Drug Discovery Degree Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Science
Cambridge
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4.8 /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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.6/5
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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
I'm involved within a team in the early stages of drug discovery. My role involves screening millions of compounds, to filter the most promising compounds that can be used as the starting point of a drug. I'm responsible for the lab work, write-ups and reporting data in meetings.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy my programme because it allows me to gain hands on experience in the lab, and it provides me the opportunity to gain valuable skills in a workplace environment, which allows me to develop both as a scientist, and a person.
You also experience the uni side, so it's a win-win.
You also experience the uni side, so it's a win-win.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt many skills right from day 1.
Communication
Problem solving
Working independently
Teamwork
Communication
Problem solving
Working independently
Teamwork
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
In terms of the work side - there is no set structure. As soon as a project arrives, you start working on it, planning experiments, doing lab work and analysing data to report in meetings to project leads.
In terms of uni - You have one day a week to complete uni work - this includes modules and assignments. Can feel heavy at times, but requires some time management.
In terms of uni - You have one day a week to complete uni work - this includes modules and assignments. Can feel heavy at times, but requires some time management.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
As soon as you start, you are assigned a line manager and mentor. They are there to guide you through your journey as an apprentice. Your colleagues and team are also there to support you. The apprenticeship team is also a source of support for all apprentices. In a nutshell, support is always in place.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Each apprentice has a success manager who you have reviews with on a regular basis. You can contact lecturers for help and 1:1 meetings on topics you are unsure about.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualifications from the training provider covers a vast range of topics, some relevant to my job and some not so much. However, it is good to have a vast range of knowledge and skills (which the training provider focuses on), than just a specific set of knowledge and skills limited to one job role, especially as an apprentice.
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 many extra-curricular activities that one can get involved in at work. These include sports such as football and cricket, social events with other apprentices, and the opportunities to attend conferences and networking events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It develops your skills and knowledge really fast. The first few months are tough, as it is a massive change from sixth form, but over time you start to get more comfortable. You have the opportunity to gain practical experience and interact with experts in the industry, and when you're in this sort of environment, you pick up things really fast.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
I would definitely recommend applying. As an applicant you want to show that you have an interest in contributing to the discovery of life-changing medicines for patients with disease and the role you are applying for. Make sure to showcase in your CV (with examples) on how you have the skills that your role requires (usually found in the job description).
