Name: Alexander Vassallo
Degree title and year of programme: Bioscience Entrepreneurship MSc (2020-2021)
Nationality: British & American
Why did you choose to apply to this programme?
I chose to apply as I wanted to provide context to the deep scientific knowledge I gained in my undergraduate degree in relation to the business side of the life science industry. UCL is one of the best universities in the world, so I knew that the connections and skills I would pick up during my Master's would transcend the traditional value offered by postgraduate education.
What have you enjoyed most about the programme so far?
I enjoyed the opportunity to partake in Dragon's Den-style pitches as this helped me greatly with my presenting skills, skills I use week-by-week in my full-time job. I also enjoyed being able to learn how to thoroughly analyse problems, develop compelling solutions, and then evaluate these solutions to implement a strategy. These are the sort of skills that make the MSc Bioscience Entrepreneurship worthwhile.
What are your future career goals?
Given the volatility that Covid has introduced to the world, it has taught me that we no longer live in times where we can accurately predict a 5/10-year plan. However, I would eventually like to hold the title of CBO at an emerging life sciences firm and help that firm grow from its earliest stages to IPO - that would be something very special.
What would be your top tip for incoming students?
Make sure that you spend enough time getting to know your coursemates and experiencing London with them. Ultimately, they will be the ones that help you through the times where the workload gets a little intense, and you'll be glad that you decided to form those friendships. Trust me.