Amrita Nagarajan, BSc Biotechnology with Enterprise
Why did you want to complete the Year in Industry?
I felt passionate about undertaking a year in industry to gain real world insights into the framework and strategy behind developing effective medications that treat diseases affecting the population today. Through research, I was immediately drawn to India, which is recognised as the “pharmacy of the world” and is the third largest producer of drugs globally. Additionally, India has the fourth largest economy in the world, a testament to the rapid growth currently taking place. It felt like the ideal environment for me to learn, grow and develop both personally and professionally.
How did you go about finding a Placement?
Motivated by this, I began sending speculative applications, and soon an opportunity arose at a generic pharmaceutical company based in Hyderabad. It was an offer I couldn’t turn down, as it presented the chance to gain an in-depth understanding of the drug delivery pipeline through inter-departmental rotations in corporate, R&D and manufacturing settings. The variety within my internship has allowed me to broaden my understanding of the wide range of roles within the pharmaceutical industry, how each contributes to achieving business goals and has helped me identify the areas that interest me most.
What is the most important thing you have gained from doing a placement?
One of the most valuable aspects of my placement has been the autonomy that I have had over my schedule, which has empowered me to take ownership of my learning. This freedom has encouraged me to reflect, clarify my goals and design activities aligned with my long-term career aspirations. It pushed me to take initiative through actively communicating, seeking feedback and networking with professionals across departments. These efforts culminated in an independent research project where I applied Design of Experiments to optimise the formulation of a therapeutic product.
What have you enjoyed most about the placement?
This experience has been immensely rewarding on an interpersonal level, and I feel fortunate to have been immersed in a new way of life that has enriched my learning. Navigating new languages, work cultures, commuting systems and weather conditions has helped me grow in confidence. Of course, the journey has not been linear. I have encountered setbacks and challenges along the way, but each has offered valuable lessons and strengthened my resilience. From slower days to high-pressure moments, I have learned to adapt and diversify my learning.
Overall, this placement has been a transformative experience and has solidified my passion for a career in pharmaceuticals.