Spotlight on MSc student Andria Savva: journey and experience

Student Name: Andria Savva

Programme: MSc Biotech and Pharmaceutical Management
 
Nationality:  Cypriot

Why did you choose to apply for the MSc Biotech and Pharmaceutical Management? 

As a biochemistry undergrad student, going into research and working in a lab based on cancer research was my main goal. However, my plans changed after doing my experimental dissertation and working in the lab for six weeks. I then realised that I didn’t want to pursue a research career but wanted to remain in the scientific and pharmaceutical fields while having a different view of the industry. When I started looking for masters, UCL was my first choice of university regardless of the course I would follow, so I applied for two different masters and got accepted into this one. The biotech and pharma management master's degree was an ideal option for me since I used to enjoy economics in high school, justifying the management part of the course. Still, I also wanted to study and get involved with the tech industry, which would make me employable. When I read the course details online and looked at the modules that are taught, I instantly began writing my personal statement highlighting all the reasons why this master’s programme would be very suitable for me and how it would take my skills and abilities to the next level, preparing me for the job market once I graduate.

Are you interested in a particular area of Biotech and Pharmaceutical Management? If so, why? 

During the first semester in the program, we were taught about how economists evaluate situations regarding improving people’s quality of life to make decisions about government funding the healthcare sector and where the money goes. This module along with our practices and policies modules are the ones that gained my entire interest since that’s where I can see myself working in the future. The practices and policies module is the one that gives us information about how the pharmaceutical market operates and how challenging it is to stay on top of the competition between the different types of drugs in the market which is where I am particularly interested in since I would love to have a career in the pharmaceutical industry. The combination of these two mentioned modules I believe would make my biochemistry skills translatable and allow me to work my way up in a pharmaceutical company hopefully working in pharmaceutical sales. Having just started my master’s degree I am not 100% settled on where I want to see myself in the future, but I am sure that with the guidance of our professors and the knowledge I gain things would clear up in the future. 

What value will this programme add to your career moving forward? 

As mentioned, this programme will take my already acquired scientific background and make my biochemistry skills translatable to a different industry other than research while also utilising my undergrad skills and knowledge. The quality of UCL itself will make all graduates appealing to employers. Still, I believe combining a deep scientific background and the business/economics aspect gained from this programme will help all graduates achieve their career dreams. Our professors are very career-driven, and through this curriculum, they try to pass on their passions and knowledge to us while also providing us with work opportunities they come across in the industry. In one of the modules taught in the first semester, we have a group project that we also have to present, which I believe will help us in our teamwork and presentation skills. During the job application process, presentation skills are vital in the interview period. Once you get a job, teamwork is essential in succeeding and advancing in your field. Overall, I believe this program will transform us from students to young professionals and prepare us for the job market.

What have you enjoyed the most since starting at the UCL GBSH? 

In my time here at UCL GBSH, I’ve enjoyed many things, including the friendly atmosphere our professors offer during class. The course structure provides seminar time for the students to discuss with their peers and form their own opinions while answering the designated seminar questions. During those seminars, our professors engage in conversations with us regarding the lesson, but any questions that aren’t necessarily in the lesson plan are welcome. Generally, here at UCL GBSH, I don’t feel like I am just another number studying here since teachers typically offer office hours, and we can meet for coffee and discuss our plans for the future. Additionally, through this curriculum, making friends has been easier than in the past since conversation in the seminar can continue outside the university.