University Industrial Placement Student Process Engineer Review

I am a process engineer so I have worked on safety aspects such as risk assessments and HAZOPS, I designed an equipment set ups in the laboratory for a piece of equipment that had not been used in an extended period of time. I then completed experiments on the equipment to characterise it and understand which parameters effected the measurables I was interested in. The next objective was to create a model that could reliably predict how the equipment operated. I then

I was given responsibility with my equipment and modelling but limited responsibility with the drug project team. This was likely because the drug project team didn't engage that much with me.

I have developed a lot of skills, such as practical skills laboratory, coding with Python, use of AI to enhance performance, interpersonal skills to communicate with a range of stakeholders, how to increase the quality of my work by being thorough, presentation skills and an greater understanding on how long things take in industry.

Lots of support and guidance at the start of the placement as I had a buddy, supervisor and manager. However, through changes in people requirements I had less support as the year went on but that was also because I was an established member of the team then and my manager still provided a lot of support.

Everyone at AstraZeneca is extremely nice and very open to chat to you about anything, but also there is a very strong focus by everyone on getting the work done as people are very busy, this can make the office feel empty at times or difficult to put time in to talk to people. However, as this is my first office based role I cannot say how this compares to other workspaces.

I very much enjoyed the equipment set up and learning all about the equipment, I enjoyed completing the experiments and analysing the results. I then found the modelling very satisfying but sometimes frustrating when I didn't understand why it was working. The admin of keeping notes on how everything was done and multiple write ups I found less exciting and the procedures of the company such as reviews and goal setting I found quite stressful although I do understand that these are essential to track progress and have the work be meaningful so others can use it. I also very much enjoyed learning from other people had completed.

Yes