Ea Pettersson

Director: Head of Biopharmaceutical QC, Novo Nordisk.
Master of Industrial Drug Development, University of Copenhagen, 2020.
Cand.Scient., Biochemistry, University of Copenhagen, 2003.

New work tasks created the need for continuing education

Ea Pettersson became acquainted with the Master of Industrial Drug Development, as she needed new knowledge for a new work task. She found the Master of Industrial Drug Development to be ‘spot on’. While her primary intention was to enrol in a single course, Ea Petterson quickly found an interest in the full master’s programme:

“The master gives you the full perspective and understanding of the drug development phases. There are not many master’s programmes offering a full package like this.”

Understanding the connection between drug development phases

When asked who would benefit from a Master in Industrial Drug Development, Ea Pettersson points out that:

“The master’s programme is applicable to everyone working in the life science industry. However, it is of special interest to people who want to understand the connection between the drug development phases. In my position as director, it is important to know the crucial elements and requirements in the development of a drug. This programme can most definitely give you this overview, which is a great academic and professional ballast to obtain.”

Meeting other people with great expertise

Ea Pettersson highlights that the encounter with her fellow master’s students was of great value:

“In group work you spar with people working with other drug development phases, and people from different backgrounds and companies. You get an insight into other companies and organizational cultures.”

The external outlook was part of her argument to her management in Novo Nordisk when she applied for the master’s programme:

“The Master in Industrial Drug Development gives you an external input which you would not achieve through an internal educational programme within your own life science company. The course directors and external teachers are highly skilled scientists from both university and the life science industry. As they are the best in the field, you are presented with topics that are new and of current interest. They bring real life cases to the table which you can easily relate to.”

On a personal level, Ea Pettersson is pleased that the master’s programme also gave her professional direction:

“When you learn about all phases of drug development, you also have the chance to explore what phases you find the most intriguing and fun to work with.”

New career opportunities

The contribution of the master programme is clear to Ea Pettersson:

“My role has changed at Novo Nordisk. The master’s programme has most likely supported me in my transfer from an academic position as a chemist to a position as director. I have gained a better business understanding and a greater perspective. If you would like to be a manager in the life science industry with a strong professional academic foundation, the Master of Industrial Drug Development is worthwhile considering.”

Interview from June 2021.