Medical Affairs Undergraduate Review

My role involved connecting with key internal stakeholders in order to understand about different patient engagement projects happening across the business. I also attended various meetings with external stakeholders and agencies and autonomously worked on various projects I was leading on.

My communication skills and presentation skills have improved exponentially. I have become a lot more confident and have learnt how to handle challenging situations independently. I have learnt a great deal about the principles for effective and meaningful patient engagement and completed training courses on this subject. I have also been challenged to improve my skills in areas I am less confident in, such as scientific writing. I am also a lot more knowledgeable about the pharmaceutical industry and the strict regulations that govern it.

I was given more responsibility than I ever could have imagined prior to beginning my placement. I led on multiple projects and was given the opportunity to develop my own ideas into business critical projects.

I received a great deal of support during my placement. My line manager was absolutely fantastic and she really struck the balance perfectly of ensuring I was never overwhelmed yet also pushing me out of my comfort zone and challenging me. My wider team also mentored me and essentially co-managing me, going above and beyond to teach and guide me. I also was allocated an excellent buddy when I started the programme and was encouraged to build friendships and support networks with my peers which I did despite the entire placement being virtual.

The company had an excellent culture which ensured that even the least senior member of the team (me) felt valued and listened to. There were countless out of role initiatives I was able to get involved in to meet other parts of the business as well as sessions on self advocacy. There were a lot of sessions and initiatives on gender equality which I found extremely helpful and supportive. Pfizer also gives its colleagues 5 volunteering days to use. I was able to spread my volunteering days out across the year to volunteer for a few hours every month with the same charity.

This placement was the best decision I have made. I have changed so much during this year and have genuinely really enjoyed the work I have been doing. I have enjoyed even more so working in such a supportive team and I really feel the values and culture of the company align with my own. I am looking forward to returning on the graduate scheme to Pfizer when I have finished my degree.

Yes

The interview process feels alot more personal than other companies as it is all about your application form and interviews rather than doing various online tests. The assessment centre is a enjoyable experience and really allowed me to see what Pfizer is really like. If i could go back and speak to myself before the assessment centre I would say not to be so nervous as the assessment centre is as much about you getting to know what Pfizer is like as it is for them to get to know you.