Senior Leader Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Macclesfield
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
5 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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
My role is in leading a team of senior engineers to deliver enterprise capabilities. Daily I coach and mentor my team and give direction on strategic initiatives to drive the adoption within the organisation. I regular meet with vendor executive teams to review the ongoing partnerships and are responsible for the budgets and ensuring the multiple projects are on track.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
The programme was excellent. From meeting people on the cohort and learning different industry insights to the switch to virtual because of COVID. I happily recommend this to others as this greatly adds to the enjoyment from the subject matter. Overall extremely enjoyable and rewarding experience and one that I recommend
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have expanded my leadership skills in coaching and mentoring, as well as understanding the different communication skills needed to engage all levels of the business. My negotiating skills have increased as I have had to lead multi million pound software deals.
I have also leant new skills in finance and global economics that i have used in situations where i would not of expected :)
I have also leant new skills in finance and global economics that i have used in situations where i would not of expected :)
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The organisation and structure is excellent. Clear details of dates and agenda helps in the preparation from the university. The lessons are well structured and encourage debate and from this you get a much richer experience. Having the reading material available online helps read around the subject and adds to the structured approach
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Internally the organisation in place to enable apprenticeships is also excellent. The maturity is growing and line managers are aware and supportive of off the job training requirements and actively support the commitment needed. In addition there is ability to structure academic projects as business deliverables, adding value to both.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The support from the training provider is excellent. With skills coaches helping work through the details; business coaches helping with understanding and articulating the business impact of the apprenticeship. In the latter stages this is even better with mock preparations along with detailed review sessions. Overall I believe this is excellent
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification will help me greatly in my role and in future roles. It has opened my thinking to more strategic decision making that has business impact. The fact that the qualification is accredited and internationally recognised and supported by the chartered institute has huge impact to me and my company
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are many extra curricular activities, including clubs and gyms on site that allow access to social interactions. Also there is a emphasis on volunteering and personal growth with regular support and activities in the help for local charities. Professional networking at conferences is encouraged when possible due to COVID
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The company lives its values and has built a culture of support and growth for all employees but especially for apprentices. The ability to study is excellent with the support structure and the opportunities that it brings are second to none. Overall the company is dynamic, enjoyable, friendly, supportive and truly a great place to work.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Be enthusiastic, and show your passion, be that for your education or for the role you offer. A skillset can be learned but a passion for learning and a desire to do better comes from within.
Be confident, and show how you can add value to the company and the impact you will make.
Be confident, and show how you can add value to the company and the impact you will make.
