Jatin Arora

• Year of study: Year 3 (placement year)
• Length of course: Four years (including placement year)

I chose to study at the University of Northampton primarily because its attractive course offerings aligned with my personal interests and career aspirations.

The 30% reduction on tuition fees that I obtained via the UON International Scholarship Scheme not only represents a significant financial relief, but as it’s merit-based, it also serves as a recognition of my hard work and dedication. Furthermore, the additional support from the Reid Science, Computing, and Engineering Bursary has greatly alleviated my financial worries and made pursuing my studies more feasible.

The University’s close proximity to major cities added another layer of appeal, providing me with ample opportunities for internships, networking, and cultural experiences that are essential for my personal and professional growth.

Throughout my educational experience, I’ve had numerous opportunities that have significantly enriched my personal and academic development. These include participation in practical classroom initiatives that emphasise hands-on learning, engagement in research activities that contribute to my field of study, and robust support for my extracurricular pursuits, which have allowed me to explore my interests beyond the classroom.

Furthermore, my academic pursuits have enabled me to establish valuable connections with local businesses, where I’ve gained insights into community needs and industry practices, as well as with international corporations, which has broadened my understanding of global markets and professional networks. This combination of experiences has not only enhanced my skills but also deepened my appreciation for the interconnectedness of education and real-world applications.

From a technical viewpoint, my degree has played a crucial role in enhancing the essential skills I need for my career, equipping me with the foundational knowledge and practical expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of my profession. The greatest insight I’ve acquired throughout this journey is the significance of collaborative problem-solving techniques that extend beyond individual capabilities. I realised that following a systematic approach, which includes not only adhering to a well-structured plan but also fostering open communication and collaboration among team members, is vital. Ensuring that the entire team is aligned with these goals and objectives creates a unified front, which ultimately leads to positive results and effective solutions that can withstand the test of time. This combination of technical skills and teamwork has proven to be invaluable in driving project success and innovation within my field.

The third year of my course is a placement year, and I’m currently employed at AstraZeneca as part of the LCS (Logistics and Clinical Supply) team focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, where I play a crucial role in enhancing technological capabilities and driving innovation within the organisation.

My duties encompass a range of responsibilities, including:

• Evaluating the current infrastructure to identify areas for improvement and optimisation, ensuring that we leverage cutting-edge technologies effectively to support our goals.
• Crafting automation processes and workflows that streamline operations, reduce manual intervention, and enhance overall efficiency in data handling and analysis.
• Producing and merging comprehensive reports that synthesise complex data into actionable insights, enabling informed decision-making across various levels of the organisation.
• Formulating bespoke architectural solutions tailored to meet specific project needs, thereby ensuring that our systems are robust, scalable, and aligned with our strategic objectives
• Working alongside different departments on the strategic long-term implementation of AI initiatives, fostering collaboration and ensuring that solutions are integrated seamlessly into our existing frameworks while addressing the unique challenges faced by each department.

This placement has enabled me to understand the intricacies of the pharmaceutical sector and has equipped me with a strong understanding of the importance of AI in this area, along with creative strategies for incorporating AI into the supply chain. This deeper insight highlighted the various challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies, such as regulatory hurdles, drug development timelines, and the need for operational efficiency. It also illuminated how leveraging AI technologies can streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes, demonstrating the transformative potential that these innovations hold for the future of healthcare.

During my placement I’ve developed a wide range of skills, including:

• The ability to effectively adapt to various situations and environments
• Critical thinking that involves the systematic evaluation of information and arguments, facilitating informed decision-making and problem-solving
• Effective communication, with the ability to convey ideas clearly and persuasively, and the skills to actively listen and engage in meaningful dialogue with others
• Graph-Structured Databases that provide innovative ways to store and manage complex data relationships, allowing for enhanced data retrieval and analysis
• React and Express Frameworks – essential tools for building dynamic and responsive web applications, enabling seamless user experiences and efficient server-side operations
• R Language Programming, used extensively for statistical analysis and data visualisation, offering a wide range of packages and libraries for diverse analytical tasks
• Advanced understanding of DAX in Power BI, which enhances the ability to create complex data models and perform sophisticated data analysis, leading to better insights and informed business decisions
• Professional conduct in business, with the importance of etiquette and appropriate behaviour in professional settings, fostering positive workplace relationships.

Experience gained at AstraZeneca, an esteemed company recognised as a top player in the UK for its groundbreaking advancements in the pharmaceutical sector, significantly bolsters my CV and underscores my extensive expertise in the field. It provides concrete examples of my commitment to making meaningful contributions to exceptional projects and initiatives and demonstrates my readiness to take on complex responsibilities and drive results in high-stakes environments. This combination of skills and experience positions me as a strong candidate for future opportunities, enabling me to add value to organisations looking for dedicated and capable professionals.

My advice on getting the most benefit from your placement is that fostering a solid connection with your supervisor is vital for your success. It facilitates open communication and creates an environment where feedback is shared constructively, allowing you to continuously grow and improve. By regularly exhibiting your commitment to collaboration and teamwork, you boost your visibility and cultivate a positive relationship with your manager, which can result in mentorship opportunities and invaluable career guidance. Also, by being recognised as someone who is reliable and eager to help, you position yourself as a go-to person, further solidifying your role and paving the way for future advancements in your professional journey.

When you start your placement, don’t worry excessively about the specifics, as it’s natural for the initial phase to progress slowly. This is part of the learning curve, and you will find that there are established Standard Operating Procedures in place to guide you through the early stages, so be sure to adhere to them diligently. It’s important to aim to grasp how the entire department operates and understand its significance within the larger organisational context, as this will enable you to contribute valuable solutions and insights during meetings. It will also prepare you to present well-informed arguments and ideas, showcasing your ability to think critically and strategically. Regular check-ins with your manager are crucial, as they provide opportunities for feedback, guidance, and alignment on priorities. Once you have settled into your position and feel comfortable with your responsibilities, consider taking the initiative to volunteer your assistance to other departments that pique your interest, as this can broaden your skill set and enhance your professional development.

Outside of my studies, I held the position of President of the AI Society at UON, where I was deeply involved in fostering a community of like-minded individuals passionate about AI. I led various initiatives and events and cultivated an environment that encouraged collaboration and innovation among members. Currently, I serve as a mentor, sharing my knowledge and experience to guide others in their pursuits within the field.

I also took part in the Enterprise Accelerator Programme, where I successfully completed the rigorous curriculum designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with essential skills and resources. As a result of my hard work and dedication, I was awarded £3,000, which has been instrumental in assisting with the initial set up of my business, allowing me to turn my vision into reality and lay a strong foundation for future growth.

I also enjoy taking on volunteer roles. For instance, I’ve been involved in assisting the accelerator by actively participating in panel discussions. These experiences have not only been rewarding but have provided me with valuable insights into the entrepreneurial landscape.

I’m currently working on a business concept that focuses on helping small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as other businesses, navigate their challenges and achieve their goals. This blend of volunteering and entrepreneurship fuels my passion for making a positive impact in the community.

My UON experience so far? Inspirational, eye-opening and simply amazing.