Head of Emerging Technologies and UK Innovation Lab Review

I head up a team who identify and evaluate emerging technologies. This is both business requirements led, but also based on emerging themes and trends. We carry out rapid Proof's of Technology (PoT's) to validate business value for our customers. Subsequently partnering with our internal IT partners to deliver appropriate technologies into BAU

I've learnt a lot of new skills, it's remarkable how many models are applicable to so many facets of an organisation, such as Pestel & SWOT. I've been able to apply these to marketing initiatives for my team, as well as reviewing organisational behaviors as part of my current dissertation

It was initially very academically focused, however this semester it has been all AstraZeneca focused and I'm really enjoying applying my learning's to my current role, making it far more enjoyable and applicable. I have a dedicated University mentor (tutor) and that makes a real difference from a support perspective underpinning the sense of satisfaction and support. It's also great being part of multiple WhatsApp groups with peers at other companies and learning from them how they're applying their learning's and the challenges they face.

It is very well organised and the level of communication is very high, but quality based. The structure is great however I think 1-3 day f2f sessions are a lot to cram in and retain all of the information, more topic based support materials would help. Expecting people to research particular area's means it's highly likely that key topics or texts could be missed, even if they aren't relevant for the particular work based assignment

My AZ mentor has been great and very pro-active in supporting me. Alongside my line manager, they've both been able to help with appropriate insights and feedback, as well as providing opportunities. They have also opened doors for me to ensure I get to have the right conversations with the right people for the appropriate topics

The team at Anglia Ruskin have been brilliant, it was an auspicious start back in September and the support and approach left a lot to be desired. However since the new year they've been brilliant and the turn around has been exceptional, as reflected in the confidence of all of those on the course and the subsequent marks we all achieved in our last dissertations

I think it's early days so far as I'm only on my second semester, however taking the learning's and conversations I've had with peers and beeing able to apply those to situations at work has been very rewarding. Especially when coupled with the insights from the course and the models we're learning. It's made understanding decision making processes much easier and allowed me to analyse whats going on in our business in a way I would have never been able to before.

Yes there are lots of activities to get involved in depending on availability and geography. We have a weekly FIKA for IT in Cambridge and I've recently ascended to the Cambridge IT Leadership Team. Additionally I've set-up a Workplace (Corporate version of Facebook for Enterprise companies) group for others in the company also completing their Masters, where we're sharing our learning's, issues and challenges

Yes

Whilst it's a pharmaceutical company, there are so many facets to it. From Finance, HR, Marketing, Science, Research etc to IT. You can equally work in Supply Chain or Facilities. There are few boundaries to moving between functions if you have a desire and inclination to challenges yourself. Likewise geography isn't an issue either and moving between countries is quite common

Think about the patients, they're our primary focus. What could you do the help and improve patient outcomes in your chosen area of expertise. How could you make a difference? Couple this with a collaborative and innovative mindset and look at the company website. You'll see our values and goals, if they speak to you, then you just need to consider how you articulate that during your interview, be genuine, bring your whole self to work.