Katie Dowson
Katie Dowson
Graduated in 2018
MSc Medical Biotechnology & Business Management
First degree: Cell and Molecular Biology
Current Graduate Role: Commercial Trainee at Philips Healthcare
During my first degree I carried out an industrial placement in marketing in the biotech industry which stimulated my interest in the sector and how I could apply my knowledge in a commercial role. I wanted to improve my business knowledge so that I could confidently enter a career that required scientific but also strong commercial acumen. The unique course at Warwick was advertised by my department, and after research there appeared to be no other quite like it in the country. The variety of business and biotechnology modules to choose from and the excellent reputation drove me to choose Warwick.
Starting at Warwick I quickly realised the diversity and welcoming nature of the University. As a campus University, everything you need is right there and having the great sports facilities meant striking a work-life balance was easier. What’s more, my MSc gave me both skills and knowledge that have helped me pursue a career in medical technology. Firstly, the business modules gave me a breadth of foundational knowledge in business and entirely changed the way I perceived the medical biotech industry and how I could apply my previous scientific background. Secondly, the course places a large emphasis on group work and presentations, providing you with frequent experience of managing and leading groups, working to tight deadlines and communicating information to a range of audiences. These skills were invaluable to me when I started having interviews and assessment centres for graduate positions.
Just a week after handing in my dissertation, I started my career with Philips Healthcare on their graduate program, doing my first rotation as an Account Manager for Medical Imaging Systems. I think it is fair to say I would not have been prepared for this opportunity without the knowledge and skills obtained in my MSc at Warwick.
My advice to prospective students would be to immediately start thinking about the area or career you want to go into after the MSc, as there is a lot of freedom to choose assignment topics to build up your knowledge in an area of interest, giving you a great edge in interviews.