I work in the oncology division of the pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca. As head of our global breast cancer franchise, I lead the development of our commercial strategy, focused on transforming the treatment of breast cancer. Our team works with markets around the world to launch new breast cancer medicines and indications. And we play a key role in identifying future clinical trials that will enable our medicines to offer further scientific advancements. Ultimately, our goal is to help breast cancer patients live longer.

It was actually in business school where I uncovered a hidden interest: a passion for healthcare, inspired by a strong desire to do something in my career that would directly impact people’s lives in a positive way.

I have spent the majority of my career in healthcare, though I started in real estate investment banking and initially thought I would go to law school. Working in real estate, I discovered I really liked business, so I went to business school instead. And it was actually in business school where I uncovered a hidden interest: a passion for healthcare, inspired by a strong desire to do something in my career that would directly impact people’s lives in a positive way.

I came to Penn with no idea what I wanted to do. The decision to major in math and urban studies was a combination of two factors: my abilities and my passions. I had always liked and done well in math. And living in West Philly sparked an interest in urban studies. As a student in the College of Arts & Sciences, I had the opportunity to take a broad, diverse courseload and was able to explore this new interest on the impact of urbanization on various populations. As I approached graduation, I had to think about how I could combine math and urban studies—which I don’t think is the most common double major out there—into a direction that actually led to a job. That’s how I ended up getting into real estate.

How does somebody whose only work experience is real estate investment banking make the case to get a job in healthcare? That was really hard, actually, and I ended up reaching out cold to probably 30 different healthcare companies for summer internship opportunities, attempting to connect my investment banking experience with my interest in healthcare. Without question, I credit my Penn education with my ability to make this career pivot.

At Penn, my learning outside the classroom was as meaningful as my academic experience. I had the opportunity to stand up and lead Penn’s first honor council and help rewrite the undergraduate Code of Conduct. This work, coupled with my liberal arts education, enabled me to develop a core skillset that has been instrumental throughout my career. Through these experiences, I developed critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and leadership capabilities.

To undergraduates, I would say take advantage of the opportunities to explore as many areas as you can. Take a broad set of courses, really immerse yourself in learning. You don’t have many chances to do that in your life. As you develop passions, follow them. And network with other Penn colleagues, faculty, alums across the community. Talking to people, putting yourself into different situations—conversations, internships, full-time jobs—they all help you figure out what job is right for you. That process enables you to get on a path that combines your passions with your strengths. — November 13, 2024 • As told to Michele W. Berger, Photo by Brooke Sietinsons