Process Engineering Intern Review

I really enjoyed the placement and that's purely because the work you are assigned (no matter what position you are in) will have real purpose. I could see how the results of my project could impact patients and potentially help save lives - what can be more intrinsically satisfying of a job than that. Moreover, the placement is it what you make of it, meaning that it is worth setting out some aims as to what you want to get out the placement and addressing those to your superviser/team manager and they will make it happen!

I was involved in weekly team meetings in my first week and introduced to all my colleagues in my first week by my line manager. It truly felt like I was starting a permanent-role at AstraZeneca. Moreover, my work was used and talked about in regular meetings with senior scientists who have been working at AZ for more than a decade - this made me feel like my work was valued by everyone. Once again, the colleagues made me feel way more responsible than what an average "intern" role would involve.

Excellent support. Even though there were times when my supervisor and management were busy with urgent work but even then, they took out time to check on my progress and ensure I was regularly being checked up on. I realised at the end of my placement that my supervisor volunteered to mentor an intern (i.e. he did not receive any extra income but did this out of his own interest), making me realise the amazing working culture and ethic at AstraZeneca

Every single day during my placement went by really quickly and that's because I was given interesting work to do in a self-driven project that required me to plan my days in advance. I was in-fact given more work than what would be possible to finish in a 10-week period and my supervisor did this deliberately to ensure I kept myself busy with work but moreover, tested my ability to prioritise my tasks and manage my time well. Overall, you will do something every day that will add value to your experience.

I was given real responsibility from day 1. I had to carry out numerous experiments across the 10 weeks and at the same time collate the information needed to write a report and construct a project presentation. It may sound like a lot of work but as the time passes there is a definitely a good balance between work and leisure (including regular banter with colleagues).

It will allow you to appreciate the importance of the technical knowledge acquired in fundamental engineering modules. This is because the projects in the industry will most certainly require the application of knowledge from a degree but the value added from a collaborative approach is something not experienced regularly at university. Whereas, at AZ, there is an open culture to ask questions/receive help from anyone, especially, if he/she has nothing to do with the project you are involved in.

Very kind, supportive and welcoming

The work placement had a good structure for the first few weeks. Thereafter, the project is self-driven with a lot of support from your supervisor and team manager. The flexibility allows you to plan your own time and decide on your own objectives, because 10 weeks is not enough to carry out a detailed study and instead it's important to take into account the time-frame when planning what you want to achieve by the end of the placement. I think for a 10-week placement, being offered flexibility to set your own challenging aims provides a more educational experience.

Personal training talks were provided for everyone in the first few weeks. Thereafter, based on your assigned project you could be attending meetings that will help you understand the current worked being carried out by the department you are working in. Furthermore, asking to attend meetings is also really useful - it's an opportunity to learn something new.

I would definitely apply again

Everyone was friendly and there are excellent food options, especially Veg options, at the AZ canteen, so lunch-time is the best time to catch up and socialise.

It depends on where you stay. You have to pay for your accommodation when undertaking a placement (10 weeks). I advise to look for places to stay well in advance and these can range from airbnb, sharerooms or single room apartments.

Didn't go out to experience the Nightlife. Macclesfield is a quiet, peaceful town. The closest city is Manchester (20 min by train) where there are many clubs/bars.

There is the AZ gym, very peaceful walks along canals and in local parks. The amazing Macclesfield forest is a 15min drive from the Macclesfield station and it is definitely the place to visit on a sunny day.