Industrial Placement Student Review

I very much enjoyed my work placement at AstraZeneca. There is a friendly working environment with lots of opportunities to socialise with other students. I was given lots of support as a student, from my supervisor, and so were the other students that I spoke with. I also found the projects very interesting.

I felt valued and included by my team and colleagues. I was encouraged to attend all the team meetings and I also got the chance to present in them. I was given a good amount of reasonability and I was trusted by my colleagues to carry out tasks for them.

I recieved great support from by supervisor. I had regualr one-to-one meetings to plan and discuss the next steps for my projects. I was also able to set up meetings with other members of the team if I wanted their input on something. Even though I was able to get guidance whenever I asked, it was still my project and I never felt micromanaged.

It varied. Some days I would not have a lot to do but other days I would be working not stop through lunch and till 7. The times when I didn't have a lot of work I could ask my supervisor if there was anything I could help with and I would be given some more tasks.

I was given the amount of responsibility that I wanted. If I wanted to be more independent then I could be but if I wanted extra help with something I could also get it. I was given guidance on my project but it was still my project and the work was done by me. I was also trusted to do other tasks by my team.

I have developed lots of technical lab skills that I can carry out confidently. I have also got a greater understanding on how scientific research is undertaken which with help me in the final stages of my degree and further in my career. I also got the chance to practice key communication skills.

There was a good, friendly atmosphere in the office. The students sat together to help support one another and some good friendships were built over my time there. The company put on a few social events for everyone in the company which everyone seemed to enjoy. I found it a fun place to work.

It was organised quite well. There are several jobs dedicated to early careers and lots of people to reach out to. Each student was in a different team with their own supervisor who you were put in contact with before your placement starts. Communication with your manager before your start date was good as it allows you to read up on the kind of work that you will be doing.

There were lots of opportunities for personal development. There were lots of internal seminars and talks that I was able to attend as well as seminars put on specifically for early careers. There are also opportunities to attend external seminars but you have to find these yourself and then ask (but the company will often pay).

I would love to work for AstraZeneca again. Not only is the work being done innovative and exciting to be appart of but the company also offers a great working envirnment with lots of perks. However it is quite competitive and higher qualifications are needed to get a job there.

All the students got on well! In work, most of the students sat together so it was easy to get to know them. There was also an induction day before we started to meet each other and some students arranged to live with each other. Outside of work we regularly met up to socailise.

I was loctaed in Cambridge so it is relatively expensive cmpared to mostt of the UK. Rent is roughly £500-£700 per month but the salary accounts for this and I still had plenty of money for other things. Socialising costs were also quite expensive, especially being food and drink out. But there are still plenty of cheap supermarkets around.

The nigh life was ok. Cambridge is a small city so there are not loads of bars and clubs (but lots of pubs). The night life was good when the students were there however when term time had ended the nightlife became a lot quieter. London is still close though if you want a change in scenery.

There is some opportunity. Cambridge is a city with a lot of things going on so if you look for something you will probably find it. There is a rock climbing centre which some students went to. Most of my free time was spent exploring the city, going on walks and cycles etc. There are also a couple volunteering opportunities through the year at various science festivals.