BSc Graduate in Focus Series: Sina Hesse

We are looking back on some of our BSc graduates who have excelled in scientific research, ecology and conservation around the world since studying with us.

Today we meet Sina who graduated from BSc Conservation Biology and Ecology in 2014 and is now working as a Principal Multilingual Medical Information Specialist with ProPharma Group in Exeter. 

 

Hi Sina, it’s been just over 5 years since you studied with us, why don’t you tell us a bit about your career in that time that led you to where you are now? 

After graduating I spent some time in Germany and had an internship with Pro Wildlife – an NGO that advocates for wildlife and aim to educate the general public about issues with exotic pets and similar topics. Following this I moved back to the UK where I worked in retail for a while, whilst looking for something more suitable to me. Eventually ProPharma Group recruited me in 2018 and I have been with the company ever since. My role is working as a Principal Multilingual Medical Information Specialist with ProPharma Group. Here I am responsible for supplying medical information to health care professionals as well as patients, with a focus on anticoagulants and immunology.

 

Originally from Germany, what made you choose to study your BSc with us at the University of Exeter Cornwall Campus? 

I chose the University because I loved the campus and the location as well as the course description. I had a fairly clear idea of what I wanted to study and the course at the University of Exeter was a perfect fit for me – the modules as well as the field trips. It read exactly like the course I had pictured when I chose to study Biodiversity.

 

What do you think makes the University of Exeter, Penryn Campus such a special place to study? 

I loved the entire campus and it’s atmosphere, as well as the lecturers and of course the setting! Cornwall is beautiful and I loved being so close to the beaches. I joined the horse riding society so I got to follow my hobbies while I was on campus. The student life overall was great, with Falmouth not far away, beaches and pubs all within easy reach. Between the courses, the lecturers and the location of the Penryn campus the University of Exeter is unique and an amazing place to study, besides that it has an impeccable reputation in this field. It offers varied modules with wonderful, supportive lecturers and plenty of field trips.

What are your highlights from studying at the University of Exeter? 

Whilst with the University I visited Scotland, Borneo and Kenya. I loved all three field trips, though what made the field trips so memorable and great, were the lecturers. Everyone had a great time and the learning experience was fantastic. Each field trip created amazing life-long memories for me.

 

Why did you choose a career in Pharmacology and do you have any advice for students looking to pursue a similar career? 

I chose this career as it is within the scientific field and will hopefully allow me to go back to Conservation eventually. In the meantime, I find it very interesting to be learning about both drugs and diseases and the process involved in side effect reporting and pharmacovigilance.

My advice would be to create strong communication skills to be able to communicate effectively with both health care professionals as well as patients and learn to convey difficult scientific processes in simple terms.

 

How do you think the BSc helped to prepare you for your next steps? 

One of the skills that I have used a lot is researching as well as general scientific understanding. University prepared me well in regard to time management and independent working as well as I work from home and hence must manage my own time and workload in order to fulfil all tasks within the given deadlines.

 

Finally, do you have any plans for the future? 

I would very much like to return to Conservation, ideally working with animals. In the future I will definitely be looking to follow my passion, which sits with Conservation and Biodiversity. I am hoping to find some opportunities after COVID-19 “passes”.

Thank you Sina! 

 

If you want to read more profiles from BSc Conservation Biology and Ecology graduates follow this link or explore our Graduate in Focus homepage to learn more about the degree programmes we have on offer!