Kim Ferris
Studied BSc Pharmacology, Graduated 2008
I graduated with a lower second class honours degree in Pharmacology in 2008. I am now currently working as a Data Team Lead at Quintiles in Livingston, just outside Edinburgh. As a Data Team Lead my main role is to serve in a project lead capacity to the data management team. I ensure the consistency of clinical trial data through the use of databases and ensure everything is completed within budget.
During my degree I did an optional industrial placement year at GlaxoSmithKline as a clinical data scientist. I really enjoyed this opportunity and the experience I gained here has been invaluable to me when applying for jobs. I enjoyed many aspects of my degree program, in particular the carcinogenesis and anti cancer drugs module and the clinical pharmacology module in my third year.
As I knew I didn’t want to go down the lab route, I decided to research science roles outside the lab. As Quintiles is one of the largest contract research organisations in the world (pharma companies outsource work to these companies) I was well aware of the work they did there. I found a position on their recruitment website, I didn’t have the experience they asked for but I thought I would apply anyway ensuring that I had a compelling cover letter. Thankfully after many interviews I proved that I was capable of performing the role and got the job
In my current role I apply knowledge gained from my degree on a daily basis. Throughout the Pharmacology degree you have to continually review scientific papers, this knowledge has helped me greatly when reviewing clinical trial protocols from clients.
My advice to graduates is to research companies and target ones which you think you would like to work for, as a lot of companies don’t advertise through recruitment sites. If they don’t have any jobs on offer send a speculative CV and covering letter.
