Group Leader Review
at Charles River
Degree Apprenticeship
Science
Saffron Walden
Review Submitted: February 2021
Overall Rating
4.3 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
Charles River is a CRO that provides end to end drug discovery for Pharma, biotech, ect. I am a group leader for Analytical Sciences which entails manging a team of scientist and technicians across multiple UK sites focussing on delivering analytical analysis for our drug discovery projects.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The structure of the course consists of 2-3 days of clustered learning that has been delivered virtually interspersed with work based learning days. This can be a lot of work but it is 110% worth the effort.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
So far we have covered 2 modules:
- Mega project management which has certainly given me an appreciation of how IT projects work and enable me to collaborate with our IT department effectively. It has also given me a clearer perspective of the corporate structure and mechanics at CRL.
- Contemporary Strategy which has introduced some very powerful tools such as the Balance Scorecard framework for strategy planning.
- Mega project management which has certainly given me an appreciation of how IT projects work and enable me to collaborate with our IT department effectively. It has also given me a clearer perspective of the corporate structure and mechanics at CRL.
- Contemporary Strategy which has introduced some very powerful tools such as the Balance Scorecard framework for strategy planning.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
It has been very good considering they have been applying changes as the Covid-19 situation has evolved. Contact and message has been good and response/actions delivered promptly when raised.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I have regular catch ups with my line manager to talk about progress, topics and issues. I also have monthly meetings with HR as a group with the other CRL SLMDA students. As a group, the CRL students support each other through regular chats to help each other through the study.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
We are also assigned a CRL based mentor and college based mentor.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
It is providing exposure to new tools that will enable me to deliver projects more effectively and to influence the business going forwards.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Absolutely. We have many activity groups ranging from a cycling group to a PC/board games groups. Also, there are charity activities you can be involved in, STEM events and community activities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Charles River to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It has a great supportive culture, lots of opportunities to explore your carrier path and contribute to the development of medicines to benefit all.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Charles River?
Network. The company is huge. Do not be worried by its size but go out and embrace it, make new friends, learn new science and grow.
