Associate Director Strategy and Portfolio Review

by AstraZeneca

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.4/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Business planning, financial management, strategic support to science departments in an R&D excellence function

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have already learned a number of new skills that support my role, and development, and enable me to deliver more effectively on individual and organisational objectives

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

The programme is excellent, the work is fascinating

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The structure is good, there have been some issues with timings, planning of online learning sessions that have presented challenge, but overall very happy with the planned structure, and the work being done to improve the execution with a new programme director as provider

7/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I receive excellent support with regards to OJT time, good support with regards to development opportunities that align to apprenticeship objectives, and good ad hoc mentoring support when requested. I would benefit from more structured planning with line manager to align with KSBs and opportunities to practice

8/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

The support I receive from my training provider was adequate in term 1, but excellent in term 2, with a new programme director in role

7/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

My qualification has already enabled numerous improvements to my performance aligned with many parts of my role

10/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

I engage in few extra curricular activities at work due to bandwidth, but am well aware of the many and varied opportunities

7/10

9a. Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

AstraZeneca is a values led organisation that empowers employees to align their personal purpose with company objectives, and add value in the way that most suits their skills and experience. The commitment to developing staff is excellent, and employees benefits and experience is very good.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?

Research the company in detail, the publicly available values are intrinsic to working life, and will inform your engagement at every stage.