Industrial Placement Student, Compound Management Review

When doing lab work, my placement was very enjoyable. However, I was given a lot less lab work than expected. A lot of my time was spent waiting for other me people to show me how to use new equipment etc.

My colleagues were all very friendly and included me in conversations. They showed a genuine interest in me and my work. Most of the people working at AstraZeneca were very friendly and happy to help when I needed it

My supervisor was slow at starting me with my project. He supported me throughout, but could have done more by giving me more work to focus on.

Most days were very quiet for me. A lot of my time was spent researching my project, which was useful. However, this is not what I expected from my placement year. I did very little lab work (average 2 hours per week) so I felt that a lot of my time was wasted

I wasn't given any responsibilites within my department. I was however, completely responsible for my own project. This allowed me to work independently and was very rewarding

My placement has been very useful in developing my research skills, with regards to looking things up before jumping straight into an experiment. However, I didn't develop as many lab skills as I would have liked or expecting from this year.

When the office was busy, it had a good atmosphere with lots of discussions about work and general chat. However, the office was often half empty, which took away from the atmosphere

When I first started it seemed like there was no plan for me at all. It took me a month or two for my project to even be decided. Once it was decided, it took another 3 or 4 months before I actually started the lab work for it. I am basically finished with my project now (with 3 months left to go), and have not been given any other work for when I finish.

I haven't attended any training or development courses, and on the job training has been brief. However, I'm sure if I had asked to go on a specific training course, I would have been able to do this

I would definitely considering applying for AstraZeneca's graduate scheme. I think that having done my placement here this would put me at a slight advantage in the future. This, however, has neither been confirmed nor denied to me.

Placement students often go for nights out together and meet up outside work. The company also has an organisation called AZ freshers, which runs events for students and graduates both in and out of working hours.

Accomodation was very cheap in comparison to where I lived last year. Going out for food or drinks is also very reasonable, and you can find some good deals.

There are a few good pubs and one club (though I wouldn't recommend it)

I didn't get involved in any activites outside of work, and haven't really heard about any. However, I'm sure you could find some if you looked