UCL GBSH Student of the Week: Vasundhara Verma

What inspired you to choose your Master’s programme at UCL Global Business School for Health? 

As a current Master’s student in Biotech and Pharmaceutical Management, I have always been deeply motivated to create meaningful change within the pharmaceutical industry. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve become increasingly passionate about not only understanding the scientific and regulatory aspects of the sector but also shaping its strategic direction. My long-term goal is to become a leader in the pharmaceutical industry, someone who can drive innovation, improve access to medicines, and contribute to more sustainable and ethical healthcare systems. 

When considering where to pursue this next step, University College London immediately stood out to me. I have always known UCL as one of the most prestigious and globally respected universities. Its strong academic reputation, global outlook, and interdisciplinary approach align perfectly with my aspirations to operate at the intersection of science, business, and global health. 

I was also particularly inspired by UCL’s progressive history. This legacy of inclusivity and forward-thinking values deeply resonates with me. It reflects an institution that not only pursues academic excellence but also stands for social progress and equality: principles I strongly believe should guide leadership in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. 

Beyond timing, UCL GBSH was the perfect fit for my background and aspirations. I come from a strong scientific foundation, having learned the fundamentals of molecular and cellular biology in my undergraduate studies. While I had a solid research background, I wanted to understand how these scientific principles are applied in the pharmaceutical industry. 

What professional opportunities (projects, industry exposure, guest lectures, hackathons or real-world assignments) have been most valuable to you? 

One of the most meaningful professional opportunities I’ve had came through one of my professors at UCL Global Business School for Health, who encouraged me to attend a Women in Biotech conference. 

As someone pursuing a career at the intersection of health and business, seeing so many women leading conversations in biotech was incredibly inspiring. 

I also had the opportunity to watch panel discussions featuring women CEOs and senior leaders in the industry. Sitting there, listening to their journeys, I remember thinking: I can see myself on that stage one day. 

It wasn’t just a networking event, it was a moment of clarity and belief. It made my goals feel tangible and showed me what is possible. 

What has been the most impactful part of the teaching and learning experience for you so far? 

Before starting my programme at UCL Global Business School for Health, I viewed pharmaceutical companies primarily through a scientific lens: research and development, understanding how a drug works, identifying adverse effects, maximising patient benefit, and optimising clinical outcomes. I thought that was the core of the business. 

However, as I progressed through the programme, my perspective expanded significantly. 

Learning about commercialisation strategy and understanding how it differs from marketing strategy was eye-opening. I began to appreciate how bringing a drug to market involves far more than scientific excellence. The complexity of pricing, market access, regulatory navigation, and stakeholder alignment completely changed the way I see the industry. 

What fascinated me most was studying supply chain management, especially cold-chain logistics for vaccines and biologics. I was struck by how intricate and fragile these systems can be, particularly in developing countries. Despite modern advancements, many regions still face serious distribution challenges. Reading about real-world struggles in maintaining cold supply chains for essential medicines made the issue feel urgent and tangible. 

It made me realise that innovation doesn’t end in the lab, it continues through distribution, accessibility, and equity. That shift in understanding has been the most impactful part of my learning so far, and it has sparked a strong interest in being part of solutions that strengthen healthcare systems globally. 

What has it been like studying within such a global and diverse cohort? 

One of the best parts of studying at GBSH is the diversity. You don’t feel like you’re in a completely foreign environment because you’re surrounded by people from all over the world, each bringing their own culture, stories, and traditions. 

I volunteered at a Chinese Lunar New Year celebration organised within the school, and it was such a heartwarming experience. I learned about how families gather, share meals, and welcome the new year together. It felt surprisingly familiar, very similar to how we celebrate festivals back home in India. That shared value of family, food, and togetherness really connected us. 

It reminded me that while our cultures may look different on the surface, at the core, we share the same hopes, kindness, and humanity. 

GBSH doesn’t just teach healthcare and business, it creates spaces where global connections feel personal. And I’m truly grateful for that. 

Which skills have you gained here that you believe will make the biggest difference in your career? 

Coming from a science background, I initially viewed healthcare, especially pharma, almost entirely through a scientific lens. I thought success was primarily about research, drug development, and clinical impact. 

However, my time at UCL Global Business School for Health completely shifted that perspective. I’ve come to understand how critical business strategy and entrepreneurial thinking are if you want to build something meaningful in healthcare, especially if you aspire to launch a startup, which is something I hope to do in the next decade. 

I’ve learned how business models, referral networks, commercial strategy, and stakeholder alignment play a crucial role in the success of healthcare ventures. Innovation alone isn’t enough, it has to be sustainable, scalable, and strategically positioned. 

Participating in hackathons and pitch-based assignments was particularly transformative. Learning how to communicate an idea clearly within a three-minute time frame taught me how to focus on what truly matters: defining the problem, presenting a compelling solution, and creating a strong hook to capture investors’ or judges’ attention. It pushed me to cut out unnecessary details and think strategically about impact and feasibility. 

Beyond technical skills, I’ve also developed confidence, confidence in presenting, in leading discussions, and in collaborating with teammates I had just met. 

Working with diverse teams has strengthened my adaptability and communication skills, which I know will be invaluable in any entrepreneurial journey. 

GBSH hasn’t just expanded my knowledge, it has reshaped how I think about building something of my own in healthcare. 

How has the programme’s structure supported your lifestyle and learning? 

The structure of the programme at UCL Global Business School for Health has been incredibly supportive of both my learning and personal growth. Alongside regular coursework, we frequently had guest lectures from alumni and industry professionals actively working in pharma and healthcare. 

These sessions were invaluable because they allowed us to see the real-world applications of what we were learning in class. The Q&A sessions afterwards were particularly engaging, they gave us a chance to connect directly with speakers, ask practical questions, and understand the challenges and opportunities in the industry firsthand. 

Hearing alumni share their experiences was especially reassuring. Many of them had been in the same position, unsure of their next steps or career direction, and listening to their journeys reminded me that it’s completely normal to explore and figure things out along the way. 

The programme doesn’t just teach concepts; it provides a platform to discover your own interests, build your network, and refine your skills. It encourages you to find your passion, polish your abilities, and prepare yourself for the next stage of your career, all while feeling supported and guided along the way. 

What advice would you give someone considering applying to UCL Global Business School for Health? 

My biggest piece of advice would be: be honest and authentic in your application. I was very upfront about my experiences, my passion for biotech, and my goal of transforming the healthcare industry. I poured my heart into my statement of purpose and cover letter, and I believe that authenticity made a real difference. 

I’d also recommend thoroughly exploring the programme, look at the coursework, the projects, and the opportunities offered. 

Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out to current students or alumni on platforms like LinkedIn. I personally enjoyed sharing my experiences with prospective students, and most of us are happy to answer questions about the coursework, networking opportunities, and overall experience. 

In short: be honest, do your research, and connect with the community; that combination can really make your application stand out.