Pharmafile Logo

My Journey Into MedComms #LucidLife

In NetworkPharma’s latest career guide for wannabe account managers, Tessa Rowland, Senior Account Executive, discusses her journey into the varied and fast-paced world of medical communications.

- PMLiVE

I graduated university with a BSc in pharmacology in 2017. Career-wise, I wanted a role that would combine my fascination for science and medicine with the opportunity to work in a people-oriented industry. I had completed an industrial year in pharmaceutical development, but my heart was looking for something beyond the lab. By chance, I happened upon an advert for an exciting-sounding graduate role at Lucid that started me on the path to a career in MedComms.

My introduction to MedComms was a whirlwind. It is a fast-paced industry, which offers great day-to-day variety. Advisory boards, key opinion leader mapping and expert-engagement strategies were alien to me at first, but the helpful and close-knit team at Lucid made me feel supported
and welcome right from the start. Before long, I was attending my first congress to assist with investigator meetings and interview filming.

I am now in my third year at Lucid, working as a senior account executive. I have delivered projects in all manner of therapy areas and have worked with a supportive team throughout, allowing me to learn about our industry and develop the skills to lead projects and pitches. What stands out for me about Lucid is the strong company culture. The patient is at the heart of everything we do, and the teams are truly committed to delivering solutions that make a difference, while being the most professional, driven and fun colleagues. Everyone is encouraged to voice their opinion, so there is always a wealth of ideas to tackle any problem.

We were as busy as ever during the unique year of 2020 and have fully embraced remote working. Much emphasis is placed on personal development at Lucid and I feel supported, even as a remote worker, to continue to develop within my role. We have delivered some of our most complex and time-limited projects as a fully remote team. MedComms can be a demanding industry at times, but our teams’ encouragement and motivation are tremendous, especially during the pandemic. There is always someone to talk to – we’re a very sociable bunch!

As I look to the future, I am drawn towards business and strategy development. Lucid offers the flexibility to direct your career within the company, and you are encouraged to put yourself forward for opportunities and projects that excite you. With their blessing, I am combining work with postgraduate study to make these goals a reality.

My advice for anyone considering a role in MedComms is to not just step into our world, but dive in. Our industry has so much to offer and everyone has found their way here through a different route. The best you can do is embrace your personal development as you embark on our shared journey to improve healthcare.

You can download a full copy of the  MedComms Networking A guide to getting started in account management here.

- PMLiVE

This content was provided by Lucid Group Communications Limited

Company Details

 Latest Content from  Lucid Group Communications Limited 

How I’m helping to #BreakTheBias: International Women’s Day

What do you think of when you imagine a scientist? Who do you see in a lab coat? Gender stereotypes and assumptions are rife and, as a child, the thought...

Extraordinary lives: advancing change in rare diseases

Rare Disease Day is all about raising awareness and generating change for the 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease. On this day across the globe, the rare...

Extraordinary lives: advancing change in rare diseases

We are extending the conversation for Rare Disease Day by continuing to raise awareness and generate change for the 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease, their families...

Placing people at Lucid’s heart: Paul Cutler, Lucid Group’s new Chief People Officer

We interviewed Paul Cutler, Lucid Group’s new Chief People Officer, to find out a bit more about what makes him tick, why he chose to join Lucid, and what his...

A Lucid Group social

The newly formed Lucid Social Committee is launching its first event for the year: Today, on Thursday 24 February Lucid will be hosting its inaugural board games night in both...

Lucid Group Welcomes a New Cohort of Graduates into its Futures Academy

We are excited to welcome this year’s cohort of graduates into our Lucid Futures Academy, which is now into its sixth year after being launched in Oct 2017.The Futures Academy...

We let your whole self shine

People are at the heart of who we are. Our aim is to transform the lives of those we touch without prejudice or discrimination. At Lucid, the magic we create...

Climbing my own Lucid Ladder

Transforming lives. That’s what Lucid is all about. I knew that even before I stepped through the fabled door of ‘Towers’ on a chilly January morning in 2019. It’s why...

A Lucid Thirsty Thursday D&I Special

Last week’s ‘Thirsty Thursday’ session was organised by the Lucid Group D&I Committee, whose goal is to foster a culture where diversity and inclusivity are embedded and practised within all...

Connecting capabilities in healthcare communications

The account management/medical writing paradigm was the cornerstone of medcomms for many years, but evolution in technology, storytelling and an increasingly sophisticated audience has changed this.Instead, today's environment requires an integrated,...