Placement Student Review

The work was challenging but incredibly rewarding. Everything from the academic and pastoral support was amazing.

My colleagues were one of the best parts of my experience. From the very first day I was welcomed in and made to feel like a family. This was especially true for scientific discussions in which my opinions were valued. I was always made to feel equal and respected.

I had a challenging project which required large amounts of collaboration. It was a project which was completely new to me however, my supervisor gave me the support and guidance that I needed to develop and grow my skillset.

This is project dependent and, in part due to COVID-19. There is a good balance of quiet weeks and busy weeks.

I was performing and designing experiments with supervision. The responsibility of myself was to gain enough data that was of high enough standard.

AstraZeneca is leading innovation and, it really shows. So many skills and techniques will be used in my PhD and onwards.

There was a really good balance between having a fun office and hardworking. At every point I was made to feel involved and we frequently went to events out side of the working hours. There were times in which the atmosphere was down however, that is in part due to the pressures of working within a large company.

The placement was initially well organised with a lot of support provided. Travel and settling in support was offered and taken however, some promised support was later made a lot more complicated. Initial support that should have the same procedure was changed. I still feel that it was well organised.

I was offered training on the most innovative equipment and allowed to pursue personal interests that would grow my career. This ranged from new lab equipment to online training classes to improve many skills. The company wants young scientists to succeed and, sees us as important members of the team.

I would love to work with AstraZeneca again. The ethos surrounding the company is welcoming and progressive. The programmes available to young scientists are life changing; they provide opportunities that are at the top of the pile. Very few pharmaceutical companies value students as highly as AstraZeneca. The same applied to FTE.

There was plenty of opportunities to socialise at the company. Numerous seasonal parties and after-works were organised by AZInspire (the youth group for AstraZeneca.) There was a variety of different events to attend. This social aspect overlapped well with work. Many seminars and lunches focused on improving our knowledge and career options.

The country was expensive and required a lot of budgeting. It was not uncomfortable because of the generous wage however, there were times at which decisions regarding socialising had to be considered. Living costs mirrored that of the UK (rent and bills) however, produce and services were inflated. The goods were of the same standard for a higher price.

The nightlife was amazing if a little expensive. Many clubs and bars open till late with, a wide variety of different options. Late night pubs and clubs were great with many of these being combined. The prices of alcohol was moderate to expensive however, it is possible to have a great night for not a lot of money.

As many as you make yourself available for! I joined a sports team and even found the time to try many other sports in my time on placement. The typical activities of cinema, swimming, hiking and shopping are all still possible and encouraged by both the workplace and, everyone you meet.