Karen (BSc Bioprocessing of New Medicines (Science & Engineering), 2019) reflects on how her time at UCL shaped her career path, how curiosity and initiative opened early opportunities, and why asking the right questions remains one of the most valuable skills in her work today.
What attracted you to your course at UCL?
I was always drawn to specialized topics, and I knew that I wanted to go deep into a specific area, even during my bachelor’s degree. At the same time, I wanted to combine a range of different subjects: biology, medicine, and engineering. I had never seen a similar course anywhere, but it sounded like exactly what I wanted to do. During University College London’s open day, it became clear that the professors wanted to build connections with students, rather than simply teach them and send them out the door with their degrees as quickly as possible. This sentiment, that every student, regardless of how far along they were in their studies, had something to add to the discussion, was truly special to me.
What was your favourite aspect of your course?
I loved that we were encouraged to dive deeper into areas we found interesting. I had the opportunity to propose a summer research project, developing a virtual chromatography simulation. Even though I had only completed the basic courses required for the topic, the supervising professor pushed me to go beyond what was taught at any stage of the program. I didn’t realize it at the time, but the combination of digital and life sciences laid the foundation for my current career. And all of this happened simply because I had the courage to express my interest after a lecture and “just went for it”.
What did you enjoy most about studying in London?
I loved the diversity and energy of the city. Coming from a more rural area in Germany, London offered endless possibilities that were just a short Tube or bus ride away. Metropolitan life also provided a wide range of perspectives to explore: cultures, people, opinions, and beliefs. Having some of my personal bubbles burst during my student years made me a more open and confident person.
How did you get from graduating at UCL to where you are now - tell us about your journey!
One of the most impactful experiences during my degree at University College London was a summer research project, where I combined programming and bioprocessing. This experience pushed me to consider a career at the intersection of digital and life sciences, which I later complemented with an MSc in Bioinformatics to gain the necessary technical expertise.
While the pandemic was in full swing, I secured a position in the graduate program of a large science and technology company, focusing on digital transformation in regulatory affairs. Having been immersed in the highly regulated pharmaceutical environment during my studies definitely helped me secure this role.
I remained with the company after completing the graduate program and gradually shifted my focus from data science to a more project- and management-oriented role. While my degree provided strong technical foundations, the professors consistently emphasized our ability to interpret and argue our results rather than simply perform calculations. As a result, the program trained me not only to be a technical expert but also to communicate my reasoning persuasively and effectively; an ability that remains relatively rare in the industry.
Today, I work as a Strategic Initiative Lead, focusing on digital transformation within the life sciences industry. What I enjoy most about my role is the variety: one day I might produce a video for our digital communications, the next I lead projects to strengthen organizational resilience in an ever-changing environment, or facilitate interactive workshops to build digital capabilities across the organization.
What is one achievement you are particularly proud of?
I am particularly proud of having completed my entire university education in a different country and in a second language. At the beginning, I was quite worried that I would not be able to keep up with university work in English or manage living on my own, far away from family and friends. However, I quickly found a sense of belonging through student halls and societies at University College London. Finding my footing there taught me that I can be independent and adapt quickly to new environments.
What is a favourite memory of your time at UCL?
One of my favourite memories from my degree is a week in my second year, during which we conducted a mini research study in the department’s labs and pilot plant. However, it is closely rivalled by a moment from an ice hockey game, when I managed to snatch the puck from an opposing player. I was, and still am, a mediocre ice skater, but Ice Club (the Ice Hockey and Figure Skating Society at UCL) became a chosen family during my time in London, and I still have many close friends from that period
What did you want to be when you were younger?
I wanted to be a chemist or a psychiatrist. In hindsight I would have made a horrible psychiatrist… ;)
Do you have any advice for prospective students considering BSc Bioprocessing of New Medicines (Science and Engineering) for their course?
Stay open-minded. Things that may not seem exciting at first can become your favourite part of a course. Also, don’t be afraid to specialise in a topic or study something that few people have heard of. These areas are often highly interdisciplinary, giving you the best opportunity to explore and dive deeper into subjects that genuinely interest you.
Do you have any advice for current students and fellow alumni who are just starting out on their career path?
Your skills will evolve, grow, and reshape over time. Even if you have just completed your formal university education, this is not the end of your learning journey. So don’t be afraid to explore and learn new things simply because they interest you. Careers are no longer linear, and working in a technology-driven field has taught me that job requirements can shift very quickly. But uncertainty also means that there is opportunity to be found within the chaos.
