Project Director at AstraZeneca
Be yourself. Don't let people tell you that you can't do something. You don't have to follow the crowd - do what you want to do. Physics and maths are fun!
About Alison...
Who am I?
"There is a lot of creativity in what I do, which is an important part of being a ‘Campaigner’! I constantly need to solve problems practically and design new ways of manufacturing the product, which fits into being an ‘Explorer’. I have to work well as part of various teams and understand what the needs are of those different teams. I really identify with the ‘Coach’ type as supporting my team in solving problems is a key part of my role, as well as making sure everything we do meets all the safety and pharma regulations are an important part of my job."
What do I do?
"I lead global teams of engineers, and supply chain experts to work with manufacturing and distribution companies across the globe to manufacture and deliver medicines. Our company pushes the boundaries of science to deliver life changing medicines."
How did I get here?
"I had inspiration from TV show scientists such as Scotty in Star Trek, Dr Who and Johnny Ball. They all did lots of fun stuff with science and maths. I also had female engineers who showed me what their working life was like, alongside my supportive parents. I wanted a job that wasn't just sitting at a desk, something requiring creativity and problem solving. I wanted to \"make things\". I have had some fun jobs including Graduate Engineer making cardboard boxes, Maintenance Engineer making beer and Maintenance/Project Engineer packing pharmaceuticals (tablets)."
The life I live
"I enjoy watching football, playing racquet sports, singing (I am part of Rock Choir), reading and playing with my cats."
My typical day
"There is no such thing as a typical day - that is the best bit! I get involved in project meetings looking at how to introduce a new medicine to market, how to manufacture it, and then work with manufacturing companies to bring it to life. I love that I speak to people in different countries every day - and get to learn about them as people as well as colleagues."
My qualifications
"Secondary education (GCSE/O-Levels)Post secondary education (College, A-levels, NVQ3 or equivalent)Undergraduate degree (BSc, BA, etc.)AMP (project Management), APICS (Supply Chain), Management Diploma"