In the second part of our series on how useful training can be in the career development of marketers , we speak to Vanessa Newman, Account Director at Pharmedicare, who found that attending the Pharmaceutical Marketing Society’s PriMe three-day core module two years ago had a very positive effect on her career. Here she explains why.

I am proud to say it has benefited my career greatly

"When I took part in the PM Society’s PriMe three day Essentials of Pharmaceutical Marketing course I certainly felt as if I’d gained a deeper insight into the nuances of pharmaceutical marketing and, for my own particular reference, how this compares with the medical (devices) industry, which forms a proportion of my work.

"Having originally come from a non-medical marketing background, the course proved to be a very useful way of developing a greater understanding of the Pharma industry. During the sessions we approached Pharma marketing from a variety of angles. For example, we not only covered branding and product positioning, market analysis and segmentation, but we also looked, among other things, into the role of PR and MedEd, analysing critical success factors and how to ascertain levers for product growth.

"I also found the PriMe course to be very useful in my everyday role, having often called on the knowledge I gained from it when I’m researching, preparing, implementing and analysing marketing plans. The skills I learnt have also proved beneficial when tackling tricky problems and facing challenges.

"I would say that the course is not only beneficial to individuals working to establish sound marketing plans, but it also helps to create awareness within the industry of how different knowledge bases and skills fit together in the greater scheme of things. I think all too often we forget to see the bigger picture when focusing on our day to day jobs. Essentially, we’re all one big team, working towards the same goal – healthcare!

I also found the PriMe course to be very useful in my everyday role, having often called on the knowledge I gained from it when I’m researching, preparing, implementing and analysing marketing plans.

"One of the main things I picked up from the course is a deeper insight into the demands on pharmaceutical companies and their marketing requirements, as well as gaining a broader understanding of what makes a sound product marketing plan.

"I think that attending the core module has had a positive impact on my career. Two and a half years after completing the course, and having implemented those skills I learnt on a daily basis at Pharmedicare, I am proud to say it has benefited my career greatly. Now, as I continue to build on my experience and knowledge, I have no doubts that I will still use all that I learnt to benefit me in the future."

This article was originally published in Pharmafocus and is reproduced with permission.