Biotech & Pharmaceutical Management Student Interview: Prerika Chauhan

What’s your name and which country are you from? 

My name is Prerika Chauhan and I am from India.

What motivated you to pursue MSc Biotech and Pharmaceutical Management at UCL GBSH?  

I was pursuing my Bachelors in Biotechnology, which was a research-intensive course. However, I wanted to leverage my experience in biotechnology and develop the necessary skills required to solve complex business problems in the pharmaceutical industry. I began exploring through the various postgraduate courses and came across MSc Biotech and Pharmaceutical Management at the world's first Global Business School for Health at UCL. I read about the specificities of the programme and found it to be a perfect mix of principles of management and biotechnology fundamentals. This aligned perfectly with my aspirations, and I realised that this course would help me develop a thorough understanding of the complementarities and relationalities between the two fields.

How has the UCL GBSH MSc Biotech and Pharmaceutical Management programme enhanced your skills and knowledge in the field of healthcare management?  

The comprehensive curriculum and experiential learning have significantly increased my understanding of pharmaceutical management. Through various modules, I gained knowledge and skills related to policies and practices, supply chain optimisation, cost-effectiveness analysis, clinical trial designs and methodologies, commercialization norms and marketing tactics, critical financial analysis, etc., which enhanced my understanding of the pharmaceutical industry dynamics. Interacting with other international students improved my communication skills and equipped me with cross-cultural competence. 

Could you share any course-related experiences that have significantly influenced your learning journey? 

The real-world business cases discussed in the seminars, hands-on application of various industrial frameworks, industry guest lectures, and networking events have significantly influenced my learning journey. Our professors strive to impart their knowledge and enthusiasm to us in their own unique ways, and they also endeavour to connect us with industry opportunities. For instance, one of our professors utilised an educational game called "The Root Beer Game" to help us understand the impact of the bullwhip effect on healthcare supply chain management. Additionally, access to numerous databases, software, and premier resources like Pitchbook, Stata, etc. significantly enhanced my learning experience. Career fairs and workshops enabled me to secure an internship in the UK in less than four months. Lastly, collaborating with other international students and learning about their country, culture and diversity, industry laws and regulations, etc. has been very enlightening. 

What advice would you give to prospective international students considering applying to the MSc Biotech and Pharmaceutical Management programme at UCL GBSH? 

GO FOR IT!!! Be proactive. I would suggest that all aspiring international students should thoroughly analyse the course structure and register for the virtual open days so as to develop a better understanding of the curriculum. Connecting with alumni and module leaders on LinkedIn can be very beneficial. Do not hesitate to clarify your doubts. Remember to be adaptable so as to adjust to the new academic environment and learning style. 

Lastly, what are your future career aspirations and how is the MSc Biotech and Pharmaceutical Management programme helping you shape your career trajectory?  

MSc Biotech and Pharmaceutical Management has empowered and transformed me to pursue a profession that aligns with my passion for corporate leadership, advancing scientific innovation, and establishing a positive societal impact. I hope to progress into leadership positions in pharmaceutical or healthcare companies after my postgraduation. 

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