After gaining a wealth of industry experience during my undergraduate study at the School of Biomedical Sciences, which spanned biotech, healthcare venture capital firms, and a world leading multinational pharmaceutical company- AstraZeneca, I had successfully ventured into the healthcare industry. My education, enriched with both biomedical and business classes with a minor in EPIN, provided a comprehensive framework that later became instrumental in my professional journey.
Upon graduation, I joined IQVIA management consulting Greater China office, first as an analyst and later promoted to associate consultant. I delved into the intricacies of new product launches, corporate strategy, brand positioning, and commercial due diligence across different therapeutic areas, particularly oncology, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases.
The transition from academia to industry was challenging but enlightening. What you learn in classrooms provides a foundation, but the practical application of that knowledge in a complex, dynamic industry like healthcare is a different ballgame. We have to help clients navigate their way through the pharma value chain, crafting strategies to ensure the commercial success of their products. The real test was translating academic knowledge into actionable business insights.Currently, as an Associate Consultant at IQVIA, I find great fulfillment in helping pharma clients gauge business insights, design strategy plans, and assisting VC or private equity (PE) clients in asset valuation and deal incubation. The most rewarding moments have been when I have seen my strategies come to life, such as when I witnessed the sales boost after giving a commercial revitalizing strategy for a top MNC dealing with patent expiry of a blockbuster oncology drug, and when a surgical mesh company that I conducted commercial due diligence was successfully listed on the HKEX.
Looking back, I am grateful for my undergraduate programme’s support in equipping me with business acumen alongside biomedical science knowledge. This balance has been crucial to my career development and has helped me navigate the challenges of the healthcare industry, which is inevitably the bedrock of my professional journey.
