Digital Business Analyst Review

My day to day role involves being a digital business analyst for the operations IT team at AstraZeneca. We facilitate changes to Information Systems and Technological Systems within the Macclesfield manufacturing sector of AstraZeneca. I engage with stakeholders to discuss requirements for projects and document them accordingly. Alongside this, I also do one day a week at MMU.

During my time at AstraZeneca, I have had many opportunities to learn new and develop existing skills. Our managers are always aware of our progression throughout our rotations and they actively encourage us to set learning goals and access training courses which are available for free through providers such as linkedin learning and degreed

Personally, I really enjoy the programme which Manchester Metropolitan University and AstraZeneca offer. I feel that I am cared for greatly and that I am having a very positive impact on the business. Furthermore, I believe strongly that what I am learning now will greatly benefit my endeavours in the future to find a strong career.

The organisational structure of the AstraZeneca apprenticeship programme is good but could definitely be improved. At times, there are difficulties with communication between the apprentice cohort and the early talent team at AstraZeneca. I believe this is down to the IT Early Talent representative role being held by only one individual which makes it difficult as this representative has to manage communication with around 30 apprentices.

My employer is very supportive throughout both my work and my education at manchester metropolitan university. Managers understand the apprentice scheme and so therefore allow apprentices extra time during work hours to complete necessary coursework and essays for their degree. In work, mangers are always encouraging apprentices to contribute wherever possible and ensuring they are regularly setting goals and meeting them along with making sure they adhere to AstraZeneca's core values and behaviours.

Manchester Metropolitan University offer good apprenticeship support options. That being said, sometimes it is difficult to get exactly what you need from lecturers outside of standard teaching time. Some apprentices have noticed replies seem rather blunt or sarcastic which is discouraging especially when apprentices have so much responsibility at work. Apprentices need to feel confident to reach out to university staff when they need a bit of help or even just some general advice or encouragement on one of their assignments.

The qualification I am working towards does tie in well to the work I am doing at AstraZeneca. My chosen pathway on the Digital Technology Solutions course was IT Consultancy and I feel this has definitely benefitted my role as a Digital Business Analyst. Topics such as stakeholder engagement along with customer management help me understand the business to a greater extent and make me question the ways in which I approach the business to ensure I am doing it in the best way possible.

AstraZeneca offer plenty of extra-curricular activities for apprentices to get involved in. There are multiple groups which offer experiences and roles outside of immediate work. One I was a part of was called AZInspire and it's purpose was to set up sessions within the workplace whereby people had a voice to talk about anything they wanted to. We had sessions from VP's and Senior Leaders which provided great value to the workforce and it brought the differing levels of business authority closed together. Outside of AZInspire, there are several clubs related to sports and activities such as a Strava running and cycling group along with activities set within the local gym hosted by AstraZeneca collegues.

Yes

AstraZeneca offers an apprenticeship program like no other. From what I have heard speaking to apprentices at other companies, they are not treated nearly as well as we are at AstraZeneca. When I mention what our company does and how we are supported, other apprentices wish they had applied at AstraZeneca.

Thoroughly research AstraZeneca and it's subsidiaries to understand what we do and what our philosophies are. Stand out from the other applicants by sounding passionate about AstraZeneca and really home in on why you feel like you would be a suitable candidate. Be professional and confident and don't be afraid to get in touch.