Nuestros estudiantes | Elisabeth Bou

Could you briefly describe the master's degree?

The programme provides a very interesting view of the Biotech and Pharmaceutical Industry by covering most of the areas where a future professional with a scientific profile could participate. The different areas are taught by professionals that currently work on them and explain the purpose of the area and the type of job that they do with an inside perspective.

What would you highlight about the program? What did you like the most?

I value the cross-disciplinary nature of the programme. As an experimental chemist, I really liked the possibility of understanding the pharmaceutical industry in a global way and at the same time discovering new areas and jobs in which I never imagined I could be useful with my studies.

Why did you choose IQS?

I did my PhD at IQS and I was working there as an assistant teacher at the time. I wanted to expand my training in a new area while combining it with my work at the same institution.

What skills do you think you have acquired thanks to the master's degree?

In addition to theoretical knowledge about the industry, I acquired several soft skills that were very useful after finishing the programme and entering the professional world. I learned how to present and “sell” myself better. I gained confidence and learned to give value to my skills and knowledge and make them useful for a specific position.

What has the master's degree given you personally and professionally?

During the programme we had the chance to meet and connect with professionals in the biotech and pharma sector. I also had the opportunity to meet and share this experience with my colleagues in the postgraduate programme and some of them are now friends. Professionally, the programme opened doors. After completing it I had the opportunity to join a pharmaceutical company and apply all the knowledge that I had learned during the programme.

What advice would you give to a future student who wants to study this master's degree?

I would suggest trying to make as many connections as possible. I would also recommend asking guest speakers to explain what they do and what their daily jobs are like. Try to imagine if you could work in that area and don’t be afraid to give it a chance. You might be surprised.

Tell us about your professional career. How has the master's degree helped you in your work?

After the programme, I had the opportunity to join a pharmaceutical company as a Quality Assurance technician.