"Sheffield Hallam careers helped me secure a placement at a multinational pharmaceutical company"

Sophie Robertson studied Biomedicine and Health Science at Sheffield Hallam University and successfully secured a placement at a multinational pharmaceutical company in the Precision Medicine department.

Here we ask Sophie a few questions about her time at Hallam and how this led to her working at one of the largest pharmaceutical companies on the planet.

1. How did you secure a role at a multinational pharmaceutical company? 

I applied to the role through their website after finding available roles on Sheffield Hallam’s jobs portal Handshake. I submitted my CV and cover letter and completed the required assessment. Whilst I waited for a response, I reached out to the Sheffield Hallam careers team to prepare for the next stages. I learnt how I should present myself professionally in interviews and prepared some frequently asked interview questions to practise beforehand. I also scheduled a mock interview with the Sheffield Hallam careers team and received helpful feedback.

I was offered an online interview and even though I was extremely nervous, I made the conscious effort to smile and make conversation with my interviewers (I felt this was easy as they were really friendly and understood that I was a student, and this was my first professional interview!). A few days later I heard I was successful.

2. What do you do in your role? 

I am based within the Biomarker and Bioanalytical Platforms (BBP) under the department of Precision Medicine. In my role I carry out biochemical tests using a range of platforms, to gather data which can be used to support current pharmaceutical studies.

3. How has Hallam prepared you for your placement? 

My course contains great lab experience and lab techniques which I have utilised during my time on placement. 

Hallam also provides great career services and modules to improve your employability and prepare you for placement. These courses and modules helped me to write a professional CV and taught me interview skills such as how to answer common interview questions and how to present myself to interviewers.

4. We heard you’re a course rep for Sheffield Hallam, what does this mean? 

A course rep is responsible for communicating with students on their course and staff members to ensure students views on the course and any other issues are voiced. This role is important and rewarding as it can result in positive changes being made to improve the student experience at Hallam.  I had seen the role being advertised around university and signed up online, I then completed the student rep training course which was a quick and easy process. Being a course rep has come with many benefits and has given me the chance to work on important skills. I have improved my communication skills through talking with both peers and staff, as well as problem solving skills when trying to think of alternative options when there have been concerns.

5. What do you want to do when you graduate?

When I graduate, I would like to further my studies and complete my masters. Afterwards I would love to explore a career in the pharmaceutical industry as I have really enjoyed my placement year and see myself in a similar role long term.