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.