Laura Pagani, Business Development, Takeda Pharmaceutical

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 Laura Maria Pagani, Business Development & Contract Manufacturing Business in Takeda Pharmaceutical in Zurich (CH). USI Degree: Master in Management, 2009.

How did you start your career?

I started my career in banking at the Corner Bank in the Organization department. Then I moved to the Oil&Gas sector working for ENI in HR project
management. And after 5 years I took a big leap of faith and I decided it was time for a career change and turned my sights on the Pharmaceutical industry. Nothing in life is worthwhile unless you take the risk, I reminded myself, as I prepared to leave my stable job as a Project Manager and accept a 6-month contract in Takeda Pharmaceutical. Six months became six years and now I'm currently working as a Business Development and Contract Manufacturing Business Lead.

Why did you choose a career in Takeda Pharmaceutical?

Because I'm able to work for an organization that is aligned with my own personal and professional values of integrity, fairness, honesty, and perseverance.

What is your current role/duties?

I'm working in Global Quality as Business Development and Contract Manufacturing Business Lead. I have a global role working with different CMO's in investment, divestment, in licensing and out licensing of products in different therapeutics areas.

In your opinion, what are the qualities necessary for a successful career in Takeda Pharmaceutical?

I can say that we need to take chances professionally and not be afraid of failure. Working hard is what successful people do; continue to have goals and
continue to progress. Hard work works!

What positive aspects and qualities meant most to you during the study programme you attended?

Well, there are so many but definitely the followings are the ones that still resonate with me. Studying in an international environment where diversity and inclusion is key. Being expose to diverse realities and backgrounds for sure it is a great asset that will help to work in different cultural environments. The best opportunity that I had during the two years of my master was the exchange program at the Universidad de Belgrano in Buenos Aires, Argentina. One of the best experience in my academic life.

What competences and/or skills acquired in your USI Study Program have been useful/are useful to your professional career?

Not be afraid of failure! Continue to have goals and challenge yourself. This are the keys of success.

What is your advice to USI students entering the job market?

The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. "If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough." - Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf, Africa's First Woman President. You cannot appreciate success if you do not know failure. My working experience in different industries sends a strong message that failure is just as important as success.