University Industrial Placement Student: Analytical Sciences Review
at AstraZeneca
Placement (10 Months+)
Science
Cambridge
Review Submitted: July 2025
Overall Rating
4.9 /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
5/5
-
Support and Guidance
4.8/5
-
Company Culture
5/5
-
Overall Experience
4/5
-
Future Career Prospects
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.
Within the analytical science team, I was given an independent project to complete for the 12 month placement, which was lab-based. The day-to-day activities depended on how much lab work I had to complete. Some weeks were more desk based due to data analysis while others were mostly in the lab. Weekly meetings with my team and monthly meetings with the wider team across different sites. Opportunity to present in different meetings throughout the year.
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
Early on in the placement, I was given support by my supervisor but as the placement progressed throughout the year, I was given more responsibility both completing lab work and analysing the data to make decisions and drive the direction of my project.
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?
I have learned many new technical lab-based skills this year including being able to independently operate different instrumentation and confidently perform experiments independently. I have also further development my analytical skills alongside other soft skills including presentation skills, problem solving and teamwork.
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?
Throughout my placement I was given a lot of support and guidance by my supervisor as well as the rest of the team. I also felt comfortable to go up and ask for assistance or clarification when it was needed. My supervisor was always available and happy to provide any assistance.
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?
5/5
Company Culture
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The general atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming from the beginning alongside having a supportive culture. This its lots of opportunity to learn new skills and for professional development.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the social opportunities?
5/5
How would you rate the diversity initiatives?
5/5
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?
I have really enjoyed my placement year and was given the opportunity to develop both technical and soft skills as well as grow throughout the year. I definitely would recommend other students to complete a placement here at AstraZeneca.
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
4/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
What advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca
Research the company and its values to relate your experiences, which do not have to be science related. Ask questions and demonstrate your interest in the company and its science.
