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After a warm welcome and brief introductions, my first week at PW was filled with induction meetings, a two-day training course on effective writing for consulting, and some initial project work. During the induction meetings I learnt about the company’s different practices, where I would fit in, and how to navigate around the buildings (which is surprisingly difficult). Initially, I was given a couple of projects within my ‘comfort zone’, concentrating on editorial work. These allowed me to get to know PW’s processes and the rest of the team. I previously worked for a medical communications company, editing scientific materials such as peer-reviewed articles, meeting reports and patient materials for clinical trials. I was also responsible for managing projects through an internal studio. Having worked as an editor for more than 4 years, I wanted to develop my writing skills and become involved in the strategic thinking behind projects. PW has provided me with this opportunity. Since joining, I have been involved in a wide variety of projects from each of the four PW practices, from value dossiers and interactive resources, to advisory board meetings and market access interviews. I particularly enjoy working with new media, and am looking forward to helping PW develop their capabilities in this area. Everyone at PW is friendly and supportive - the whole team is fantastic! Ami Snelling |
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My first few days at Pope Woodhead were rather hectic! I was due to start in January 2010, but since some interesting projects were kicking-off in December 2009 (and I had some downtime) it seemed to make sense to get involved as soon as I could. I spent a week in the run-up to Christmas being briefed on projects, travelling to client sites and producing document content. Being involved in projects is an excellent way to get a handle on working practices and expectations. My induction process proper began once I had officially started full-time work. Although the official side of it has finished, it's a necessarily ongoing process, as a lot of the organizational knowledge is imparted during project work. I'm currently working on a number of projects and proposals, including examining the way China is integrated into Global clinical development and developing a novel approach for a pharma company to build relationships with key centres, whilst improving patient care. I'm looking forward to getting involved in some more commercially focused projects - my background is research and, latterly, consulting (with a focus on development) and I am keen to broaden my experience. There is definitely a focus on allowing you to set your own level of responsibility, but the culture means there is always support available should you need it. This support is not only from senior management, but also from the rest of the team who bring a wide range of skills and experience to bear on any challenge, and operate an 'open-door' policy for all new joiners' questions! It's been a positive experience so far and I'm looking forward to it continuing. Mark Rose |
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I was fortunate to meet the Pope Woodhead team before I officially started work: I joined in with go-kart racing, enjoyed a ‘beer and curry’ night, and was invited to the annual PW end-of-year party. It is amazing what insight competitive go-karting provides on future team members! But it didn’t scare me off, and I joined a few weeks later in January 2010. Having ‘gone to the other side’, leaving agency life behind to join GSK over four years ago, I felt a strange sense of déjà vous coming through the doors of Pope Woodhead on my first day and during my first project team meeting, as there are quite a few similarities. Whilst there is a comprehensive induction process, whereby you get to meet everyone and understand where they fit in and what they do, I am also ‘finding my way’ through the hands-on management and delivery of project work, as well as keeping a general overview of what is going on across the business. As with all new experiences there is a learning curve, during which
you absorb as much information as you possibly can and gradually learn
to apply the knowledge effectively. I have a broad healthcare communications
background (my previous position was Head of Centre of Excellence Product
Communications at GSK), and it is exciting for me to be able to apply
my expertise and knowledge across a variety of different projects and
to new, but related, areas. Currently I am working on the process side
of things, an area that spans both the Commercial and Development practices.
Specifically I am focussing on talent management and organisational
change, both areas that have seen a period of rapid growth and success
for PW in the past few years. Tiffany Wright |
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My first day at Pope Woodhead was astounding. Usually when you join an organisation it takes a while to sort out minor administrative things like IT equipment, setting up email account etc. But the moment I entered PW (and after the warm welcome), I was provided with a personalised induction programme guide, a laptop with details of my login details etc., and of course a desk! My email account had been set up for me, and all my induction meetings were already in my calendar. By noon I received my blackberry at 2 o'clock I was briefed on my first project. So this was my first day at Pope Woodhead - friendly faces, efficient set-up, project responsibility - astounding! Although my induction took around two weeks, I did not feel like 'the new boy': all my colleagues were friendly, polite and co-operative, and led me through the process very smoothly. From Day 1, it seemed that everyone had known me for quite some time and had been waiting for me to join. I am really grateful to all of them for such a warm welcome. To date, my career has been in regulatory: senior regulatory compliance manager for various pharmaceutical companies in the Asia Pacific region, Regulatory Affairs Consultant in A3 Regulatory Services, and Regulatory Affairs Manager for Europe and ROW at PPD. I have joined PW's Regulatory and Risk Practice as a Senior Consultant, and am currently working on a wide variety of projects and proposals for top 20 pharma companies; these include regulatory advice on product lifecycle management, clinical trials, late phase studies, risk management plans and paediatric investigational plans. There are many aspects of PW that I appreciate, but what I've come to admire the most is the organisational culture. Every member of the team, regardless of seniority, is highly enthusiastic, knowledgeable and supportive. Innovation and 'can do' attitude are truly welcomed and there are plenty of opportunities to learn new things, broaden your vision and increase the breadth of your experience. In short, it has been a super experience so far. Mazhar Thakur |
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