Esther Tichauer

MBio Biomedical Sciences, 2015

Based in: London

First job:

Global Operations Graduate, AstraZeneca

Advice for current students:

1. Build practical experience – seek out internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities that align with your career interests. Real-world experience not only enhances your skill set but also builds your professional network.
2. Invest in continuous learning – stay curious and committed to learning. Take additional courses, attend workshops, or pursue certifications that are relevant to your field. This helps you stay competitive and adaptable in a rapidly changing job market.

3. Network strategically –connect with professionals in your industry through LinkedIn, networking events, and alumni groups. Building relationships with mentors and peers can open doors to valuable opportunities and insights.

4. Develop soft skills – in addition to technical expertise, employers value soft skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Strengthen these through team projects, leadership roles, or by stepping outside your comfort zone.

5. Be proactive and set goals – take ownership of your career development. Set clear goals, track your progress, and be proactive in seeking out new challenges. The more initiative you show, the more you'll learn and grow in your field.

Ambitions for the future:

Looking ahead, my primary goal is to contribute to improving access to life-saving medicines for patients around the world. I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in global healthcare. As I continue on this path, I aim to grow both professionally and personally, embracing every opportunity to learn, adapt, and expand my expertise in order to drive lasting, positive change in the industry.

Associate Director - Sales & Operations Planning, Theramex

Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.

I work for a pharmaceutical company that specialises in women’s healthcare, where I drive the end-to-end planning process, ensuring alignment between commercial strategy and operational execution.

What’s your favourite part of the role?

Working in the women’s healthcare space. I take pride in helping deliver life-changing medicines that empower women to thrive at every stage of their lives.

What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?

1. Data analysis and critical thinking – evaluating scientific data and drawing meaningful conclusions helped me develop the analytical skills needed for demand forecasting and data-driven decision-making.

2. Attention to detail – conducting experiments and analysing results required precision, which translates into ensuring accuracy in supply chain planning and forecasting.

3. Problem-solving – troubleshooting experiments taught me how to approach complex challenges systematically, a skill essential for managing operational risks and adapting plans.

4. Collaboration and communication – working in labs and group projects strengthened my ability to collaborate across teams, a key part of aligning sales, operations, and finance in S&OP.

5. Scientific and industry knowledge – understanding biological systems and healthcare needs gave me a strong foundation to work in the pharmaceutical industry and contribute meaningfully to women’s health.

Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at Warwick?

I knew I loved science and wanted to help people live healthier lives. When I started at Warwick, I was open to exploring all the different opportunities that my degree could offer me.

What top tips do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?

1. Develop a strong analytical mindset –supply chain and operations rely heavily on data-driven decision-making. Build your skills in data analysis, forecasting, and problem-solving through coursework, internships, or tools like Excel, Power BI, or Python.

2. Master the art of relationship building – success in this field isn’t just about numbers– it’s about people. Learn to collaborate effectively, influence stakeholders, and build strong relationships across teams. Whether it’s sales, finance, or supply chain – being able to align different perspectives and drive consensus is a key skill.

3. Stay curious and industry-aware – the pharmaceutical industry is constantly evolving. Keep up with trends in higher education.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day in my role involves balancing strategic planning with problem-solving to keep operations running smoothly. I work closely with supply chain planners to address supply-demand gaps, ensuring we can meet customer needs while optimising inventory and capacity. Leading a team, I provide guidance on forecasting and planning, while collaborating with cross-functional partners on key initiatives, such as launching new products into the market. Each month, I prepare for and run the Executive S&OP meeting, where I present critical insights to senior members of my company’s executive team to support high-level decision-making. Whether refining our planning processes, troubleshooting operational challenges, or driving strategic projects, my role is all about ensuring our supply chain aligns seamlessly with our commercial goals.

What has been your greatest career challenge to date and how did your experience and skills help overcome it?

My first job after Warwick was on AstraZeneca’s Global Operations Graduate Programme. One of my rotational placements involved leading a team of experienced factory operators on a project to design a new sterile packaging line. This was my first experience in line management and working in manufacturing, so I was tasked with developing a new process, while keeping the team motivated and aligned. Despite being less experienced than many of the team members, I learned to adapt quickly, listening to their expertise and treating every challenge as a learning opportunity. This project was a humbling yet invaluable experience that helped me strengthen both my technical and leadership skills, teaching me how to navigate unfamiliar territory and drive results through collaboration and flexibility.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in relation to your career?

The best piece of career advice I’ve ever received is to be true to yourself. This advice has been fundamental in shaping my career journey. It reminded me to stay authentic, to trust my values, and to pursue opportunities that align with my passions and strengths. By staying true to who I am, I’ve been able to make decisions that feel meaningful and lead to more fulfilling growth, both professionally and personally. It has also empowered me to navigate challenges with confidence, knowing that the path I’m on is one I truly believe in.

What should current students or recent alumni be doing to move their careers forward?

What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?

The most important thing when applying for jobs is to carefully read the skills required for the role and think of concrete examples where you’ve applied them before. For most graduate roles, companies aren’t expecting extensive experience, they understand you’re early in your career. What they’re looking for is your potential to learn, grow, and develop within the role. Demonstrating your passion for the job, and explaining why it’s meaningful to you, will show your commitment to both the company and your own professional development. This approach will help you stand out and increase your chances of being hired.