This article was originally published in Danish by the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and adapted by Fertin Pharma. Read the original article here: Mie er junior specialist i lægemiddelbranchen (mitsdu.dk)
Subject knowledge is indispensable, but personality and social skills also play a significant role when a company needs to find the right employee.
Mie graduated in June 2019 with a master’s degree in Biomedicine from the University of Southern Denmark and has been working at Fertin Pharma’s Regulatory and Clinical Affairs department since December 2020.
Q: What is your current job function?
A: In order to have a pharmaceutical product on the market, it must be registered with the authorities. This is one of the responsibilities of my department; we create the registration files and submit them to the health authorities, who then approves it.
After approval, the registration files must be maintained and updated. For example, if a change in production is needed, and the change affects the registration file, the registration must be updated and submitted as a variation. My job includes therefore both operations and project-related tasks.
The operational part includes, for instance, changes to existing files. The project-related activities could be creating new registration files for a new product or for existing products entering new markets. In short, my department ensures that Fertin Pharma complies with the regulatory framework in different markets.
Q: How did you get your first job after graduate school?
A: I saw on Fertin Pharma’s website that they were looking for a Regulatory Affairs Specialist. Despite the fact that the job description was for someone with more experience, I decided to apply. After a couple of interviews, I was offered the job as a Junior Specialist instead of a Specialist, and thereby adapting the position to my experience.
Q: What have you done as preparation for your first job?
A: Prior to the job interview, I researched the company. I read about the company on its website, LinkedIn and other sources in order to get some more information about Fertin Pharma.
In addition, I prepared a lot for the job interview itself, including what questions I could ask them and what questions they might have. I also thought about concrete examples in my life that could support my professional and personal competencies.
The preparation before the job interview was clearly an advantage, as I felt ready for the interview and could be more relaxed.
Q: How do you apply the subject knowledge from your education?
A: I use a lot of the skills that I have acquired during my studies. For example, being able to see the big picture in different situations, acquiring new knowledge quickly, and keeping a cool head in pressured or unfamiliar situations. I use these skills on a daily basis.
Furthermore, I also apply several competencies from the project management course I had at SDU. Many of the terms from the course are used in the company. It has been a clear advantage that I chose that course.
Being analytical and detail-oriented and keeping the big picture in mind are some of the most important things I have taken with me from my studies. I apply these in both my daily operational tasks, but also in projects. I imagine it is something I will continue to benefit greatly from in my career.
I have also used my biomedical background to translate product summaries and understand the registration files.
Q: How do you use your laboratory experience from your studies?
A: I worked with cells during my master thesis. Cells need to be cared for, even over the weekend. If they are not ready for trial, you must think of something else to do until they are ready. It made me very ready for change, which I have taken with me. I use it a lot, as sometimes higher-priority tasks come in that require me to restructure my whole day.
In addition, my experience with research has made me more results- and action-oriented. These are competencies that I use a lot, as the department is busy and there are many things that need to be done. Research has clearly made me thrive if I have a lot to do. I’m happy that I’m thriving now that I work in a company where a lot is happening all the time.
During my studies, we also worked a lot in groups. Among other things, in connection with laboratory exercises, it strengthened my collaboration skills. It is a competence that is indispensable in the labor market, and it is a competence that everyone in Fertin uses a lot. We are working toward a common goal and everyone is needed so that we can achieve the goal and the vision of supporting a healthier lifestyle. I cannot stress enough how important that ability is and how much I benefit from it.