Regulatory Strategist Review

My role within oncology regulatory affairs involved me communicating globally with colleagues with reference to different Pfizer assets. Day-to-day, I work on my projects, which are both individual as well as collaborative where I co-lead with a more senior colleague. I also took an interest into the labelling part of the company, and so I spend 20% of my working hours per week on that project also. It was extremely generous of Pfizer to allow me to work within other departments as well as the one I was contracted for.

Working here has developed my presentation skills as well as public speaking, as there are many opportunities to present within the company. Additionally, there is a program for the undergraduate regulatory strategists called 'com-up' sessions, where we had the chance to present to a cohort over several weeks, covering a range of skills. I've also learnt numerous new skills, especially with regards to understanding different software which is extremely complex and takes a while to understand fully.

I think I was given as much responsibility as possible for my role during this placement, despite regulatory affairs being extremely complex. As I was a co-lead or the main lead for all my projects, there was a lot of responsibility and trust in me that I would succeed in these projects. Furthermore, the projects I led will be used going forward, and so there was a high level of responsibility for me to complete them correctly as they will be used frequently.

I received huge amounts of support within my placement, from my manager as well as my mentor. I have weekly meetings with both of these colleagues, where we discuss my progress as well as any updates on my projects, and/or assigning new work to myself if I have the capacity. I feel these frequent updates were crucial in ensuring I felt supported, and I know that there was a never a time where I felt as though I couldn't ask for help.

Bearing in mind that I have had previous part-time jobs, I think the atmosphere at Pfizer has outshone every previous company I have worked for. The office was always such a positive atmosphere, and everyone was extremely welcoming and kind. There is no sense of isolation with the undergraduates (either between the undergraduates themselves and also with senior colleagues): the culture is very inclusive, and people of all positions interact with one another which is really pleasant to see, additionally providing many opportunities to network.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement here at Pfizer: they exceeded every single one of my expectations. I expected to eventually feel unenthused about work, and that I would be looking forward to my departure: I am realizing now that this couldn't be more untrue. The colleagues I have worked with have been thoughtful and kind, and I have not had a bad experience with any. Whenever I requested more work, my line manager ensured it would be provided. Every thought I had was heard, and so there is not a single negative thing I can say.

Yes

Make sure you read about Pfizer's values!! Pfizer is all about "breakthroughs that change patients' lives", and so it is crucial to mention that in your application as it is at the heart of what they do: it is the whole foundation of Pfizer. Furthermore, the values are just as important, as the company is constantly trying to meet those standards. I think the most important one for me has ben 'joy', as there are many instances where colleagues get together to experience 'joy', and I think this is such a large part of why Pfizer's employees enjoy their time at this company.