IT Content Analyst Review

My current role in AstraZeneca IT is , IT Content Analyst.The role is responsible for content management activities within the Methods team. Specifically, the role provides content management support for Nucleus, AZ Learn and AZDoc, addressing both strategic and day-to-day support activities. It complements the ongoing initiatives to improve our internal Communication, Learning & Development and Compliance capabilities. The scope of my role has started to change slightly since having a new manager a lot of my focus is going to be more on Learning & Development

I have learnt many new skills being in this role. Some of the skills that I have had have been transferrable skills. However, one of the most important aspects of the role is becoming more knowledgable about some key systems used in AstraZeneca. In particular the Learning Management Sysem and being able to update internal Intranet pages. There is a lot of opportunity to continue exploiting my communication skills, in particular with a more broad network of people. My new manager is very skillful and already been able to pass over many proffesional skills and training courses to be adding to me Individual Development Plan; one of the key skills I recently learned is how to adopt the Design Thinking Process and carrying out Empathy Interviews with targeted employees to produce Personas.

I have been in the organisation for around 5 years now, and by carrying out the degree apprenticeship programme has definitely provided me the opportunity to appreciate what I do more because I can apply academic understanding to something, I benefit by being in the working environment but with study on the side. The role that I am currently in is one of my most favourite roles I have carried out, because of the responsibility that I am given and the Team I work with. I very much enjoy what I am doing because it is allowing me to grow and develop.

I have always been very appreciated and valued by my collegues at AstraZeneneca. I have been involved in some senior projects where I have gained internal recognition for the hardwork that I have done and always worked on projects where I have been a key contact for our suppliers. Due to my willingness and hard work this has been a factor in the reason why I am a valued member of staff. Although, the perception of Apprenticeships has changed over the past couple of years and they aren't what they used to be and AstraZeneca invest alot of time in developing their early talent staff.

The structure of the programme compared to others I have heard about is well organised and provides the best opportunities for apprentices. There are many employees who invest a lot of time to make sure that we get the most out of being here and always learning and developing. The way apprentices are brought in is a nice slow induction, making it a fun smooth process, as it can be dautning starting a new job. As a group of apprentices we buddy ourselves up with other year groups so that everyone feels like they have a go to person to speak to, as well as other University Mentors. The support that is offered allows us to make studying and working much easier. I definitely appreciate the day release each week to University to have that time to focus on academic work but also I work harder knowing that all the assignments that I do I can base on projects that I am involved in as part of my role. In my case, as I am now a permenant memeber of staff I don't have the opportunity to rotate like the apprentices that come in, however i think it a great opportunity to rotate roles and teams every 6-9 months if the individual wants, because it allows individuals to try something new, learn new skills and find their niche.

I have a Mentor that I meet on a weekly basis who supports me with both University and any operational work tasks. My mentor is very realiable and is always available to talk to me as and when I may need support. Also, having a team and manager that support what I do is great. From a University perspective most of the time they are responsive with questions that we have and do understand that we are full time employees also so adapt modules where possible, however I feel there is always accessibility for support, especially now we have a review with a member of university every term to discuss progress and any issues / queries that we need answering.

There is always support from my employer when I need it. My team is very supportive and appreciates that I am learning both in my role but at University. I have accessibility for support when I need it, my team, manager and mentor are very responsive when I reach out for support if i need it or if I have any general questions.

From an apprentice perspective, the wage an apprentice comes on is considerably higher than other apprenticeships that I am aware of. I think this is great also considering that by doing a Degree Apprenticeship also means the learning is paid for so we dont have the added cost of paying for University fees. We are also well supported with AstraZenenca that our travel is paid for. However, once in permanent roles the wage varies depending on what role people are in, however I am happy at this stage as it allows me to still pay for living costs.

From a University perspective, there are many activities that we can get involved in, however I do find this difficult to do as I am not living like a normal student at University and find it hard to accomodate with having work also, as my time is already filled up. However, in work, it is always encourgaed to take time away from desks and get involved in events/opportunities. I attend many internal company events such as : Network of Women, Volunteering Days, Charity Fundraising . I actually do more now that I am working with the network that I have than I did before I worked.

Yes

I really believe that AstraZenenca is a great place to work. It offers many opportunities and the people in the organisation invest a lot of time in growing and developing the early talent. It is a really rewarding organisation to work for.

I think it is important to spend valuable time looking and the application and giving the best response possible, but don't be daunted by the application because it's not a test. The interview process and the assessmnet day is actually something to enjoy rather than find dautning, as its an opportunity to meet people and find out more about the organisation. But like any interview, be your best and be prepared, they give you the opportunity to prepare before hand and will let you know of what materials are needed on the day, so make sure you are just organised and the day will be fine. From experience, the assessment day was actually a great experience and a lot of fun. I personally, would have liked to have someone now in my position telling me not to feel nervous or daunted.