What degrees did you complete and at which university?
I hold a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics from the University of South Africa where I am currently completing my Honors program.

When did you join Cipla?
I joined Cipla and the Distribution Gateway in April of 2021

What is your role at Cipla?
I am currently a graduate within the Customer Services space and I will be joining the Warehouse for my second rotation in November 2021.

What is the role of a graduate within the Supply Chain and Distribution Gateway?
I understand that based on my education and background, my role is slightly different to what a traditional graduate role within the Supply Chain Management space would look like.

Within Customer Services, my role thus far has largely been one of a process and data analyst. I have had the opportunity to collect, clean and process data for analysis in order extract insights that feed into key process improvements and an improved customer experience. And as my journey progresses and I move into my Warehouse rotation, I imagine it will shift towards, but won’t be limited to, a more systems analysis role.

Either way, the ultimate mandate is always to play your role and make a meaningful contribution towards the business credo of One Cipla Caring for Life.

What are the highlights and challenges of your job?
One of the major highlights of my job has to be working with a dedicated team under the guidance of a stellar manager who is a resilient leader. I think that sets the tone for us to come in to work every single morning and be counted. I also enjoy the variability of my work. Every day is different, and it presents new and exciting challenges. In so doing, I get to employ my skillset and contribute towards offerings and solutions that make a meaningful contribution to the lives of so many people.

The one challenge I have had to overcome is understanding the volatile nature of the business and the industry. Naturally, I prefer linear, detailed plans and courses of action. However, the nature of the business calls for a great deal of agility and resilience. Being able to work in this ever-changing environment has and will continuously challenge those competences.

What degrees did you complete and at which university?
BA in Strategic brand communication and BA Honours in Strategic Brand Communication at Vega School

When did you join Cipla?
April 2021

What is the role of a communications graduate?
My role involves maintaining the brands reputation by being a liaison between the organisation, the public, and the media to ensure that the brand remains top of mind. I also work on campaigns to help raise awareness on the various therapeutic areas such as mental health, HIV and oncology. My role also enables me to work closely with the Cipla Foundation, which allows me to make a difference in the community.

What are the highlights and challenges of your job?
The highlight of my job is that I get to be creative even in the pharmaceutical industry. From day one I was never treated like an intern, I was given tasks to handle on my own and this has allowed me to grow a lot within a short space of time. I also work with a lot of different teams, so I get to network with different departments and not work in a silo. The challenges that I face in my job is being able to manage my time when working on different projects and campaigns at the same time, but this is also what makes my job exciting, no day is the same and that keeps things interesting.

What degrees did you complete and at what university?
B.Pharm at the North West University – Potchefstroom campus
Masters in Pharmaceutics: Pre-formulation at the North West University – Potchefstroom campus

When did you join Cipla?
April 2021

What is the role of the graduate of a Production Pharmacist Graduate?
Manufacturing - Coordinates and controls production activities under the supervision of the Manufacturing Manager and Head of Production. Implements the production plan and targets according to cGMP, while maintaining the highest level of Quality, Safety and Productivity. Upholds and maintains all legislative requirements when reviewing and approving all production and related activities, within the scope of a legally appointed Pharmacist. Leads /supervisors employees engaged in production activities.

What are the highlights and challenges of your job?
My highlights have been working with a variety of people, getting to do and experience what I always wanted to and being challenged every day. My challenge has been doing shift work.

What degree did you complete and at what university?
I completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

What is the role of a PMO graduate in the pharmaceutical sector?
To facilitate and manage all cross-functional activities, as a project manager, to successfully launch products effectively and efficiently. This includes working and communicating throughout the value chain, both with internal and external stakeholders, becoming a ‘jack of all trades.’

What are the highlights and challenges of your job/role?
Highlights include opportunities for constant growth in a myriad of areas, as well as the development of effective leadership and communication skills. The Project Management Office (PMO) offers holistic exposure and great insight into the pharmaceutical industry and the high-pressure environment builds resilience and tenacity. There is a sense of accomplishment when a product launch is successful, as product launches result in increased access to affordable medication, contributing to Cipla’s ethos of ‘Caring for Life.’ Challenges include experiencing unpredictable variables every day. Different projects will include different approaches and risks to mitigate, making agility essential. However, this also allows for the expansion of both hard and soft skills. There is never a dull moment in project management!

What degree did you complete and at what university?
Bachelor of Science (BSc) Medical Bioscience at the University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours (BHSc) (Hons) Pharmacology at the University of Witwatersrand.

What is the role of a Sales graduate in the pharmaceutical sector?
One of the primary activities in the pharmaceutical value chain is sales, which oversees selling the product to the customer. As a sales graduate, I have direct contact with our customers. I market and display our pharmaceutical products, negotiate the terms of sale, and build strong connections with our customers. I also research and stay current on our competitors' products and pricing, as well as identify new chances to improve product sales and increase market share. Sales and marketing work closely together to increase the product's value to our customers.

What are the highlights and challenges of your job/role?
Joining Cipla Select, a Cipla subsidiary, is an exciting and rewarding role that allows me to learn and grow exponentially. As part of a small team, I work directly with two experienced professionals with a commercial background, allowing me to gain a better understanding of the commercial industry. Furthermore, entering the business in its infancy stages means that I may be able to add value, help to guide the business’ path, and contribute to its continued growth and success. Interacting with different personalities and learning how to handle a customer's bad day and taking it in stride is a challenging component of the role. Furthermore, a substantial part of my job needs me to be on the road for most of the day; nevertheless, I enjoy meeting new people and visiting new places, so I reap the rewards.

What degree did you complete and at what university?
I completed my Bachelor of science and Honours in Medical Bioscience at the University of the Western Cape. Recently I completed my Master of science in Medicine- Pharmacology at the University of the Witwatersrand.

What is the role of Medical Affairs in the pharmaceutical sector?
The Medical Affairs team are responsible for enhancing patient access to, and best use of optimal medical products. This includes demonstrating value to healthcare professionals and payors throughout the lifecycle of each product. Our team contributes to pricing strategies, embrace patient centric healthcare by partnering with broader range of healthcare stakeholders and acquire more understanding of the different needs of patients to provide them with benefits. Moreover, our team provide credible and unbiased medical information, facilitate coordination and integration of various medical data and knowledge in the company.

What are the highlights and challenges of your job/role?
The highlight of my job is being tasked with providing scientific expertise in order for patients to access medication as opposed to just being a graduate. This responsibility will allow me to showcase my ability to work under pressure, apply my scientific, critical mind and grow as the medical professional I aspire to be. The challenges that surround my day-to-day work include ensuring all medical and scientific material provided to patients are unbiased, managing my time to meet tight deadlines, however I find myself welcoming these challenges since I am passionate about continuous learning and striving towards excellence as seen throughout the team.

What university degree did you complete and what university?
I completed a Bcom in Accounting at the University of Cape Town

What is the role of a sales graduate in the pharmaceutical sector?
The role of a sales graduate in the pharmaceutical sector is to share information to our customers (doctors and pharmacies) about Cipla, its products and most importantly build strong relationships with the customers in order to gain their trust and have them commit to supporting Cipla in their respective fields.

What are the highlights and challenges of your job/role?
The highlights of my job is the independence I have to be able to manage my own working day as well as being able to interact with different people on a daily basis which I love as I am a people’s person. The biggest challenge of the job is having to be very patient when waiting to see doctors as they are very often extremely busy which leads to long waiting periods, despite having appointments set up.

What degree did you complete and at what university?
Bachelor of Science in Medical Bioscience from University of Western Cape.

What is the role of a Portfolio graduate in the pharmaceutical sector?
The role of a portfolio graduate in the pharmaceutical sector comprises of devising an accurate database of Portfolio pipeline, tracking the progress of pipeline assets by coordinating with the relevant departments and utilizing available sources. Furthermore, it includes recording patents and mapping patent landscapes, taking lead in operational and admin projects. The projects, vary from analyzing dataset, preparing reports, collating the relevant info to identify opportunities, conducting research, and providing support to the team in other aspects of Portfolio.

What are the highlights and challenges of your job/role?
To contribute to Portfolio’s success of broadening access to the right medicines which aligns with Cipla’s vision of Caring for life. Exposure to the commercial side and strategic planning incorporated into building portfolio. Exposure to multi-facets of Portfolio and Cipla. Having a supportive manager and meeting generous people. Interacting, and collaborating with people from other departments. Navigating the workplace and understanding work culture.