Career edge for pharmacology students
Five students from the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute’s (BDI) Department of Pharmacology have been offered positions in GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK) Industry Based Learning (IBL) Program.
Students from the Department of Pharmacology have a history of success in this program, with six students securing positions last year, and two the year prior. This year, more than 1120 students across Australia applied for the IBL program with 63 being successful.
Developed for undergraduate university students in their penultimate or final year of study at the commencement of the program, this twelve-month, full-time IBL program offers an opportunity for students to launch their career, offering invaluable hands-on work experience in a friendly and supportive environment. Upon completion, the students will have built on their university learning and gained a competitive edge for all future career paths.
Zoe Kropf, James Hatzinicolaou, Tanatswa Ruzive-Makura, Oliver Holmes and Rachel Goodman will all begin their IBL placements at GSK in 2019.
Zoe, who will be based in quality assurance, is excited about the opportunity.
“I think I’ll learn a lot both about GSK and the industry itself. You learn skills at university, and it’s good to be able to put them into action. That’s what I’m most excited about,” Zoe said.
For James, who will be positioned in medical affairs, he is keen to learn what it’s like to work in a company.
“I’m looking forward to putting my pharmacology skills to good use, and to learn new skills,” James said.
Dr Barb Kemp-Harper supported the students as they applied.
“The aim of the IBL program is for students to go out and work within GSK, and then come back and complete their studies,” Dr Kemp-Harper said.
“I am very proud of all of them. It’s a fantastic achievement and the program will offer the students a wonderful opportunity to gain experience in the pharmaceutical industry,” she said.
“Their pharmacology training has provided them with a great foundation for the next stage in their careers. Our Modern Drug Development Unit incorporates work integrated learning activities and assessments and is very focused on preparing students for this experience and increasing career awareness.”
James said the pharmacology careers portal was very helpful in preparing him for his future.
“They highlight careers of the past graduates. It gives you an idea of what you can do with your skillset,” James said.
“Many students didn’t even know about some of the career options available to them. The unit, and the careers portal really expanded awareness and highlighted opportunities to all of us,” he said.
For Zoe, the pharmacology unit is amongst her top three favourite.
Monash students were among the strongest in the candidate pool, with many assessors commenting on the high calibre of those assessed. 22 Monash students received placements, more than any other university.
About the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute
Committed to making the discoveries that will relieve the future burden of disease, the newly established Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University brings together more than 120 internationally-renowned research teams. Our researchers are supported by world-class technology and infrastructure, and partner with industry, clinicians and researchers internationally to enhance lives through discovery.