Dheeraj, Product Manager
My role involves managing the day to day activities of an oncology product, as well as leading the strategic direction for the product in the UK. I continuously monitor both internal and external factors that could affect the performance of the business and ensure that there are contingency plans in place should marketplace factors affect the direction we need to move.
I don’t really have a typical day. Each day is very different in the challenges and issues that arise. I might have a day consisting mainly of meetings. These meetings are very diverse in their objectives and can be related to my product, or some other company issue. On other days I might not have any meetings but still have lots to do in terms of answering ad hoc questions, analysing financial information, planning and driving a new campaign etc. Other aspects to my day include developing and reviewing analytics to understand the marketplace, interpreting market research, identifying brand performance (both positive and negative) so that I can address them using relevant tactics.
The nature of my job means that I have to be effective at both working individually and as part of a team. In my opinion I do both equally.
Almost 3 years
I have A-levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry, a BSc Honours degree in Biochemistry from Imperial College, London and did a PhD in Virology at Warwick University. I am also currently studying for an MBA at Tanaka Business School, Imperial College.
I felt it was the best way to engage in a challenging career path as well as apply the science that I learnt at University
My career has taken a few twists and turns since University. I finished my PhD and then moved into Market Research. I then worked for a small consulting firm and then finally moved into the Pharmaceutical Industry as a specialist sales representative. It is currently a relatively common career path to move from being a medical rep to a Product Manager, but more and more I think companies are starting to look at individuals with different career backgrounds and not just sales. And here I am!
I think a good solid science background and/or a business qualification (degree level or higher) is always an advantage.
It is very good. The people I work with are one of the main reasons I continue to work for the company.
Making a positive difference to the many patients we serve with our products.
There are so many career options available for me. The company is very good at developing you as an individual and there is constant dialogue with your line manager as to what you want to do and how it fits in with the organisation.
Being flexible, people orientated, analytical and patient!
Go for it!!