Sarah from Operations

• • Operations

  • Yinka
  • Sarah

Before I started working for AstraZeneca, I was at university in Nottingham studying for a degree in Sport Science and Management. Although this course is completely unrelated to pharmaceutical manufacture, it didnt seem to matter when applying for the operations graduate scheme at AstraZeneca.

"I really enjoy my job, as every day is very different and hectic, with a complete variety of things going on" Sarah

I knew I wanted to join a graduate scheme after university, and was mainly attracted to AstraZeneca by the opportunities that the scheme offered to a graduate. This included the length of time of the scheme, the variety and number of roles included in the time scale, not forgetting the financial benefits and help in getting started to a new area!

The recruitment process was fairly intense, and consisted of a first interview then a longer, two-day assessment centre. The assessment centre involved a couple of interviews, mainly competency based, psychometric testing and group exercises.

At the moment, I work in the tablets processing department of AstraZeneca, my job being a First Line Manager of the Capsule Manufacturing Facility. This basically involves managing the people and process of manufacture of Inderal LA, through from bulk drug and granulation, through to the encapsulation of the coated product.

This role is very busy, trying to juggling lots of different things going on at once, keeping production running smoothly. A lot of my time is spent with different groups of people, planning and organising production and making sure everything sticks to plan. In addition, the job involves problem solving, writing quality reports and investigations, and maintaining production in a safe environment.

Before my time within production, I worked as a Quality Assurance Officer, supporting production to maintain good quality standards. This involves problem solving, performing investigations into any issues, reviewing batch documentation and releasing product to the markets. Within this time, I was lucky enough to work on some regulatory inspections, a good experience and change to the normal routine of the job!

I really enjoy my job, as every day is very different and hectic, with a complete variety of things going on. I like the fact that it is a job that is quite hands on in production, and one that involves meeting and working with lots of different people.

When starting with AstraZeneca, I joined with lots of other people so was made to feel very welcome in the company and also outside, with lots of social things going on.  The main thing I dont like about working is the early mornings!