Creating a graduate learning programme for AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca partnered with DoThinkDo to help their graduates transition successfully into the professional world. They designed an immersive virtual learning programme to equip early-career talent with the confidence, communication skills and relationship-building capabilities needed to thrive in the workplace.

AstraZeneca is one of the UK’s leading biopharmaceutical companies, driven by a belief in the power of science to transform lives. The organisation is committed to delivering life-changing medicines, improving population health outcomes, and strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in life sciences.

“We want to recognise what you have done for us and how thankful we are for our time together.” - Feedback from the 2023 graduate cohort

The Challenge

AstraZeneca recognised that many graduates entering the organisation had limited experience of the professional workplace. While technically capable, many of them lacked the confidence and communication skills needed to build strong relationships, contribute effectively in meetings, and present their ideas with impact.

To support their graduates during this important transition, AstraZeneca wanted to create a programme that would help them build the interpersonal skills needed to succeed in a global organisation. The programme also needed to be delivered entirely virtually, making it essential to find a learning partner capable of delivering a highly engaging, interactive experience that resonated with early-career professionals.

The Solution 

DoThinkDo partnered with AstraZeneca to design a small-group coaching programme focused on building communication confidence and workplace relationship skills. It was delivered through a series of fully virtual workshops, and was designed to be immersive, practical and highly interactive.

Rather than relying on traditional lecture-style training, the sessions were built around DoThinkDo’s “doing first” learning methodology, enabling participants to experiment, practise and refine their communication skills in real time.

This hands-on approach encouraged graduates to step outside their comfort zones, helping accelerate confidence and behaviour change while creating a safe space to try new approaches without fear of judgement.

“You gave us the space to build connections and allowed us to build ourselves up in such an unconventional and impactful way. We could experiment with new things without fear of judgement.” - Feedback from the 2023 graduate cohort

The Results

The feedback from the graduate cohorts positively highlighted the impact of an interactive, science-based learning experience compared to traditional classroom training. They reported stronger confidence when communicating in professional settings and a clearer understanding of how to build positive relationships at work.

• 100% said DoThinkDo triggered new thinking about how they communicate
• 100% found the interactive learning approach more impactful than traditional training
• 91% would strongly recommend DoThinkDo as a learning partner

The Verdict

“Individuals who had been concerned about speaking in front of people or presenting their work are now doing presentations regularly and confidently.
Some have even continued meeting with their coaching groups after the programme to support their ongoing development, which is a really positive sign.” - Michael Tonge, Director, Global Graduate, PhD and Placement Programmes