On this year's National Future Day, employees from various departments at AstraZeneca and its subsidiary Alexion offered around 35 schoolchildren an exciting journey of discovery into the world of pharmaceuticals. At various stations and during an office treasure hunt, the children gained an insight into the numerous professions and activities in the pharmaceutical industry – from the development of new drugs to their application.
Promoting young talent is a major concern of AstraZeneca Switzerland. After all, talented individuals shape the future of the industry and the further development of the Swiss healthcare system. Getting children excited about roles opportunities in the pharmaceutical world at an early age creates important impulses for the innovative power of tomorrow.
«Children are very open-minded. When they experience how varied the tasks and roles are at our company and how we work together to find solutions for patients, it helps them to question rigid gender-specific role models», is Katrin Lipp, HR Manager at AstraZeneca Switzerland, convinced.
Discovering the world of work playfully
At six stations, the students learned about the diverse activities at AstraZeneca and Alexion Switzerland: from research/clinical trials, regulatory/market access, supply chain & logistics, marketing & sales, innovation & business excellence (IBEX) to medical, policy, and patient advocacy. In practical, interactive workshops, employees explained the tasks that teams in a pharmaceutical company are responsible for—and everything that is involved in making a drug available to patients. Many were surprised and fascinated by what they learned.
Learning with fun riddles
During a treasure hunt through the office, the children answered questions and collected clues with the aim of finding a solution word together. This allowed them to apply what they had already learned. As a little surprise, all participants received cookies, the proceeds of which will go to the Cancer League of both Basel. Future Day thus combined learning and discovery with social engagement – and sparked curiosity and a sense of responsibility.
Early Talent Programme for PhD and Master's Graduates
To promote young talent, AstraZeneca also offers an Early Talent Programme for PhD and Master's graduates. Over a period of 18 months, graduates are actively involved in projects in various departments in three 6-month rotations. This gives them a solid foundation on which to build their future careers – 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. Between 2025 and 2027, 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 seventh consecutive time in 2025 and carries the «Swiss LGBTI label». AstraZeneca aims to be CO2-negative by 2030.
For more information: www.astrazeneca.ch