Yinka from Operations
At University I read Engineering Science at Oxford University. It was in my 4th year that I chose Production Engineering as a specialist option. This helped me to realise that I wanted to work in the manufacturing industry. I applied to Operations in AstraZeneca, because of the opportunities it could give to have a diverse career. I was particularly impressed with the Graduate Scheme, where you work in two or three roles for typically 2 years during the scheme, allowing you to do a real job and really understand the area you work in. I joined AstraZeneca in September 2002 as a Technical Support Engineer in Tablet Packing. This stage of production uses some very sophisticated equipment to package the medicine ready for distribution to market. In most cases the process is fully automated. My day-to-day work is divided into two roles. I am part of the Engineering team that technically supports the Packing Hall. This means that I get involved in rectifying machine issues, working with the in-house Technicians and external Suppliers to do so. I also get involved in the training of Operators and Technicians on new equipment. My main role however is managing projects to implement new technology and processes in the area. In my first year I have managed teams of Line Managers, Technicians and Operators, to install, commission and validate new equipment. I have also been responsible for project budgets and have led purchase negotiations with Suppliers. Though I have started in a technical role, the Graduate Scheme allows me to move into a varied range of other roles, such as Logistics, Purchasing and Quality Assurance. One of things I really appreciate about AstraZeneca is the value placed on a broad experience of the business, since it means that I have the chance to work in very different areas of Operations. Longer term, I have a number of career doors open to me due to the size of the company. There are also opportunities to work at other manufacturing sites across the globe, which I would love to do in the future. I am very impressed with AstraZenecas emphasis on each individuals development. There is a Learning & Development centre on site where you have the opportunity to take courses on to develop my work skills as well as other less work related interests such as languages. |
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