My Grad Experience

This time last year I knew little about the world of healthcare communications. I was studying for my masters’ degree in tropical diseases and came across the scheme online whilst procrastinating from exam revision. It’s hard to believe that I have now passed the halfway point of the 2018 OPEN Health Graduate Development Programme, and what a great journey it has been!

My first 6 months was spent with the London Medical Comms team. I worked across a range of therapy areas, from prostate cancer to diabetes, and supported on large symposia at major conferences as well as smaller scale events, like advisory boards and steering committee meetings.

I have had the pleasure of working within supportive teams, comprised of different specialists within OPEN Health, including medical writers and designers.

Some keys things I have learnt along the way include the complexity of the pharma review process, the benefit of having colour coded trackers for all tasks and how important it is to keep your client happy. Arguably, one of the most important things that I am still getting to grips with is understanding the multitude of acronyms used in the world of pharma!

Just as I was starting to get the hang of Med Comms life, it was time for my second rotation and my move into the Public Relations discipline of OPEN Health’s Patient and Brand Communications (PBC) team.

The first few weeks were spent getting up to speed with all things PR and getting to know my new team. I joined at a good time, as during my second week we had the opportunity to get out of the office and give something back to a local community project with the Westway Trust – donning hi-vis vests!

I am now fully immersed into PR life, and have developed a whole new suite of skills, working with new clients across lots of different projects, including a series of podcasts, a patient support group workshop and brand milestones communications.

I am excited for my last rotation with the advertising team, where I am hoping to let my creative side shine. The graduate scheme has been a dynamic and exciting way to start my career in healthcare comms. I have already learned so much and I am looking forward to seeing what the future brings.

If you are interested in hearing more about OPEN Health or the opportunities available why not get in touch.  You can visit our careers page or drop us an email at PBCenquiries@openhealthgroup.com