Rhoda Awe - Associate Director
What do you do?
I currently work in Medscape, a pharmaceutical marketing organisation. My focus is purely on the data aspect. So reviewing our membership and how we can broaden our reach to relevant healthcare professionals on behalf of our pharma clients.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
As an Associate Director, I have great opportunities to work and collaborate on exciting internal projects, for example the integration of global acquisitions. All this whilst leading my team who develop the audiences that we promote pharma brands to.
How did you get into Pharma?
I actually got interested in Pharma during my undergrad and masters. However I realised that I didn’t exactly know what I wanted to do. The opportunity I received came from Thomson Reuters IP team (now known as Clarivate). This really opened my eyes to the work being done in healthcare and initiated my experience with Pharma clients.
Why Pharma?
I believe Pharma is exciting and to be honest I couldn’t imagine myself in any other industry. Pharma is the interconnection of data and innovation resulting in scientific breakthroughs. Why do something else?
What has your experience been being #BlackInPharma?
As a black individual I’ll admit to times where I’ve been the only black face in the team. And a key issue is that representation is key in Pharma, a lot of the roles I’ve had, has come through grace and not actually knowing that such roles exists to be able to specifically target them. So the publication and the unravelling of the mysteries surrounding Pharma can only help to provide the representation we desire.
Top tips for getting into your role/Pharma?
Grab the opportunities that come by the horns, simply because such roles will stretch and challenge you. I think it’s admirable when we approach a role where we have so much to learn. Having such mindsets also means you’re open to receiving from others.
Fun fact
I’ve actually spent 6 months studying in Sweden, in my undergrad. To date, I’ll always appreciate the experience, because it took me out of my comfort zone.
