Summer placement student Review

I learnt a lot about the pharma industry while on this placement (even though it was relatively short). I had an exposure to pharmaceutical crystallisation I wouldn't have been able to gain through my undergraduate course. I liked the fact that we were treated as colleagues and co-workers with scientific insight and intuition rather than 'interns'. The social atmosphere after work was very good.

As mentioned, I felt like a respected colleague while I was there. I had meetings regarding my project with my team manager and supervisor and I was able to steer my project in the direction that I wanted. My opinion and advice on technical decisions was listened to, and I felt as if my work had an impact on future plans.

My team manager was very helpful and put in a lot of time into helping me out. I was also involved with other scientists' work and they gave me all the appropiate guidance and training I needed while also challenging me to think on my own. My actual supervisor was quite busy and often had to leave early so I would've preferred to have a different supervisor who would've been less busy while I was there.

Toward the end of the placement I was very busy with writing up all my work and my presentation/acquiring data. At the beginning I was very busy learning about everything and being trained with all the equipment and software that I would use. The flexibility and trust in interns to direct their own work maybe meant that I felt as if I was less busy at times however there was always something to be doing. When I didn't have set tasks or work that immediately needed completing there were plenty of opportunities to learn about the pharma industry and other aspects of chemical development I was interested in.

We were given a lot of responsibility once we had been trained. We were allowed to use all the equipment and tools necessary to complete our project once we had been trained. I felt like a valued colleague who inputted my own decisions and scientific knowledge into the project.

I learnt a lot about a topic that isn't covered greatly in many of my lecture courses. While I didn't greatly my skills in a wet lab, I greatly developed my analysis skill and knowledge of different solid state techniques that I would otherwise have no exposure to.

The office environment was good. I felt like I was in a relaxed but hardworking place of work. Other scientists and team members were approachable and I felt like I could approach anyone for help at any time. I was allowed to listen to music if I wanted while working.

Generally very well. The placement was organised by an external recruiter (hays). The application process and information was provided fairly well. There were a few confusing times when it came to receiving pay etc however everything worked out okay in the end.

Everyone was willing to give up their time to help me and answer all of my questions. I was encouraged to take time to go and visit pilot plants, sterile manufacturing facilities etc. There was time to attend additional lectures and training courses so I felt like I learnt a lot and the entire placement wasn't just focused on what they 'wanted' out of my project but from my development as a young scientist.

I feel like I can apply for a job with AZ and have a better idea of what they want and where I might want to be working. The placement does not directly lead to any industrial placement or job offers but this is to be expected. The only negative on my placement is is told by a team manager that they weren't willing to accept students was from my university for an industrial placement year. This was due to some issues in the past but I've spoken to academics at my university who are willing to repair their relationship with AZ. This made me about reapplying for an AZ placement for my industrial placement year.

There definitely was. We all lived together and got along very well. There was time during the week after work to get together and enjoy our summer.

Our accommodation was a bit over priced for what we were given but asides from this the cost of living is okay and well within what AZ pays you for the placement.

There wasn't really any nightlife, however this didn't really bother me too much as there was plenty of opportunity to socialise with the other placement students by partaking in other activities.

There were several opportunities to get involved with my colleagues from AZ even though it was such a short placement. For the length of the placement the amount we did was good.