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AstraZeneca

Industrial Placement Student Review

at AstraZeneca

Placement (10 Months+)

Pharmaceutical, Chemistry

Macclesfield

Review Submitted: October 2021

Overall Rating

4.6 /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 - Overview of Role
5/5 - Skills Development
4.5/5 - Support and Guidance
3.8/5 - Company Culture
5/5 - Overall Experience
5/5 - Future Career Prospects

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.
Worked as a process chemist responsible for the development for one stage of a synthetic route to an API. A typical day would involve running the reaction and collecting data followed by data analysis. This data would then be shared through emails, meetings and presentations with the project team.
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
Supervisor always available for questions and advice.
Weekly meetings with supervisor to discuss project work and next steps.
Worked independently in the lab but colleagues were very approachable if needed any help.
Work completed on placement did contribute to the next manufacture of API.
Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was
5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?
Extensive training in new synthetic techniques and how to use state-of-the-art equipment. Regular presentation giving to improve public speaking and presentation technique.
The opportunity to apply for Registered Scientist qualification.
A general understanding of all the work and contributions the lead to the manufacture of an API.
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?
Very supportive supervisor - always available to answer questions no matter how small.
First month in the lab was guided to ensure correct use of equipment - if new equipment required later on in placement, supervisor showed how to use it.
Weekly meeting with supervisor and monthly meeting with manager to discuss project development and personal matters.
Team members always approachable.
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?
4/5

Company Culture

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Positive work environment with a focus on collaborative working.
Regular departmental meeting with presentations from colleagues to discuss latest work.
Got the impression of a sociable department but unfortunately Covid put a stop to social events/activities.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
4/5
How would you rate the social opportunities?
3/5
How would you rate the diversity initiatives?
4/5
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?
Thoroughly enjoyed my time at the company - would recommend to other students considering a placement.
Work was interesting and contributed to the overall project.
Lots of personal development opportunities available.
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
5/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
What advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca
Online application form - be honest!
Assessment centre consisted of a introductory talk followed by a tour of the facilities. Lunch with the current placement students with the chance to ask questions. The afternoon consisted of a group interview (group of 4) then a 1-to-1 interview with HR and technical questions.
My interview was pre-covid so this may not be the same!
In This Review
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