When I graduated from university with a BSc in Biochemistry and Marketing, I wasn’t sure where my qualifications would take me. I found the science fascinating, but most of the career paths I investigated at the time required a PhD. I spent a winter in the French Alps working as a Chalet Host, pursuing my lifelong passion of skiing. The one winter hosting soon evolved into a full-time role as Alpine Operations Manager over a span of 6 years!
As beautiful as the mountains were, I knew something was missing. My role had become quite repetitive, and I wanted to take on a new, stimulating and rewarding challenge. I started researching scientific roles in earnest and discovered the world of medical communications. Immediately the Account Executive role stood out as a perfect match for me, I could use the customer relations, management and operational skills that I had gained during my career, while also being engrossed in an engaging and interesting industry.
I joined the Real-World Evidence team at Oxford PharmaGenesis, and since starting I have had the opportunity to work with multiple clients across a myriad of varied projects. A core responsibility of the Account Executive role is ensuring that projects run smoothly and to schedule, staying in regular contact with the clients and our team to help everyone to work towards the same goal. It is an incredibly varied role, where no two days are the same, I get to work across multiple accounts and learn about lots of exciting new research.
Clients come to Oxford PharmaGenesis for our knowledge and expertise, but also because of our innovative approach. Collaborating with a client to grow their initial idea, from concept to full programme, is one of the most rewarding parts of the Account Executive role. The satisfaction you feel knowing that you have helped a client achieve their vision is one of my favourite parts of the role, and thanks to such great colleagues it seems to happen a lot! While rewarding, the Account Executive role can be very challenging. We are often faced with tight deadlines that can add a lot of pressure to projects; however, we are lucky to have lots of experienced team members who are always more than happy to lend a hand and overcome any challenges.
Although I’ve only joined Oxford PharmaGenesis recently, I already feel like a valued part of the team. Everyone has gone out of their way to help new starters like myself fit in, despite the challenging circumstances we are currently working in under COVID-19. I’m looking forward to developing my career further at Oxford PharmaGenesis, and I can’t wait to see what new projects are around the corner!
