Why did you choose your company?
When I finished university, I felt like I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to pursue as a career. Roche’s graduate job as medical information associate seemed to be the perfect fit to continue in the biomedicine scientific area and at the same time not work in a lab. Once I started completing the application and researching more about Roche the areas they were (and are) focusing on and their environment portrayed by their website/ other people was very appealing to me.
What do you do on a day-to-day basis?
As Medical Information Specialist, we answer enquiries from doctors, pharmacists, patients etc on our products. We either respond over email or via phone. We also provide support to the franchises internally.
Which skills/experience are key for your role?
Written and verbal skills, scientific background is important to understand concepts and in the reading of published papers, attention to detail, organisation skills, ability to work in short set deadlines.
What are the best things about your job?
I talk to patients and doctors when they require information on any of our products/ services. I can also be involved in other projects of the business aligned with my area of expertise. I read a lot on the new scientific research and keep up to date with new discoveries in the health related fields.
How does the graduate programme/scheme work?
It started as a fixed-term contract. Some of us could then apply for permanent jobs that opened up in the department. I extended my contract for just under a year.
What sets your company apart from their competitors as a top graduate employer?
The environment in the company as a new employee but also as a graduate with no years of experience is very inclusive. There is a lot of willingness and commitment of people/ company to help improve your daily job but also your personal and professional development. It also really aligns with my values and focuses on similar things that I would always want in a job.
What’s next for you after the programme finishes?
I’m trying to get a permanent job in the same company and in the same area of expertise.
What advice would you give someone applying for a role with your company?
Don’t be afraid of being yourself in the interview and while you are working. Roche knows that people are different from each other. So far, I can only see the company and other employees being flexible and understanding of new ways of working. If you apply for the right reasons and values, you will be fine.
About the employee
- Name: Patricia Pinto Vieira
- Degree studied: Biomedicine
- University attended: University of East Anglia
- Job title: Medical Information Specialist – Roche Foundation Medicine
- Location: Welwyn Garden City
- Length of time with the company: 1 year
