I started the MBiotech program in 2019 and got my placement at Roche in Jan 2020 as part of the co-op section of the program. My position was Country Study Specialist, managing clinical trials being conducted in the US. I enjoyed and continued to work there on a yearly contract after graduation. The following year I was extended a full time contract, which was a big deal at the time since the company was having layoffs. I was eager to start leading aspects of clinical trial management and making them more efficient. I got into automation tools and learned how to create BOTs which served as mini assistants that would do the administrative parts of my job for me. I used my new automation skills to revamp some manual processes. I ended up saving 70% of time previously spent on data cleaning activities. As a result, I was promoted to Clinical Operations Lead, which is equivalent to a Clinical Trial Manager. After seeing how powerful these BOTs were i started to think of how I can expand the benefits to others. I started doing knowledge sharing and expansion to other teams and departments. This caught the attention of the program leads for the Canada Citizen Developer Program for Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and they asked me to join them at 20% working as a Learning and Development Lead. This title entailed full freedom in designing the whole learning experience for fellow colleagues interested in creating BOTs themselves. I designed curricula, contracted instructors, and collected feedback from learners every step of the way. To further the awareness of automation importance in pharma, I co-created, co-lead, and co facilitated an automation workshop dubbed AutoMagic in Genentech San Francisco. We had people coming in from Basil, Copenhagen, and the UK to facilitate and replicate the workshop in the main Roche headquarters. The workshop provided a hands on, beginner friendly, safe environment for colleagues to learn about automation tools and experience the benefits first hand. It was a smashing success with overwhelming positive feedback from leadership and peers alike. Now replicating it in the Mississauga headquarters this October with the sign up sheets filling up within 24 hours of announcing it! Simultaneously, i was still working on clinical trial management. My team and I helped manage the trials leading to the successful launch of Vabysmo in the US. A bispecific monoclonal antibody now approved for multiple important indications in the Ophthalmology space. Most recently, i have moved to a global role where i will be responsible for the successful execution of trials in numerous countries.
How did your experience in the MBiotech program contribute to your career success?
I learned crucial soft skills in the program that set me up for success in my career. Even though the jobs available to us after graduation are very diverse, you still find yourself using the same skills that you honed through the program. The professors designed their curricula to be very relevant to the industry. While the c-op portion gets you in touch with the leading pharma companies in the space. The feedback i heard most from people with other degrees that have valuable experience in academia and impressive credentials was how hard it is to break into the industry. The MBiotech program takes care of this for you by guaranteeing you a placement before graduation that could lead to a full time position! In addition, the network of fellow graduates is extremely valuable. The majority have led very impressive careers and have created a bright reputation for alumni everywhere. They are also very eager to help students through answering questions about positions or connecting them with the right people within their companies.
What are some of the key skills and knowledge you acquired during the MBiotech program that are still valuable to you today?
Presentation skills are a huge one. Thinking outside of the box. Being fearless of the new and uncomfortable. Critical thinking and evaluation of situations, and many more.
What advice would you give to current MBiotech students or recent graduates who are entering the job market?
Network as much as you can. Reach out to people and have coffee chats. Ask them meaningful questions. Search for a job you would sincerely enjoy and not just one that is available. When possible, try to meet people in person.
