistent professional growth.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5

Future Career Prospects

Please rate the future employment prospects at AstraZeneca
4/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
What advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca
Attempt to explicitly relate your previous experiences and personality to the values of the company. Be keen to learn new skills. Don't be afraid to admit you are unsure or unable to answer a question. Relax and be friendly.
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