University Industrial Placement Student Review

Around half the time spent in the lab and half in the office.
In the lab: prepping, running and developing assays for eventual sample analysis, helping the day to day running of the lab such as maintenance of some machines.
In the office: assay planning, data analysis and visualisation, attending meetings and presenting, personal development

Increased throughout the placement. By the end was running assays and samples independently. I think it flexible though, my team always have time if I want some help.

A lot learnt in the lab, in terms of techniques and machinery. Become better with R (optional to learn this), Prism, excel and lab specific software. All the usual corporate soft skills developed too, communication, networking, time-management etc. AZ gives lots of meeting and trainings to help in this way as well as learning from your team directly.

Made to set goals and had weekly 1:1s and quarterly check-ins. My line-manager carved out a lot of time for me and was always very helpful (although I know this wasn't exactly the case with other students - looking from an outside perspective, some line managers were very busy and so supervisors would fill in these roles but may not have full knowledge / expertise of line managing and some support may have been lost). Team was also really supportive and happy to help. We also have a dedicated placement partner who overseas all placement students at AZ, if needs be we can always talk to her too.

Generally a good, vibrant atmosphere, although this differs from team to team. Plenty of opportunities to meet people in societies (I played football, for example), although these aren't always easy to find or well attended. Also have employee resource groups that can offer ways to connect with others. Other benefits include activities put on at work, e.g. sushi making or pottery painting and occasional work party / get togethers.

Overall enjoyed it and found it to be a really good experience.

Yes