Maria Vargas Tabuenca, Institutional Relations Manager, iSanidad
Alumni Service
8 November 2021
In order to help current students and recent graduates to find their way in the working world, many of our alumni shared their career story. Here the story of Maria Vargas Tabuenca, Institutional Relations Manager for iSanidad in Madrid (E). USI Degree: Master in Communication, Management and Health, 2018.
How did you start your career?
After finishing my MSc at USI, I came back to Madrid to start my career. I spent five months trying to make me well-known among the health companies that I was interested to work for by sending them emails, contacting with recruiters and managers, applying to different positions and meeting different professionals. Finally, I was hired by the "Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians" as communication manager.
Why did you choose a career in iSanidad?
iSanidad is a health-related web site focused on healthcare professionals. One of its main responsibilities is to inform regarding health news, pharmaceutical companies and to interview different key opinion leaders. Assuming the role of Institutional Relations Manager gives me the opportunity of stablishing solid relations with both healthcare professionals and managers of companies. Moreover, this role allows me to have a deeper understanding about health communication.
What is your current role/duties?
My role and duties are several: established communication between different public and private entities; promoted and managed agreements with other companies at the local, national and international levels; developed plans, programs and procedures aimed at strengthening relations; advised senior manager and CEO; represented the company at institutional events; managed the institutional team.
In your opinion, what are the qualities necessary for a successful career in iSanidad?
Team work is essential. Moreover, long work days will come and you will face them better with a positive attitude and adaptability. And last, but not least, do not forget to update your knowledge and capabilities; more than never is important to be updated on your professional field.
What positive aspects and qualities meant most to you during the study programme you attended?
The importance of team work and learning from an analytic way. The first aspect allowed me to understand that if you want to be a great professional, you need to surround yourself with a great team: it is not only about how to be the best, it is about how we can do things the best as group. Regarding the analytic learning, it is essential in order to understand the context and to make appropriate decisions.
What competences and/or skills acquired in your USI Study Program have been useful/are useful to your professional career?
The most important and useful skill I acquired during my MSc is to try my best everyday independently of the task that I am in charge of. The result must be the same independently if the responsibility is big or small.
What is your advice to USI students entering the job market?
Do not give up when things do not go as you expect. Be a good professional but a better person. And work hard with a positive attitude. Success will come sooner or later!