Alumni

Why did you choose to attend the Master in Drug Development and Product Management (DDPM)?

The main reason I chose this program was the courses. It covers all the aspects of the pharmaceutical and biotech industry areas, complete from the research stage to post-marketing.

What skills and proficiencies did you gain from this program and how did it benefit your career?

This program has helped in my professional development and has given me the confidence to choose the career path that best suits me.

Can you describe networking experiences that were initiated by the program?

The networking initiatives were excellent as I got to interact with various industry leaders and previous alumni.

What did you like best about the program?

The best part of the program is the course structure. It is a perfect way to gain all the required knowledge about pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

If you could give an incoming DDPM student one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would advise the incoming DDPM student to connect with the batchmates and gain as much as possible knowledge from all the classes.

Why did you choose to attend the Master in Drug Development and Product Management (DDPM)?

I had been working as a medical writer in pharma for 10+ years and wanted to expand my knowledge and opportunities. I was confident in the UCSD faculty and their network of industry professionals to help me attain my goals of increasing my knowledge of the development, management, and commercialization of new drugs and increasing my perspective of key stakeholders, especially upper management.

What skills and proficiencies did you gain from this program and how did it benefit your career?

The greatest gains were in presentation skills, interpersonal communication, and strategic thinking. Learning how to think and plan strategically has helped me grow as a leader and has changed my approach to project management resulting in greater successes. My increased understanding of drug development/commercialization and growth in strategic perspective combined with my medical writing/management skills will be beneficial when working with and leading cross-functional teams.

Can you describe networking experiences that were initiated by the program?
All the professors and guest speakers provided their contact info and invited us to reach out to them with any questions, which is a tremendous resource. I also greatly appreciated the career guidance provided by my mentor and the support of my classmates.

What did you like best about the program?

The mastery of the professors combined with the varied professional experiences of the students and their willingness to share created a rich learning environment.

If you could give an incoming DDPM student one piece of advice, what would it be?

Be proactive by coordinating with your team early and asking your professors for clarity or guidance when needed; school is the safest place to learn, not work.

Why did you choose to attend the Master in Drug Development and Product Management (DDPM)?

The biggest appeal for me was the comprehensive nature of the program design. I believed that covering everything from clinical trial design, HEOR, to pharmaceutical entrepreneurship would give me the tools to have a broad understanding of the drug development process and utilize my skillset in various roles.

What skills and proficiencies did you gain from this program and how did it benefit your career?

I knew my clinical skills would be helpful in finding a role in medical affairs or HEOR, but I did not have the specific skills needed to be successful in these roles without years of working in the industry with an entry-level role. By completing the program, I believe I gained the proficiencies and a close-knit network necessary to take on the next steps to finding my dream job in the industry.

Can you describe networking experiences that were initiated by the program?

I want to thank my professors, career advisor, and peers who guided me through the job searching. It is not the easiest transition from a clinical setting to an industry role, but with the help and guidance of those involved in the program, I got my “foot in the door” into the world of pharma.

What did you like best about the program?

My favorite part of the program was the insights I gained from guest lecturers who were leaders in their fields. Having access to those who come from a variety of backgrounds in the industry and being able to ask questions to those who were mentioned in our case study was an invaluable experience.

If you could give an incoming DDPM student one piece of advice, what would it be?

Network, network, network. I can’t emphasize how important having a wide network to support you is. I don’t consider myself a particularly extroverted person, but I think a little effort and practice helped me find those who guided me to where I am today. No discomfort, no expansion.

Why did you choose to attend the Master in Drug Development and Product Management (DDPM)?

A few years ago, my husband and I started a Contract Research Organization but later realized that we needed more knowledge of the drug development industry, especially in entrepreneurship, to succeed. Since I already had 15 years of clinical research experience, we decided that I enroll in a master’s program with a comprehensive spectrum of courses in this area, and only the UCSD DDPM program fit the bill.

What skills and proficiencies did you gain from this program and how did it benefit your career?

This program helped me sharpen many skills, including presentation skills, decision-making and interpersonal skills. Due to the case study method that was used in some courses, I became better at analyzing and evaluating circumstances (as presented in the case studies) and making decisions based on limited information. Appreciating my team members’ diverse perspectives and coming to an agreement on what should be the team’s submission, presented me with a lesson in interpersonal relationships. The diversity of the class, in terms of age, work experience, sexual orientation, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds presented me with an opportunity to interact with and learn from people of different perspectives and increased my cultural awareness. As a budding entrepreneur, this experience is vital, and I am already utilizing it as I build relationships.

Can you describe networking experiences that were initiated by the program?

In addition to networking among classmates, one of the best aspects of the DDPM program was the numerous guest lecturers from various backgrounds. These included industry experts, CEOs, and seasoned entrepreneurs, among others. I was very pleased to find that many of them were open to networking and encouraged the class to seek their support as we build our careers. I connected with many of them via LinkedIn and I am actively building relationships with the entrepreneurs. So far, all are responsive and supportive. I look forward to learning a lot from them. This opportunity could easily surpass all that I gained from this course, in terms of benefit to my career.

What did you like best about the program?

What I liked best was that the lecturers were knowledgeable, accessible, and supportive.
Almost in equal measure, I liked the diversity of the class, especially in terms of cultural backgrounds and work experience. There were many so great things in this program that it is hard to pick one best.

If you could give an incoming DDPM student one piece of advice, what would it be?

“Clear your social calendar and devote your time to the program. It is comprehensive both in breadth and depth of courses, and hence it has the potential to be a life-altering experience. Do not forget to Network”

Why did you choose to attend the Master in Drug Development and Product Management (DDPM)?

A driven, compelled attitude to solve the pressing problems faced by today’s medical industry is why I decided to pursue this Master in Drug Development and Product Management. I’ve always been amazed by the dedication and expertise behind drug development. From the narrowing down of thousands of molecular compounds to conducting laboratory experiments and preclinical research – up until the designing of extensive clinical trials on human subjects to refine conclusions towards an approval process. A single treatment represents years of research, trials, and over $1 billion in investments. Through my extensive research into programs that can offer me the opportunity to learn about the detailed process of developing drugs. DDPM is truly a one-of-a-kind program, you won’t find anything like it.
All in all, I wanted to pursue this program not only to gain an integrated understanding and practical knowledge of the sciences and ethics within this industry but also to have an opportunity to launch my product management career.

What skills and proficiencies did you gain from this program and how did it benefit your career?

One of the top skills that were developed throughout this program was public speaking/presentation skills. This program is based on mostly group projects and group presentations. Improving communication and presentation skills will help prepare me to advance to higher positions and give presentations to impact the listener. Not to mention how these skills greatly helped me with my day-to-day interactions with my work colleagues, managers, and clients – such as principal investigators and coordinators

Can you describe networking experiences that were initiated by the program?

It was such an amazing experience – we had CEOs, Clinicians, Entrepreneurs, Professors, and many more provide their information for students to connect with them. I personally connected with many of them on LinkedIn and will reach out to them for career advice or a job opening opportunity.

What did you like best about the program?

I truly enjoyed all aspects of the program but here are my top two:
1. Group projects. In my experience, it was through group work that I got to meet some of the best people and became close friends with.
2. I enjoyed the guest lectures in that we were able to give real-life examples of their work and their day-to-day tasks. This gave me an idea of what to expect if I ever want to apply for a position like theirs.

If you could give an incoming DDPM student one piece of advice, what would it be?

Take the time to enjoy projects. It is a fast pace, UCSD quarter system program so you will find yourself overwhelmed easily – especially if you work a full-time job. However, my advice is to always be ahead and try to plan your weeks. Make sure you give yourself enough time to meet with your group members. My second piece of advice is to meet with your group members… at least once a week. It is very crucial to have a good understanding of who is in your group and how they like to work/get work done. This will save you from finishing assignments last minute.

Why did you choose to attend the Master in Drug Development and Product Management (DDPM) Program?

I believed that the educational experience provided by my master’s program would accelerate my growth toward leadership positions at my company and throughout my career. My focus was to gain a complete, end-to-end understanding of the drug development process, from pre-clinical research to market strategy.

What skills and proficiencies did you gain from this program and how did it benefit your career?

The combination of my process development experience and project management skills, coupled with a more complete understanding of drug development and product management provided by this degree, will lead me to new and exciting positions in the pharmaceutical industry.

Can you describe networking experiences that were initiated by the program?

Networking in the DDPM program was a huge focus. There was a wide variety of guess lectures with unique backgrounds that came to lecture our courses. I enjoyed the Alumni Mixer since it was a great event to network and meet people in a non-classroom setting.

What did you like best about the program?

I think this program gave me a fundamental understanding of drug development that will stay with me my entire career.

If you could give an incoming DDPM student one piece of advice, what would it be?

At times this program will become very difficult and stressful but the material you learn in this program will help you in so many ways outside of school especially in your career path.

Why did you choose to attend the Master in Drug Development and Product Management (DDPM) Program?

Before the program, the majority of my experience and knowledge was limited to diagnostic laboratory work. I had just transitioned into a project management position at a Pharmaceutical company and I felt that I needed to expand my knowledge of the pharma world. I was excited when I discovered this program and saw that I would have the opportunity to learn about drug development, clinical trials and product marketing. I decided to attend this graduate program not only to help me excel in my current position but to also help myself in advancing my career.

What skills and proficiencies did you gain from this program and how did it benefit your career?

Not only did this program help me understand the bigger picture of my new position at work but it also opened my eyes to potential avenues along my career path. In addition, I gained insight on business plans, financial statements, and how to interpret clinical trial protocols and ICER reports.

Can you describe networking experiences that were initiated by the program?

The program introduced us to experts in different areas of the pharmaceutical world which allowed us to ask questions and gain knowledge of career paths we may not have known about before.

What did you like best about the program?

I appreciated that it was a more intimate class size in comparison to undergraduate classes. I also really liked the broad range of topics that we learned about from PK/PD, reverse engineering a drug, regulatory agencies, marketing and entrepreneurship.

If you could give an incoming DDPM student one piece of advice, what would it be?

You get what you put into it. Make sure you take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and experience that all the professors have and ask questions.

Why did you choose to attend the Master in Drug Development and Product Management (DDPM)?

I was looking for a formal degree program that would help me open more doors going forward. With a blend of science and business, this program has allowed me to obtain key opportunities and enhanced my trajectory in multiple careers.

What skills and proficiencies did you gain from this program and how did it benefit your career?

I was able to utilize many skills I’ve gained in my current role. Most importantly, I can comfortably digest large amounts of information and confidently present the product that results. The program helped me better realize the goals of many projects I work on and thus allowing me to spend my time more effectively.

Can you describe networking experiences that were initiated by the program?

I formally developed great professional relationships with many faculty that were pivotal in opening new doors. Additionally, the network of professionals within the cohort all helped each other obtain exciting new opportunities.

What did you like best about the program?

I liked the value stemming from nine months of commitment. The wide range of topics I can effectively discuss within my work has tremendously grown beyond technical insights. I feel involved and encouraged to participate in more meaningful discussions.

If you could give an incoming DDPM student one piece of advice, what would it be?

Treat each lecture, coursework, and event as an open forum. The program will offer information in an organized form, but the most important takeaways will be from questions you ask as it relates to you.

Tell us a little bit about the work that you are currently doing.

My responsibilities are to oversee clinical trial operations, including site management, initiation and qualification, patient recruitment, the timeline of the study, etc. My job’s primary goal is to ensure that clinical trials can be implemented smoothly and successfully at different clinical sites. With that, high-quality data must be collected and used to support new drug approval.

Why did you decide to get this M.S. degree?

Previously, I didn’t have any work experience in the U.S. industry. DDPM is an efficient one-year program that would give me a comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and the drug development process in the U.S. In addition, I was interested in the business side of the industry, which is a large part of the DDPM curriculum.

What did you like best about the program?

There are many guest lecturers from pharma and biotech companies that provided us with professional insights and practical knowledge. That knowledge is what the industry needs. Also, the case studies and the questions from the business class are superb. They really gave me a chance to think about the industry from different perspectives.

What skills are you using that you learned in the program?

I appreciate that I learned the concept of clinical trial design and about FDA regulations. They were extremely helpful for me in understanding the rationale of trial design and clinical strategy, which are very important when collaborating and communicating with different departments. In addition, the program improves your presentation skills by requiring more than 20 presentations throughout the year, which I found to be very useful.

How did you leverage the program to get a new job?

Since the DDPM program is highly related to the biopharmaceutical industry, all the knowledge I gained from the courses was beneficial on the job search. Students are given a general understanding of the role of different departments, which is very helpful in interviews. In addition, some of the faculty are DDPM career mentors, and their advice is truly useful. The guest lecturers are also open to providing insight and expanding your professional network.

What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?

If you are interested in the pharmaceutical industry and would like to have a big picture of the whole process of drug development, from research to commercialization, DDPM is an amazing program for you to explore.

Tell us a little bit about the work that you are currently doing.

I’m a first year Translational Science PhD student working in the DiGiovanni lab. My dissertation project has not been fully decided yet, but I’m really interested in personalized medicine and my research will revolve around elucidating the mechanisms of cancer and seeing how modulating the underlying pathways impacts disease state.

Why did you decide to get this MAS degree?

I had been working in the biotech/pharma industry for a few years and knew I wanted to continue my education. My undergraduate degree was in Molecular & Cell Biology and I thought it would be beneficial to get a Master’s degree in a slightly different discipline. I was intrigued by the objectives and curriculum of the program and thought it could open up new opportunities for me. The fact that this program was designed for students who were working full time so I didn’t have to put my career on pause was definitely a factor in my decision to apply.

What did you like best about the program?

I appreciated the small class sizes because it helped me to make meaningful connections with my professors, guest lecturers and classmates. My cohort had a very diverse group of students with different professional backgrounds and it was really interesting to hear their perspectives on various issues. Working in the pharmaceutical industry while attending this program was an added bonus because it gave me the opportunity to see the concepts taught in class be applied in a real world setting.

What skills are you using that you learned in the program?

Project management skills, interpersonal skills, risk management… the list goes on! I’ve honestly drawn upon something I learned from every course while I was still working in industry.

How did you (or do you plan to) leverage the program to further your career?

While I was attending this program I was working at a small pharmaceutical company that was starting a phase 2 clinical trial. Because of this program, I was offered the role of the unblinded representative for a phase 2 clinical trial they were initiating. I impressed them enough on that trial to be offered the role again for a clinical trial investigating a potential treatment for COVID-19. Now I have some clinical trial management experience under my belt, which could open up other opportunities for me in the future. Through this program, I gained valuable insight into the complexities of drug development, FDA regulations and post marketing challenges and I can’t wait to finish my PhD and get back into industry to put it all to good use!

What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?

Take advantage of all that this program has to offer! You get out what you put in, and time management is a key piece in being successful in this program. It’s hard work but it’s totally worth it!

Tell us a little bit about the work that you are currently doing.

In my current role, I maintain and track databases, design projects, and manage engineering change requests. I also acquire standards, clinical specimens, and competitor products, and generate experiment protocols, data analysis, and reports.

Why did you decide to get this MAS degree?

I applied to the master’s degree because of the courses it had. These courses connected science to industry and business, which greatly interested me. I also decided to do the MS because of the job opportunities that are made available to students. I have an undergraduate degree in biotechnology, so I knew I could have applied to biotech companies before getting this degree. However, I wasn’t sure if a pharmaceutical company would hire me without understanding the drug development process, so I entered the degree seeking to expand my knowledge. Thanks to this master’s degree, I was able to move away from the bench and obtain a position as a Product Manager.

What did you like best about the program?

I liked how much I learned in the marketing course. It opened my mind. I never thought I was going to like marketing, and it turned out to be my favorite course and the direction in which I would like to take my career in the future. While doing the case studies, I noticed how much I learned after doing 2 or 3. I rapidly noticed how my writing skills improved. I also learned that it is important to say what you think even though you may not know if that is the correct answer. I also liked the idea of creating my startup, which I hopeI can do one day.

What skills are you using that you learned in the program?

Project management, product management, communication skills, organization skills, time management, working in a cultural environment, hard work.

How did you leverage the program to get a new job?

Thanks to the help UCSD provided, my resume changed from something that was overlooked to a resume that got me a lot of interviews and eventually a job.

What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?

I would say that with hard work and motivation, anything is possible. It can be stressful and time consuming, but once you are done with it, the knowledge and the experience you get with the master is worth it. Something important to take from the master’s is that it prepares you to break into the industry. When they told me to read their SOPs during my first day of work, I realized that if it hadn’t been for the master’s degree, I wouldn’t have been able to understand half of what they had on it. Furthermore, with the master’s, you get used to being on the spot almost every week. The presentations prepare you to speak in front of people, which happens every day at work. Overall, I really recommend this master’s degree.

Why did you choose to attend the Master in Drug Development and Product Management (DDPM)?

I was attracted to the Master in DDPM for its comprehensive drug development and commercialization curriculum. I used to work for a pharma company but only knew a small part of drug development; therefore, I wanted to learn and understand the whole process. My other goal was to explore different career paths in the biotech/pharma industry, and I knew this program would provide me with that opportunity.

What skills and proficiencies did you gain from this program and how did it benefit your career?

The marketing and entrepreneurship/IP courses allowed me to apply the knowledge on the job immediately. I used the course materials to prep for my job interviews and received great feedback on my experience in this area. The group projects taught me to be collaborative, innovative, and adaptive, which is essential for a managerial position.

Can you describe networking experiences that were initiated by the program?

The networking opportunities that I got from the program were valuable. I got the chance to meet a VP of my previous company during one of the lectures. I connected with him in person, and he offered to create an internship for me and be my mentor.

What did you like best about the program?

I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the program. The knowledge I gained was the most current information, which made me a competitive candidate in the workforce. In addition to the coursework, the guest lecturers and professors are experts and well connected in their fields, making the new program more credible.

If you could give an incoming DDPM student one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would suggest getting involved with professional organizations to expand your network. If you are looking for a new job or transition into a new field, it is best to be proactive and reach out to your academic and professional network to let them know your career goals.

Tell us a little bit about the work that you are currently doing.

I provide overall program management at a strategic and tactical level to 15-plus diagnostic, life science, medical device, and drug product companies. Among these programs, 7 of them are COVID-19 products.

Why did you decide to get this MS degree?

I decided to get this degree for my professional development. My undergrad was a BA in International Studies. I was pre-med, but that didn’t translate into the job offers that I was looking for. I wanted to further develop my career in the biotech/pharma world, but I needed to equip myself with more knowledge and an official MS stamp to “validate” my background and core competencies on paper.

What did you like best about the program?

There were so many amazing things about this program. The interaction and learning from industry leaders was incredibly interesting and useful. The real-world case studies also helped us better understand the complexities of drug development. The professors from the School of Pharmacy were very effective in teaching us the pharmacology behind drug products. Overall, the degree has a very well-rounded curriculum that prepares you for all aspects of the industry.

What skills are you using that you learned in the program?

Project management, time management, a comprehensive product life cycle management, and most importantly, people/team management.

How did you leverage the program to further your career?

I added highlights of my class projects and learning points to all my cover letters. Depending on the job description, I highlighted key aspects of what I had learned. I made sure to advertise those key points during phone interviews and in-person interviews. Most hiring managers I interviewed with were impressed and expressed interest in the program.

What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?

I love that the program is tailored for working professionals who want to further develop their career in product management. I love that I got to learn real-world case studies from leading professionals of the industry and learn from some of the best professors at a world-class institution. Last but not least, the best thing was learning from my fellow classmates who came from all different areas of the industry. This network that I formed is truly amazing; not just for my professional growth, but for my personal growth as well.