Global Supply Chain and Strategy Intern Review

As a Global Supply Chain summer intern, my role involves supporting the end-to-end operations involved in delivering AstraZeneca’s medicines worldwide. On a day-to-day basis, I participate in various tasks that help maintain the efficiency and resilience of our supply chain network. My main duties typically include analyzing supply chain data, assisting with forecasting and planning, supporting logistics coordination, and working on process improvement projects. I also collaborate with colleagues across functions—such as procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and customer service—to help ensure medicines reach patients promptly and safely.
Each day can be different: sometimes I’m extracting and analyzing performance data to spot bottlenecks or trends, while other days I may help coordinate shipments with external partners or work with the supply chain team to improve our tracking systems. Additionally, I attend team meetings, training sessions, or workshops that deepen my understanding of global supply chain strategies and best practices.

During my internship, I was given a good amount of responsibility, which made the experience both challenging and rewarding. From the start, I was entrusted with real tasks that contributed to ongoing projects or day-to-day operations, rather than just shadowing others. For example, I was involved in proposing solutions to streamline shipping processes, and communicating with stakeholders from different regions.
I was also encouraged to take ownership of my work, such as leading small projects or presenting findings to my team. Supervisors and mentors offered guidance and oversight, but there was a clear expectation that I would manage my tasks independently, meet deadlines, and proactively identify issues. This level of responsibility improved my problem-solving skills and gave me greater confidence in my abilities by the end of my placement.

Proficiency with supply chain software (e.g., SAP, Excel-based planning tools) • Data analysis and reporting for supply chain operations • Inventory management methods • Logistics coordination and problem-solving • Understanding of global regulations in supply networks • Effective cross-functional teamwork • Professional communication and presentation • Time management and organization • Critical thinking and decision-making using data

During my Global Supply Chain internship, I received strong support and guidance from my manager, as well as my team members. my manager provided clear direction from the start, outlining my responsibilities, introducing me to key supply chain systems, and ensuring I had the training and resources I needed. His regular check-ins helped clarify expectations and gave me the confidence to tackle new tasks.
my teammates were both incredibly approachable. They generously answered my questions, shared their own experiences, and offered constructive feedback when I faced challenges. Team meetings and informal catch-ups with them made it easy to discuss projects and seek advice on specific aspects of supply chain operations.

The company culture at AstraZeneca during my Global Supply Chain internship was open, collaborative, and highly supportive. I found the atmosphere to be welcoming from day one, with colleagues actively encouraging questions and showing a genuine interest in my learning and development. There was a strong emphasis on teamwork, and people regularly shared knowledge and insights—not just within our immediate group, but also across different departments and global teams.

I genuinely enjoyed my Global Supply Chain placement at AstraZeneca. The internship offered a perfect balance of challenging and rewarding work, which kept me engaged and motivated. The supportive atmosphere created by my manager Greg Hughes and the team made me feel welcomed and valued from the very beginning, which significantly enhanced my experience.
Working with real-world projects and having the chance to contribute meaningfully gave me a sense of accomplishment, while the opportunities to learn new skills and develop professionally were both exciting and fulfilling. The collaborative company culture and openness to new ideas meant that my input was always listened to, making each day interesting and dynamic. Social interactions and team activities further enriched the experience, helping me build strong relationships and feel part of the wider organization.
Looking back, I found the placement to be thoroughly enjoyable not only because of the work itself but also due to the positive environment and the people I worked with.

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