Analytical placement student Review

Majority of the placement was spent completing work packages that my team was involved with. There are some ongoing studies that required sample testing (e.g., by HPLC, LC-MS, NMR, etc.) at set timepoints. It would be my responsibility to manage my time and plan accordingly, perform the analysis in the lab, process the data and write up the experimental results obtained. On average, I would do 2/3 analyses per week.

I have been given the space and time to take on responsibilities such as particular analyses for which there was no defined protocol, while also always having someone to refer back to should I need additional support, which has greatly improved my confidence. I have also been made part of investigational work, which has been a great insight into how decisions get made for development projects.

I have developed analytical skills as, techniques that I had learnt about at university, I have had the chance to perform here at AZ. I have had plenty of opportunities to improve my presentation skills, both through internal (within the team but also in front of principal and senior scientists within the department) and external meetings (at university and at a conference). Being part of a team has allowed me to learn how to work collaboratively with others.

For the first 2 months of the placement, my supervisor would always be in the lab with me for support. Once I felt comfortable on my own, I started to plan and manage my own analysis. However, I've also asked for shadowing opportunities much later on as well, whenever I felt that I needed more guidance. In addition, everyone is always present, whether in the office or on Teams, to ask questions to and I've never been turned away for asking help.

Very inclusive and positive. Due to the pandemic, I did not get the chance to meet up with people from other teams much. However, lately, there have been many events that allowed for people to get together and network. Prior to lifting the restrictions, my team used to have virtual meet-ups for coffee breaks and drinks. Now, we make plans to do a social (e.g., dinner, bowling, etc.) together after work, at least once a month.

I loved it! The placement has been an invaluable opportunity to boost my laboratory skills and AstraZeneca has been an amazing company to get my first taste of the pharmaceutical industry. I've had the chance to meet amazing people alongside this too. It definitely was a challenging year, but it was very much worth it. This year definitely made me realise that I want to work in Industry after my degree.

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