Engineering Graduate Review
at AstraZeneca
Graduate Scheme
Chemical Engineering, Engineering
Cambridge
Review Submitted: August 2025
Overall Rating
4.6 /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!
4.3/5
-
Overview of the Role
4.8/5
-
Experience & Company Culture
5/5
-
Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at AstraZeneca?
My experience at AstraZeneca has been great so far. I have had the opportunity to work at 2 sites, in Cambridge and Macclesfield, and will have my final rotation in Liverpool. I have been able to develop a wide range of Engineering skills, some of which were completely new and some came from my university studies.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
My role in Cambridge was within the facilities management and capital projects team. My main responsibilities were improving/optimising building systems, looking after functional safety documentation and leading improvement projects under the capital projects team.
My role in Macclesfield was within the process engineering team in the pilot plant. My role was to be the lead process engineer on campaigns coming through the pilot plant, as well as leading upgrades to some plant equipment.
My role in Macclesfield was within the process engineering team in the pilot plant. My role was to be the lead process engineer on campaigns coming through the pilot plant, as well as leading upgrades to some plant equipment.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
During my first 2 years I have been given lots of responsibility to lead projects and design work, making me responsible for the work I do and adding meaningful value to the team.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
Compensation is in line with other engineering graduate schemes. Added benefits are also good including private healthcare and other schemes.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
4/5
The role has allowed me to develop key engineering and project management skills which will be useful for my future career.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
4/5
A lot of the training is hands on experience with systems or projects, which I prefer. There is the opportunity for formal training as and when it is needed.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
4/5
I was assigned a buddy as soon as I started my graduate scheme. HR are easy to contact. I also have an IChemE mentor to assist me through chartership, however I set this up by myself.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
Very good work-life balance.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
Very good atmosphere, everyone is valued and AstraZeneca put a lot of effort into making it "a great place to work".
How would you rate AstraZeneca initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
How would you rate AstraZeneca CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
AstraZeneca are always encouraging employees to do extra curricular activities. Personally, I have been on a volunteering day, as well as designed a STEM activity with other graduates, which we have taken into schools to teach about Engineering at AstraZeneca.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The support throughout the scheme is great, and the work is interesting and impactful.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
It is clear in the recruitment process that it is general engineering, which the scheme has allowed me to get involved with. I have also been able to do a rotation specific to my degree, allowing me to gain more hands on experience in that.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Ensure you understand the values of AstraZeneca, as well as the field of engineering. It is also useful to know key concepts of project management, as well as some knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry.
Which specific improvements would you suggest to AstraZeneca to help them improve the experience for future graduates?
Have a clear route for succession planning post graduate scheme.
