A year ago, I stepped into the global headquarters of GSK for an industry placement. My mission: to help build and execute the global medical strategy for a pre-launch, paradigm-shifting, and potentially curative therapy in hepatology. It was an ambitious challenge, but one that has defined my career and provided me with unparalleled experience in the world of pharmaceuticals. This wasn't just about shadowing meetings. I was entrusted with driving foundational workstreams across evidence synthesis, scientific communication, and stakeholder engagement. The goal was to prepare the global medical community for what could be a new standard of care.
Key Contributions and Learnings
Throughout my year, I had the opportunity to make a tangible impact on a major global product launch. Here are some of the highlights:
- Mastering the Science: Within my first quarter, I studied complex hepatology data, gaining a mastery of the science behind a future blockbuster asset.
- Shaping Strategy: I took a proactive role in shaping our launch strategy by mapping the scientific landscape to support the medical strategy by doing monthly global literature reviews and building a comprehensive global data compendium which will be the foundation for all our future medical communications.
- Creating a Unified Vision: To keep our global teams aligned, I pioneered a global medical newsletter. This initiative helped to synchronise the vision and execution of over 300 professionals across Medical, Commercial, and Market Access, building unstoppable launch momentum.
- Empowering a Global Team: I was honoured to receive a GSK Global recognition award for designing and delivering a bespoke scientific training curriculum. This program empowered over 100 Medical Science Liaisons with advanced degrees across Europe and the Asia-Pacific to become elite scientific ambassadors.
- Championing Future Innovators: Giving back is incredibly important to me. As a dedicated 1-to-1 mentor within the GSK/SPARK! program, I had the privilege of personally guiding the next generation of leaders into life science careers.
- Gaining a Competitive Edge: I honed my ability to deliver projects with precision and efficiency by acquiring certified skills in Project Management through dedicated GSK training.
Beyond the Office
My experience extended beyond my core role. I gained firsthand insight into the UK's pioneering life sciences ecosystem with an immersive visit to the CUC in Cambridge. In a completely different but equally rewarding experience, I volunteered at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, contributing to the preservation of global science by digitising priceless archival specimens.
Competencies I've Built
This placement was an incredible learning experience that allowed me to develop key competencies that I will carry with me throughout my career:
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Clinical Data Synthesis & Analysis
- Executive & Scientific Communication
- Global Project Management
- Multi-Time Zone Stakeholder Engagement
My year at GSK was more than just a placement; it was a transformative experience. I had the opportunity to contribute to a potentially life-changing therapy and work with some of the brightest minds in the industry. I am incredibly grateful for the experience and excited to apply all that I have learned to future opportunities.
