Analytical Chemistry University Industrial Placement Student Review

As an analytical placement student in chemical development, I support the development and optimisation of analytical methods for pharmaceutical compounds. My daily activities include preparing and analysing samples using techniques (such as LC-MS, NMR, and ICP-OES), processing and interpreting data, and maintaining accurate laboratory records. This role has provided practical experience in analytical chemistry applied to pharmaceutical research and development.

Yes, during my 10-week project I was given a significant amount of responsibility. My project directly supported AstraZeneca’s goals, improving sustainable analytical methods for drug development. I was trusted to plan and carry out key experiments, manage my own workload, and interpret and present my results to the team.
Additionally, I was responsible for conducting key experiments and analyses that contributed to AstraZeneca’s drug development and submission processes, ensuring my work met high standards because it directly impacted important company goals.

Throughout my placement, I have had regular opportunities to present my work in a supportive environment. These presentations have helped me build confidence in communicating scientific results, receive constructive feedback, and improve my presentation skills.
AstraZeneca offers a 10-week development project for their analytical placement students, an opportunity to focus on a specific area, where I also gained valuable project management experience—such as planning experiments, setting timelines, and coordinating tasks.

I received a great deal of support and guidance throughout my placement. My supervisor and colleagues were always available to answer questions, provide feedback, and offer advice when I needed it. Check-ins as regular as I needed and an open, supportive atmosphere ensured I felt comfortable seeking help and had access to the resources I needed.

The company culture and general atmosphere were welcoming, collaborative, and engaging. There was a real sense of community, with social activities like a cake rota, sports day, and a summer BBQ bringing people together. I also valued the scientific side, with regular poster sessions with opportunities to learn from others and present my own work. Overall, the environment was supportive and encouraged both personal development and professional growth.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement. The experience was enriched by fun and engaging workshops at the start of the year, and this continued with frequent (around fortnightly) teaching sessions on different aspects of AstraZeneca. These sessions provided valuable learning opportunities and helped me feel even more connected to the company and my colleagues.
Being part of a large cohort meant there were plenty of other students to connect with, making it easy to socialise both after work and on weekends. This made the experience not only professionally rewarding but also fun and sociable, helping me build friendships and feel part of a supportive community during my time at the company.

Yes