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University Industrial Placement Student (UIPS): Synthetic - Organic Chemistry Review

at AstraZeneca

Placement (10 Months+)

Chemistry, Data Analysis, Pharmaceutical, Research, Science

Macclesfield

Review Submitted: July 2026

Overall Rating

4.5 /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!

4/5 - Overview of Role
4.8/5 - Skills Development
4/5 - Support and Guidance
4.8/5 - Company Culture
5/5 - Overall Experience
3/5 - Future Career Prospects

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.

Predominantly lab-based role, performing synthetic organic chemistry. My project was in early-phase development so I was performing route design towards an intermediate in the synthesis of an API. My project involved a wide range of chemistry. Typically, most of my time was spent performing lab work.

Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?

The direction of my project was largely up to me. I was given the opportunity to present to the project team on a regular basis.

Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was

4/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?

I developed my lab skills considerably. I also improved my independent working skills, trusting myself that I was making the right decision without having to ask my supervisor first. The only major drawback was the amount of time I had to wait before I was able to perform lab work due to having to read several SOPs and have training before I could enter the lab.

How would you rate the training provided during your experience?

4/5

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?

My supervisor was consistently on hand to give me help when I needed it to achieve what I wanted to in my time on placement. They were able to guide me towards a successful project, while giving me space to make my own decisions.

How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?

4/5

How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?

4/5

Company Culture

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?

Very positive and relaxed. Everyone is willing to help you out when you need it and make time for you.

How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?

5/5

How would you rate the social opportunities?

4/5

How would you rate the diversity initiatives?

5/5

How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?

5/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?

Greatly enjoyed my time on placement. I learned a lot and developed various skills. I was able to develop skills both in and out of the lab, including opportunities to present offered regularly.

Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship

5/5

Please rate how your experience met your expectations

5/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?

Yes

What advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca

In the interview, be willing to not know the answer to something. The way that you respond to not knowing something (and how you can then work it out) is important.

Future Career Prospects

Please rate the future employment prospects at AstraZeneca

3/5

Did you receive an offer to return as a graduate?

No
In This Review
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