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AstraZeneca

University Industrial Placement Student: Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences Review

at AstraZeneca

Placement (10 Months+)

Science

Cambridge

Review Submitted: July 2025

Overall Rating

5 /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
5/5 - 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.
My day-to-day work varies, some weeks it is very lab-based, where I am conducting in vitro experiments and performing assays, and other weeks I am more desk-based where I am analysing my data.
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
I was tasked with independently completing my lab work in a timely manner, and presented my results both within my department and to colleagues outside of my department. I not only was responsible for the quality of my own work, but also for others' work, by helping out with tasks outside of my day-to-day role.
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 learnt so many skills during my placement, including laboratory specific skills, as well as data visualisation, presentation and communication skills. I've also learnt how to collaborate within my team and across other teams and have improved my time management and problem solving skills.
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?
I received so much helpful support and guidance. There was a really inclusive and open environment at AstraZeneca, and I did not feel afraid to ask for help. I was also able to engage in mentorship outside of my department.
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 company felt so inclusive and welcoming. I never felt afraid to raise any issues I had, and I always felt that my opinions were valid and valued. My team were so friendly and helpful, and were fantastic at helping me settle into my role.
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?
5/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?
I have absolutely loved my placement, and I don't want it to end! I have had some incredible opportunities which I wouldn’t have been able to get elsewhere, from professional data presentations at group meetings and workshops, to social events with members of AstraZeneca’s leadership. My placement has given me the confidence and ability to push further outside of my comfort zone and I now have more clarity on what I would like to do after University.
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
My advice is to just be yourself in the interview, be confident and take time to reflect on your previous experiences and how they have helped you to get to where you are today. During your placement, take absolutely every opportunity you get - you don’t get an experience like this at University, so really make the most of it!
In This Review
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