Supply Chain Degree Apprentice Review

So far, I have loved the amount of responsibility I get. It really brings the role I do value and gives me a sense of purpose, which is why I applied to do a degree apprenticeship. Sometimes I do get lost in the acronyms and high-level wording of how my team describes things, but surprisingly, my naivety of such things has proved useful when we have recently changed to a new system, as I taught some of my team how to do new processes! This role is always a problem-solving challenge. Sure, there have been moments where I wish I could be more creative, but through putting myself forward for external projects outside of operations, I've found my creativity to be a valuable asset to many, so I get the best of both worlds. If I hadn't have put myself out there, I don't think I would have enjoyed my experience as much. But overall, the role has been enjoyable despite COVID-19 and working from home. I'm sure once I do get in the office this score will go up to 10!
The university programme had a brilliant introduction, and I do find once I start writing I do get enthused about the arguments I make in my essays. It is the hardest when you are trying to figure out what you are going to write about when you are only just learning the role yourself! Once you know your concept you are good to go. My manager always puts time in with me to talk about the essay assignments and gives me the names of people to talk with to get the relevant content.

I applied to this job with no experience or knowledge of what supply chain involved. I hadn't even done a business course previously, as the supply chain degree is like a business degree with hints of logistics and supply throughout. However, I have learnt how to be a material manager, understanding the processes for ordering and controlling the delivery of key components for our oncology drugs. Through external training courses, I have developed my presentation skills which are used frequently in every part of the company. Not only this, but I have learnt how to apply my graphic design skills to good causes, such as our drive to raise awareness for neurodiversity.

There are so many employee resource groups to join, such as AZinspire (for young people starting their careers at AZ), AZ pride, Neurodiversity and of course the apprentices themselves! Some of my work I've done in these groups is being used internationally and has sprouted into projects I'm doing with HR. AstraZeneca also post loads of opportunities outside the company that they think would be beneficial, which has led me to be involved in the G7 Youth Summit this year! There are some virtual social events that I have met some people in, but I can't comment on how this is during normal times. One thing I've learnt is that although we work at AstraZeneca, a world-renowned company, everyone is very relaxed and does have a sense of humour. I don't have to act a certain way to fit into any of these groups!

I'm a farmers daughter who was a drama student (I did Maths, History and Drama at A-level). I now work at a global pharmaceutical company in supply chain. I don't think you can illustrate two more opposing lifestyles. My point is you have no idea what they are looking for. My manager said to me "You weren't what we were looking for, but you were certainly what we needed". Be yourself. I didn't hide the fact I knew little to nothing about business or operations, because they didn't care about that. They are looking for people who are down to earth. Do sell yourself on your CV, and make sure everything you put relates to skills they say they need in the job ad. I spent about 3-4 days perfectly my CV and cover letter, and I just did this through online resources. Practise some basic interview questions and use stories to illustrate your skills. They won't ask you any strange interview questions as they are not there to catch you out. In my interview I spoke about my artwork and drama performances, so don't be afraid to talk about your interests! Do some research on the company. Sustainability is really important to me, and AstraZeneca do a lot in this area so that's what I said in my interview. I'm now going to be doing my own sustainability project! Don't worry if your work experience isn't relevant. I did a week at the BBC and I know about all things farming. Just make sure you have done something to show your drive to do extra things and prove you haven't just sat on the sofa.
I possibly think my diversity of farming and creative subjects was intriguing, so again, put down your wacky hobbies and make that CV a trophy of who you are. They aren't looking for brainboxes or people who already know it all, otherwise, they would offer you a job rather than an apprenticeship! They are trying to impress you as much as you are trying to impress them. I had other job offers too, so bear in mind that if you do get chosen to do an interview, they really want you there!