On National Future Day, AstraZeneca and its subsidiary Alexion once again opened their doors to around 30 pupils from classes 5 to 7. The children had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the various professions and activities in the pharmaceutical industry at five different stations. Three interactive stands also awaited them, where VR glasses and multimedia elements were used to teach them about media and technological topics in a fun way.
With our participation in Future Day, we want to actively contribute to the promotion of young talent and sensitise children to the various career opportunities. «By showing what our teams do to make medicines accessible to patients, we arouse curiosity about our work. This knowledge helps the children to decide on a career path and also helps to break down gender-specific role models», is Katrin Lipp, HR Manager at AstraZeneca Switzerland, conviced.
Imparting knowledge interactively and using multimedia
The students learnt about the diverse activities at AstraZene-ca and Alexion Switzerland at five different stations: From medical/research/clinical studies, marketing & sales, innovation & business excellence (IBEX), finance & business support to administration & support functions. This year, there were also three new interactive stands with a focus on the fun factor: videos, interactive web solutions and VR glasses were used to explain medical and technological topics in a child-friendly way. Pupils were able to immerse themselves in the world of data and safety management and learn about managing relationships with doctors and healthcare staff as well as how the airways work and possible respiratory diseases such as asthma.
Putting yourself in the patient's shoes with your own body
«Using VR glasses, we were able to experience on our own bodies how patients feel who have limited vision or have to live with heavy limbs. I found that particularly impressive», reports 12-year-old Alissa. Elena, who is the same age, adds: «One of the highlights of this day was the playful learning opportunities. We learnt how to use different tools such as ChatGPT or Kahoot, which was very informative.»
Early talent programme for PhD and Master's graduates
To support young talent, AstraZeneca now also offers an Early Talent Programme for PhD and Master's graduates. For 18 months, graduates are actively involved in the projects of various departments in three 6-month rotations. This gives them a solid background on which to build their future career - in line with their preferred interests.
Media contact
Tel. +41 (0) 41 725 75 75; media.switzerland@astrazeneca.com
Barbara Hess, Corporate Communications Lead, AstraZeneca Switzerland
AstraZeneca in Switzerland
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that has been present in Switzerland for nearly 50 years, ranking among the country's top ten revenue-generating pharmaceutical firms. AstraZeneca focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in the areas of Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, Respiratory and Immunology, and Rare Diseases. Over 285 employees in Switzerland are committed to providing patients with life-changing medicines and making a positive impact on the healthcare system, society, and the planet. Currently, over 230,000 people are treated with a drug from AstraZeneca in Switzerland. By 2026, the company expects the approval of over 35 new therapies. AstraZeneca has pledged to an inclusive work environment based on respect and acceptance. The company was thus recognised as a «Great Place to Work» for the sixth consecutive time in 2024 and carries the «Swiss LGBTI label». AstraZeneca aims to be CO2-negative by 2030.
For more information: www.astrazeneca.ch