What was it like to study in the Master's Programme in Pharmaceutical Research, Development and Safety?
It took time to understand where my skill set lies, what I am passionate about, and what truly interests me. I transferred from a structured educational system in Iran to a more flexible system in Finland, which required me to adjust my approach to learning. In my second year, I focused on self-development, reflecting on what I wanted to do and actively seeking opportunities in those areas. Compared to the first year, the second year felt more accelerated. I discovered more about myself and my potential by taking courses that interested me.
How did academic freedom in the Finnish university system influence you?
The freedom I experienced in the programme played a crucial role in shaping my journey. For me, academic freedom is the opportunity to explore beyond a fixed curriculum and shape my own learning path. It allowed me to discover new possibilities within my field and broaden my horizons both academically and professionally. This openness gave me the chance to delve into areas I had never considered before— fields and topics that may have influenced my future career. This flexibility allowed me to pursue my own interests, try new approaches, and make decisions driven by curiosity rather than strict requirements. Within my expertise as a pharmacist and in pharmaceutical research, this freedom has expanded my perspective and broadened my horizons, helping me discover possibilities and professional paths I had never imagined.
What kind of career opportunities did the programme offer you?
I am a Trial Management Graduate at Novo Nordisk, currently based at the Clinical Development Center in Deoul, South Korea, where I apply the knowledge and skills I gained during my studies. During my time in the programme, I had numerous opportunities to explore different career paths. I began as an international trainee with the Global Campus Team at the University of Helsinki. Building on that experience, I joined the steering committee in the programme and later worked as a research assistant in the Neurotherapeutics Lab at the Faculty of Pharmacy. These roles gave me close exposure to faculty members, provided insight into academic operations, and allowed me to further develop my growing research interests. Beyond my academic and research experience, I also served as a student ambassador for the University of Helsinki and the Study in Finland programme. These roles helped me strengthen my public speaking and interpersonal skills, which are valuable in both professional and academic settings.
Have you experienced any surprises when transitioning from student life to working life?
Coming from a science-heavy, lab-focused background, especially within the clinical trial space, I expected to rely primarily on my technical and scientific skills. What surprised me most was that only about 20–30% of my daily work involved these technical aspects. The remaining 70% focused on soft skills, including communication, project management, leadership, stakeholder engagement, and time management. This shift was unexpected, but it highlighted how essential these soft skills are for driving projects forward and contributing effectively to a corporate environment. Understanding this balance early in my career has helped me adapt and thrive in a professional setting.
What was the biggest personal or professional breakthrough you experienced during your master’s studies?
I learned that being open to new experiences is key to personal and professional growth. You never know where your next interest or strength might emerge until you give yourself the chance to explore. For instance, I worked as a student ambassador, a role that involved marketing, public speaking, and engaging with prospective students. This position was completely outside my comfort zone. It challenged the more introverted, scientist side of me and helped me develop essential communication and outreach skills. This experience taught me that stepping outside my comfort zone is essential for growth and has been invaluable for both my academic and professional journey.
Did you have a clear career path from the start?
If you had asked me at the beginning of my master’s what I wanted to do, clinical trial management would not have even been on my mind. Today, that is exactly where I am, and it reflects how unpredictable and exploratory a career journey can be. Looking back, my path has been quite international. I am originally from Iran, completed my bachelor’s studies in Türkiye, moved to Helsinki for my master’s degree, spent a year working in Copenhagen, and now I am based in South Korea. Reflecting on this journey, I realise it was all about one step ahead. I followed my passions while pursuing the best opportunities available, remaining open to challenges, exploring new areas, and embracing opportunities as they came.
What did you learned from Finland that you still carry with you today?
For me, the most important gain was resilience. While people in Finland are generally very kind and willing to help, I quickly realised that I needed to take the first step myself. Learning to push myself out of my comfort zone became a core skill, and it has continued to guide me in both my personal and professional life. This ability to step forward independently and embrace challenges is something I carry with me beyond my studies in Finland.
What advice would you give to the current or future students of the programme?
1. Follow your interest. Use your time in the programme as a valuable opportunity to explore yourself and discover where your passion lies.
2. Try different things. You won’t know what suits you best unless you try. Explore various areas, follow your interests, and push yourself slightly outside your comfort zone.
3. Start Earlier. Many companies begin scouting talent well in advance. Use your two years wisely to explore different paths, gain practical experience, and expand your professional network.
4. Learn the language. On a practical level, I strongly recommend starting to learn Finnish. While you don’t need perfect proficiency, being able to communicate, showing genuine determination, and demonstrating respect for the country will make integration into both work and daily life smoother.