At AAPS, student success drives everything we do, especially in clinical research. Prajakta Gawde, a 2022 Clinical Research, Drug Safety, and Pharmacology program graduate, now thrives in her permanent placement thanks to AAPS.
In this interview, she discusses how AAPS expanded her career prospects in Canada and shares advice for those entering the pharmaceutical sciences.
From Pharmaceutical Sciences to Clinical Research Training: Prajakta’s Journey
Before joining AAPS, Prajakta had already amassed over five years of experience in the pharmaceutical sciences. Upon relocating to Canada, she was eager to find new career prospects. “I was looking for an opportunity to progress my career prospects in Canada, wherein I came across AAPS and its program, and the career opportunities intrigued me,” she recalls.
Her initial interest was in pharmacovigilance (PV), a crucial area in pharmaceutical safety, but Prajakta quickly realized that expanding her skill set would open up more career opportunities.
“Even though I was looking for opportunities in PV specifically, I wanted to expand my career profile to gain experience in regulatory affairs,” she explained.
This decision led her to explore new areas within the pharmaceutical industry, eventually guiding her to clinical research training at AAPS.
These topics, among others, are covered in the AAPS Clinical Research, Drug Safety, and Pharmacovigilance Post-Graduate Diploma Program, providing Prajakta with the essential skills to thrive in her role in regulatory affairs:
- Good Clinical Practices (GCP)
- Research Ethics and Clinical Research Regulations
- Good Pharmacovigilance Practices
- GXP Environment and Regulatory Enforcement
- Pharmacovigilance Compliance
- GCP and GVP Inspections and Audits
Prajakta’s decision to expand her knowledge beyond pharmacovigilance positioned her for broader career opportunities in the pharmaceutical field.
Prajakta’s decision to explore new opportunities led her to clinical research training at AAPS.
From Intern to Full-Time Placement: AAPS’ Career Services in Action
One of the most significant aspects of Prajakta’s success story is the role of the AAPS faculty and Career Services in helping her secure her first role in Canada. “The career services team recommended my profile for a Regulatory Affairs position,” she shares, which landed Prajakta an internship role at Cliantha Research Limited, a Clinical Research Organization.
That opportunity helped her build a solid foundation in regulatory affairs. After completing her internship at Cliantha Research Limited, Prajakta was hired as a full-time Regulatory Affairs Associate. The hands-on support from AAPS’ faculty and career services played a pivotal role in this transition, matching her burgeoning skills and aspirations with the right opportunities. “I appreciate the support I received from career services at AAPS,” she adds.
Prajakta credits AAPS Career Services for her full-time role after clinical research training.
The Importance of Networking and Industry Connections
In addition to career services, AAPS provides valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals, which played a crucial role in Prajakta’s clinical research journey. “I was connected across the industry with professionals,” Prajakta said, thanking her instructors for facilitating these connections.
These connections boosted her confidence and deepened her understanding of the regulatory affairs landscape in Canada, opening doors to new opportunities and expanding her knowledge through industry leaders and professionals.
Clinical research training at AAPS can be the perfect springboard for your career.
Expanding Horizons: Prajakta’s Advice to Future Clinical Research Graduates
When asked what advice she would give to those considering a similar path, Prajakta is clear: “If you are someone who has relevant experience in this field, AAPS is a great place to expand your horizons.” Her words reflect the unique value of AAPS’s programs, which provide a platform for students to launch their careers.
Her current role as a Regulatory Affairs Associate at Regxia Inc. highlights the vast potential of AAPS graduates. From comprehensive education to personalized career services and valuable networking opportunities, AAPS equips its students with the tools they need to thrive in various fields within the pharmaceutical industry.
Prajakta’s journey proves that great things are possible with the proper support, ambition, and openness to new opportunities. If you’re considering a career in clinical research, drug safety, or regulatory affairs, AAPS can help you chart a path to success—just as it did for Prajakta Gawde.
Watch Prajakta Gawde share her journey here:
AAPS Success Stories- Prajakta Gawde (Clinical Research, Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety ’22)
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