We interviewed International Master in Management alumna María Camila Corredor from Colombia to find out about her experience after graduation. María currently works at Sanofi-Aventis in Customer Facing – Hospitals. Sanofi-Aventis is among the 5 leading pharma companies worldwide, and she began working there as a Product Manager straight out of the International Master in Management.
Can you describe how EADA Career Services helped prepare you for the workforce?
Before finishing the master I already had several meetings with my Career Advisor. I wasn’t sure what position I was most interested in because this was going to be my first job. From our conversations, we were able to identify my strengths as well as find the job that were most suited to my profile. Then we moved on to interview simulations, which built up my confidence to face real-world interviews.
How did your EADA experience prepare you for your career post-graduation?
EADA prepared me to face the reality of the job market. The methodology is not just based on theory and books, but is specially designed to prepare students for everyday situations. Thanks to the “learning by doing” methodology and the practical case studies, I developed the analytical thinking that is essential in the workforce. What’s more, EADA has a unique approach for developing soft skills, promoting networking which, as far as I’m concerned, is another essential pillar in the career world
What was the most important thing you learned during the leadership modules?
In the leadership modules we developed soft skills, something that can’t be learned from books. Through a series of activities, learned to lead, present, negotiate and network effectively. The most important thing I developed was my confidence in public speaking, combined with excellent communication skills and the strategic use of body language.
The multiculturalism in class enabled me to open my mind and learn from people from all around the world.
What was the most surprising aspect of the programme for you?
What surprised me the most was the cultural diversity. I love travelling and learning about new cultures. Although working in a group with people from other cultures was one of the greatest challenges for me at the beginning, this same diversity gave me a great deal of satisfaction at the end of the master. The multiculturalism in class enabled me to open my mind and learn from people from all around the world.
You have lived in 3 different countries. Why did you choose Barcelona as your home after graduation?
Barcelona is a great city to live in with a lot to offer. Barcelona is cosmopolitan and diverse – you feel like you could be anywhere in the world. It has the sea, the mountains, a unique culture and an amazing cuisine. It’s a dynamic city that is constantly renewing itself with new plans and people coming in from all over the world.
Do you have any advice for young professionals trying to break into the pharma industry?
Sanofi-Aventis is a company that backs young talent and that’s why it runs programmes for recent graduates interested in the industry. For people who want to enter the pharmaceutical industry, Sanofi-Aventis is a great option because it enables you to get to know the industry and to rotate around different positions over a two-year period.