Technology Innovation Architect Review

My role varies from day to day, however, I am doing work that covers all areas. Each individually impacting a global bio pharmaceutical company making it more effective and patient based. I spend time coding and working with the business to create solutions and promote technology throughout the company. I love my job.

I have learnt a range of transferable skills, however, my communication skills have massively developed. I now have the confidence to talk to anyone and everyone, even getting on stage and presenting to an audience of 70 about a technology solution that I had a developed in day to day work.

I was skeptical about doing an apprenticeship to begin with mainly due to the stigma around the it being a lower tier of education. However, after starting I do not regret the decision that I made. I have made life long friends, built a great support network and had the chance to travel the world.

The structure is well organised, I was assigned a Mentor and a buddy within AstraZeneca and was given a fantastic induction over the first 2 weeks. I have a constant support Network within AstraZeneca. However, due to a change in the apprentice manger at the company it has been hard to get answers to some of the questions. This is the only problem that I have had in the 9 months I have been in AstraZeneca.

I couldn't have asked from a greater amount of support from my team and AstraZeneca, the apprenticeship scheme is well received in AstraZeneca and the employees understand the value of apprentices, they are always willing to help. AstraZeneca put on events so we can gain information on other areas of the business and are always willing to support me no matter what the problem is.

AstraZeneca are constantly checking my progress through the degree apprenticeship scheme, I have regular meetings about my progress towards the degree whether it is with my buddy, mentor or line manager. AstraZeneca also allow us to go to study days at university in the run up to exams or tests, which they don't have to do

My role is very broad and I cover a lot of topics from Software Engineering to Data Analytics. The university course has been well paired to AstraZeneca as we learn about Software Engineering and Data Analytics, then can apply them straight into the work environment. This allows me to gain a deeper understanding on the role that I am working on thus allowing me to work better.

AstraZeneca offers a range of these events, from charity work to professional networking events allowing us to meet other new starters from across the business. These events allow us to constantly develop our personal skills and our work networks. These are all set up by AstraZeneca and are great to get involved with.

Yes

As in my 9 months at the company there hasn't been a moment that I haven't enjoyed. I have developed more as an individual than I ever could have imagined, I become better at all the soft skills that I came into AstraZeneca with, I couldn't recommend AstraZeneca enough.

Be yourself, be honest and smile. As these are they key things that AstraZeneca. Although AstraZeneca is a top-company, it does not require top grades. As a top work ethic and attitude is so valued within the work environment. I would also advise to prepare well as there is no worse feeling than being caught unprepared.