Drug Discovery Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Science
Cambridge
Review Submitted: February 2025
Overall Rating
3.8 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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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
On a typical day I start by going through my emails and then planning the rest of my day - including desk and lab work. From this I often attend a couple meetings per day and spend some time in the lab. Some of these meetings may require me to present data generated from my lab work.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I very much enjoy my apprenticeship, the capability to use cutting edge equipment and to develop my competency in an amazing environment. My degree adds a significant challenge in terms of time management, but this in itself furthers my skills.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed my skills both in terms of soft skills and laboratory skills. I have developed my ability to write scientifically, present to an audience of varied backgrounds, communicate and work as a part of a team. In terms of lab work, I have developed my skills at cell culture, NGS and genetic engineering tools.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
My degree is split into clear courses with transparent start and end dates alongside clear deadlines. In terms of organisation, it could be improved as I would appreciate more information about the individual courses that I will be doing, in advance. I also think communications could be improved.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive lots of support from my employer, this is in the form of my manager, supervisor, apprentice buddy and other colleagues. All of which provide me with the support I have needed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
My lecturers are very responsive to messages and are quick to reply and offer support when needed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
My qualification supports my understanding of biology in a broad sense as opposed to directly feeding into my role. It aids to support my understanding of biological concepts which relate to my role.
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 are several groups to get involved with for a variety of purposes. There are early career groups, social groups and groups devoted to mental health support.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
AstraZeneca has provided me so many opportunities to develop as an apprentice and as an early career professional. I have access to such a variety of equipment and experiences all of which will benefit my apprentice journey.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Consider how your experiences, no matter what they are, relate to the requirements of your role both in terms of professional competency but also your soft skills. All of these will benefit your application as your experiences will have given you more skills than you realise.
