London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Educational/professional background

I work as a supply chain and project manager and thus far have defined my career by working on global projects to design, implement and improve the delivery of pharmaceutical products to patients. I am very grateful to have had experiences working at multinational companies, as well as non-profit organisations, managing both clinical and commercial drug supplies for life-saving products.

Why did you choose to study your course at LSHTM? 

For me and my career path, I knew I needed a graduate degree to progress further, but I wasn’t sure that an MBA or other business-centric degree was right for me. I already had a strong business foundation, but what I really wanted was to further develop my knowledge in the other areas which intersect with the sector I’m in: epidemiology, biostatistics and health economics.

After visiting LSHTM and learning more about distance learning, it was evident that the Public Health by distance learning programme was the best fit for my lifestyle and work requirements. I have just completed my studies and as I reflect on the programme, I could not have been happier with my decision. The distance learning programme allowed me to take advantage of career opportunities and over the course of this programme I have lived in three different countries!

What were your favourite aspects of the programme?

The programme follows, more or less, the same structure as the full-time course. Though I am essentially across the world from LSHTM, I have been able to connect with other distance learning students on the forums and WhatsApp groups, and even with current and past students via alumni chapters. I travelled often with a past role, and whenever I am in London, I take time to visit the library and attend a lecture from the Global Health Lecture Series.

I have just completed my studies and as I reflect on the programme, I could not have been happier with my decision. The distance learning programme allowed me to take advantage of career opportunities and over the course of this programme I have lived in three different countries!

How has the programme helped you in your career ?

LSHTM’s reputation in the global health space and greater academic world is one of the greatest values and benefits. My employers and colleagues from both the private sector and non-profit organisations understand the rigour of the programme, and respect and value the education and the degree. As well as its reputation, LSHTM’s strength is in its diverse network – both in occupations and in industry. The degree has complemented my global career, and further generates opportunities to work on large scale global health supply chains.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying your programme at LSHTM?

For students choosing between full-time and distance learning, my advice is to look at your career stage and assess whether completing the degree in one year versus two or three years will impact your career. For me, had I completed the programme full-time, I would have not been able to take advantage of some great opportunities that were offered to me. However, during January through March of every year of the degree (assessed assignments are due at the end of March) I spent my weekends in coffee shops writing and re-writing papers. LSHTM offers a blended mode of study where distance students can take courses during the full-time term. This is a great way to accelerate your degree and get the LSHTM experience.

What’s next for you?

Now that I’ve completed my studies, and have my weekends for myself, I spend a lot of time seeing friends and have found a new hobby in triathlons. I recently completed the Geneva triathlon with friends I made from the LSHTM programme.

Professionally, I plan to put into practice the technical skillset I acquired through LSHTM and support organisations in designing, implementing and improving the delivery of health services and products to patients.

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