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Higherin
AstraZeneca

Clinical Study Administrator Review

at AstraZeneca

Placement (10 Months+)

Science

Luton

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
4.5/5 - 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 role as a Clinical Study Associate involves supporting my Local Study Team with the maintenance and integrity of clinical trials. I ensure the electronic Trial Master File (eTMF) is complete, timely, and compliant with GCP guidelines. I liaise with sites to resolve queries, organise vendor access for site staff, and assist with trial finances, including site payments and contracts. This role provides valuable insight into clinical operations within a global pharmaceutical company.
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
Yes, I was given a great deal of responsibility throughout my placement. I felt like a valued and equal member of the team, and my contributions were respected and taken seriously. I was trusted by sites to support them directly and had the independence to manage my own schedule and workload. This level of trust helped build my confidence and made the experience feel both meaningful and rewarding.
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?
During my placement, I’ve developed strong communication skills, particularly when liaising with site staff and Principal Investigators. My confidence in professional settings has grown significantly. I’ve also improved my time management and ability to prioritise tasks to meet tight deadlines. In terms of technical skills, I’ve gained experience using Excel more efficiently and navigating various clinical trial platforms and vendor systems, which has deepened my understanding of trial operations and documentation processes.
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 excellent support throughout my placement. My line manager struck the perfect balance between offering guidance and trusting me to work independently. We had regular check-ins where I could raise any concerns, and she provided ongoing feedback while encouraging me to think about my future career, even connecting me with helpful contacts. The wider team was also incredibly supportive and always willing to help whenever I had questions or needed 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?
Everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming from day one, which helped me settle in quickly. As the placement progressed, I felt completely comfortable asking questions and have even made some real friends. The company has a positive and motivating atmosphere that inspires personal growth. Being surrounded by so many intelligent and supportive colleagues has been an amazing experience and really encouraged me to develop both professionally and personally.
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?
3/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?
This year has honestly been incredible. I feel I’ve grown more during this placement than ever before and learned many skills I will carry forward in my career. I really appreciated the 9-to-5 structure as a refreshing change from university life. I enjoyed being in the office environment and felt a genuine sense of contribution to the wider process of drug development, which made the experience very rewarding.
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
I would definitely encourage anyone interested to apply. AstraZeneca is an excellent company with inspiring values that truly come through in the work they do. My advice would be to be yourself and let your genuine passion for science and drug development shine. Showing enthusiasm and authenticity will help you stand out and make the most of the opportunities the company offers.
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