Around 30 female and nonbinary international students got the chance to visit AstraZeneca on the15th of May. On the agenda was a tour, mingle, and a panel discussion that focused on careers and women in life science. The company visit was organized by Unimeet Gothenburg with the aim of providing participants with a unique opportunity to learn more about the industry and expand their professional network.

Photo: Elina Maaranen

Around 30 international female and nonbinary students got to visit AstraZeneca on Thursday, May 15. The afternoon started with a guided tour, called the Amazing Journey, where participants got to hear about AstraZeneca, a visit to Molecular world where they got to see the future of medicine creation, and what the company thinks will be the way forward in the industry. A mingle followed where the participants had the opportunity to network with employees within AZinspire and Network of Women and Allies – Sweden, two groups within AstraZeneca that strives for employees finding support and reaching their full potential. Next on the agenda was a panel discussion with Besiana Alilte, Kristina Friis, Britta Polentarutti, Johanna Kollback, and Marianna Yanez Arteta, with Suzy Jones as moderator. The discussion focused on women and careers within life science, where the students’ questions were met with honesty and genuinity.

Hailey Chapman, 24-year-old master’s student. Photo: Elina Maaranen

One of the participants was Hailey Chapman, who is studying biotechnology at Chalmers. She participated in the visit to meet people within the industry and eventually learn more about the company. She says she did:

— I think AstraZeneca is a great company that’s making a lot of steps towards doing the right thing for patients and the environment. That is very impressive and inspiring to see.

Unimeet Gothenburg’s ambition in organizing company visits for international students and researchers is to, together with the companies and employers in the Gothenburg region, showcase the city as an attractive workplace and attract future international talents to stay in Gothenburg after completing their studies.

Unimeet Gothenburg is a collaboration between the University of Gothenburg, Chalmers University of Technology, and The Trade & Industry Group at Göteborg & Co, aimed at strengthening the exchange between the universities’ international students and the business community, creating cultural and social meeting places, as well as networking opportunities.