Tips on applying for the GSK Future Leaders Programme
Patricia Vlad Business Management Associate
Patricia Vlad is relishing the challenges of her current role as a Future Leaders Associate at GSK. Here she tells us what she loves about her job, shares her experience of the CEMS MIM and gives tips on applying for the GSK Future Leaders Programme. Knowing that what I do has a direct impact on patients’ lives definitely motivates me in my day-to-day job. It was one of the main reasons that I applied to join the GSK Future Leaders Programme (FLP). So far, I’ve particularly enjoyed the opportunity to work with so many different nationalities. It’s also been inspiring to see how people at GSK live the company’s values in such an authentic way. And, as GSK operates worldwide, I’ve been able to gain new skills from working at local, regional and global levels. Before joining GSK, I took a double degree in International Business, then studied for a CEMS Master’s in International Management. It was wonderful to study in Barcelona and Ontario and meet fellow students from all around the world. I loved meeting people from other disciplines, including engineers, designers and psychologists. It made me realise that when you have people with the same background in a room, it’s easy to prioritise consensus over innovation. But when the team includes people from diverse areas, you’re more likely to generate new ideas. The Master’s equipped me with a variety of important skills, including managing a collaborative team, using lateral thinking to find solutions, and communicating effectively with international colleagues.