Graduate Engineer Review

Overall, my experience as a Graduate Engineer at AstraZeneca has been extremely positive. I have been trusted with key responsibilities in large capital projects and have felt supported at every stage. The Engineering Graduate Scheme is focused on personal and professional development, allowing us to have significant input when deciding our next placements to ensure we're doing something we enjoy while also gaining experience in key competency areas.

I am coming to the end of my first out of three 12-month placements. This placement has been in Project Execution within the Global Engineering team. My key responsibilities have been:
- Working on projects through concept design, detailed design, procurement and construction stages
- Managing the successful delivery of equipment ‘Work Packages’ for large capital projects
- Working alongside design contractors, equipment vendors, SMEs and client teams
- Reviewing equipment design & requirements
- Leading Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) to ensure quality standards are met
- Coordinating change management processes
I have enjoyed all elements of this role, but I have particularly enjoyed seeing equipment I have been working on being installed on site, as this has added a real-world aspect that I wasn't able to fully experience at university. I have also enjoyed taking part in workplace design projects, which was an area I wasn't expecting to gain experience in during this placement.

I have been trusted with key responsibilities in the projects I have been working on. The project team has been very friendly and supportive, giving me a sense that I am making a meaningful impact on projects that will significantly improve the lives of patients.

In addition to base salary, AZ offer a benefits package which is used to pay for pension, private healthcare, holiday purchase, etc. This is very useful and there are lots of benefits on offer.

In my first placement I have already developed key skills that will support my future career, such as project management, stakeholder engagement and an appreciation for the differences between theoretical design and real-world application.

I have always felt very supported by all areas of the company. My manager has made sure to discuss workload with me regularly to avoid having too much/too little. There is a large network of graduates at AZ, making it easy to meet new people and make friends.

The work life balance at AZ is great and I have never felt pressured to work beyond my usual hours. There are lots of resources and groups to support both physical and mental health.

AZ has a massive focus on incorporating the company values across all areas of the business. The vast majority of people I have worked with have been friendly and inclusive at all levels of seniority.
Typically, staff are able to work from home up to 2 days per week (though this may not be the case for lab or construction based work).

- Great diversity and inclusion

Yes

AstraZeneca is a brilliant company to work for. From day one, I have felt trusted, supported and included in all areas, both work-related and outside of my role. The benefits they offer are great and I am proud to work towards the company's values and goals.

When initially applying, it wasn't entirely clear that there were two different types of Engineering Graduate Scheme (UK and Global Engineering), but this was made very clear later in the process. After being offered the job, I wanted to make sure it was right for me before accepting and the HR team were happy to set up a phone call with a colleague to discuss this with me. This was an honest conversation, not trying to sell me on the role but making sure it was right for me, which I greatly appreciated and afterwards I was certain that I wanted to accept.