Data Science Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Macclesfield
Review Submitted: May 2022
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!
3/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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:
3/5
Analysing the meaning of graphs and code. Coding for colleagues. Learning about software used in the company (data visualisation, data extraction, team communication). Learning about company processes, like how data is stored and who specialises in which products. Frequent meetings with colleagues are necessary to make sure everyone is up to speed as team working is utilised heavily
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy coding and statistics a lot so the quantitative data driven tasks I naturally enjoy. Some uni module assessments include an essay / are more "soft skill" orientated, such as the Professionalism module which I cared for less than, say, the statistics for data science, or Python. Overall though, we don't often go long without some data/numbers to work with.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
So far on the course I've expanded my GCSE level maths knowledge to somewhere between A-level and degree level (matrices, imaginary numbers, calculus). I've expanded my coding knowledge due to utilising it most days. Frequent meetings with colleagues has allowed me to practice professionalism as well as social skills (formally and informally). There's a lot to learn about the Pharma industry and as a result I've had practice in absorbing lots of information from different sources, such as videos, meeting recordings, websites etc
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My manager is always able to answer my questions and help if I have any issues. All of my colleagues are always happy to help if I have any problems as well. I was assigned a "buddy" when starting out who I still regularly meet with, to ask questions and talk about what projects / work we have both been doing. Everyone is more than happy to help.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The company work around my uni requirements and try to slot in work that I'm currently studying. My manager tries to, where possible, get me in contact with colleagues who have experience with what I'm currently studying. Other data scientists set up meetings where we discuss things such as Python applications and more. No complaints
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Learning about the basics of what I do in the job help a lot (especially the code practice and statistical methods practice). the Uni work may not always be directly applicable (i.e. imaginary numbers at the moment) but I can see most modules contributing to my greater understanding of the role and potential roles that come off it such as chemometrician or data architect.
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
There have been apprentice events held which are focused around learning about other roles in the wider business community, as well as social events like "scavenger hunts" organised by other older apprentices. The latter were more frequent a month or so before starting, as "ice breakers" to get to know the other apprentices you're about to start with. When covid restrictions are reduced there will probably be more social events too
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
My experience so far has been very positive due to the work being challenging but not too overwhelming (though it can be, but you can mention this to your manager and they'll help you out). I've been learning new skills and developing my statistics and coding based interests by applying what I enjoy in a new Pharma context. All the people I work with are friendly and ready to help out. I feel that the company values my time and effort.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Try your hardest and be passionate about your work and interests. Be prepared to push yourself, as for example my application had me deliver a presentation on something I had little experience in, so I had to go and research and create a code project and script. If you enjoy what you're applying for, it'll give you an extra boost.
