Clinical Trial Specialist Apprentice Review

I work in early oncology in the global management department for four years of my apprenticeship, and in study management and monitoring local department for one year. Both of these departments i am working on oncology studies, just from different levels. I also do some monitoring in SM&M where i visit sites or hospitals.

I have learnt and developed many skills such as my leadership skills, time management, networking, and my confidence. Another thing i have particularly improved on is my public speaking due to doing many presentations and speaking to groups in my job role. I have improved my time management due to balancing a degree and a full time job.

I enjoy my Programme very much, and it is benefitting me greatly for the future. I work much better in an apprenticeship than i would have at uni, and my grades are much improved. I also enjoy the actual job, working on oncology studies is very interesting and so is the work that goes on to make them happen.

My actual apprenticeship at Astrazeneca is fairly well structured, although the rotations are decided very last minute and leave no time for planning. The university could be better with communication and helping tutor the students, but the actual course is well structured and set out a long time in advance which helps with planning.

I receive a lot of support from my employer, having a manager in both departments i have moved to, and also having a mentor in each of these departments who can help me with all my questions. Other colleagues are also always willing to help which means i always have someone to ask questions to.

I have a meeting every 3/4 months with an apprenticeship advisor. This has gotten a lot better since i received my new advisor, who is really kind and helpful, but before it was not good. I feel this area could be improved with more frequent communication or better help.

My degree is less relevant to my role than if i was a scientist, but it definitely does help me understand the product development of the drug of choice on my studies, or the toxicology that we see during the study. It is beneficial to know the science behind it.

There are lots of social and networking events, particularly between the apprentices, and they are coming back now since covid restrictions have lifted. They help us get to know eachother and be able to talk about our apprenticeship experiences. There are also whole AZ or whole building events or lunches.

Yes

I would recommend Astrazeneca to a friend because it is a great company to work for, it has really good benefits and it is meaningful work. The networking and connections are great, the manager style is good and each of the offices are well designed and comfortable. I enjoy working there.

I would tell people to be themselves, calm their nerves and to try not to worry. The assessment Centre day was a full day of different tests and activities and it was quite intense. The onboarding process consisted of a lot of training and learning systems and processes which took a long time.