Industrial Placement Student Review

My daily tasks involved me carrying out a series of cell based assay experiments to investigate the proteins I was interested in. I was always in the lab working on experiments and when I was not I would be at my desk analysing the data from my experiments. I would also be attending online team meetings with other AZ employees.

I have learnt a plethora of skills including, how to be resilient, analytical skills, how to pay attention to detail in the lab, research skills, presentation skills, communication skills, organisational skills, time management, molecular cell biology skills, mammalian cell culture skills and how to work well in a professional environment.

Yes, I was overall responsible for running my project once I had learnt the appropriate skills needed to carry this out. I was also given some tasks from others who were part of the project team to carry out in the lab all whilst balancing assignments for my masters degree.

My team was exceptionally supportive and understanding especially being a student and having some troubles learning some techniques. They were always there to show me where I could improve and were incredibly patient. However, I did have some instances of colleagues having unrealistic expectations and being impatient towards a student whose primary reason for being there is to learn and gain lab skills, complete her masters who is coming with zero lab background.

The company is incredibly friendly and supportive and very welcoming. A very positive social atmosphere where people were hard working but also knew how to interact well with each other.

This placement year despite being tough was very valuable in ,y growth and character development. Balancing a full-time degree with full-time lab work is incredibly challenging. Despite having a few negative experiences at work I have learnt so many skills which have helped shape me as a future research scientist.

Yes

When applying for AstraZeneca its important to demonstrate your skills and how your skills are applicable to the role you are applying for. Always show a willingness and eagerness to learn and demonstrate that you can work well in a team. Also, talk about what makes you stand out as a candidate and how your abilities will make you well suited to the role you are applying to