Graduate Engineer Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far at AstraZeneca. I am coming to the end of my second placement (out of three total) on the Global Engineering Graduate Scheme, and the experience overall has been brilliant, allowing me to make real contribution to significant global projects across all stages of design and to varying degrees of technical complexity. I am looking forward to my final placement and then working to secure a permanent role within the company!

During my second placement, I have been part of the Front End Studies team within Global Engineering. This involves defining the scope and feasibility of future major capital projects by evaluating problem statements and business needs, collaborating with cross-functional experts to gather technical requirements, and researching relevant technologies and processes. I have developed and presented feasibility reports - detailing execution options, technologies, costs, schedules, and recommendations - to sponsors and senior stakeholders, and authored comprehensive reports to enable a smooth transition into subsequent design stages.

My contributions have felt important throughout my time at AZ and I have felt valued by everyone within the teams I have been working in and the wider Graduate Scheme.

Annual bonus of 10% base salary (performance-dependent)
Benefits package worth an additional 11% of base salary, this includes private health care, holiday purchase, company share schemes and several other benefits.

I have felt that I can be open and honest with all managers I have had so far. I have always felt supported when discussing any issues that have come up, from balancing workload to health difficulties and any issues outside of work.

The working hours and work from home setup have always enabled a good work life balance.

High level of diversity and inclusion, with a very friendly atmosphere throughout

Yes

AstraZeneca is a great place to work, allowing me to come to work knowing that what I am doing is making a real impact to patients across the world, while also developing my own abilities and setting me up for a future role. The culture within the company is excellent, and it allows for very good work-life balance.

My general expectations were matched very well. The only area that wasn't fully clear during the application process was exactly what placements I would be involved in during my time here, but that is largely because the same placements are not available every year and this has actually allowed me to select placements that I would personally like to do.