Hanna’s (unfiltered!) Study Diary

Balancing work and study isn’t easy, but Hanna’s found a way!  Follow her journey through her University Certificate in eBioPharmaChem program with GetReskilled, where she shares her insights and experiences weekly. Don’t miss out!

Week 17 – 22nd February

In this module of the eBioPharmaChem course, we study one risk management tool every week. Although these tasks are usually challenging, this week was different. I found Event Tree Analysis (ETA) to be the easiest and most interesting tool we’ve studied so far. It helped me understand how to evaluate different scenarios and manage risks effectively. We also covered different topics including cleaning validation, which I found particularly interesting because it’s crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products. The process of ensuring proper cleaning is essential for preventing contamination. Additionally, I receive helpful feedback from the coordinator on all my questions, which makes learning more effective. I also get emails with useful information about upcoming events for pharma jobs, where there are opportunities to learn more and network within the industry.

Week 16 – 17th February

This week was my favorite on the course! I found it fascinating to explore biological processes, especially through examples like beer and cheese, where each stage was clearly explained. I also dove deep into chemistry, studying the structure of proteins and amino acids. I particularly enjoyed learning about different types of chromatography. Additionally, we studied a risk management tool called Hazard Operability Analysis (HAZOP), which is a brainstorming technique used to identify potential hazards and operational issues. The information was both practical and valuable, and I feel like I’ve gained a lot. It was a busy and engaging week!

Week 15 – 11th February

My Week at the eBioPharmaChem Course This week at the eBioPharmaChem course was full of new and exciting information. I learned about the critical stages in drug manufacturing, such as synthesis, purification, and characterization of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The theoretical knowledge gained was particularly interesting and helped me understand these concepts more deeply. However, I found risk management quite challenging, especially the Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA). In previous weeks, we studied tools like Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and Cause and Effect Diagrams, but applying these methods, along with PHA, in real-world scenarios seemed complex. Balancing risks and selecting the right safety measures was difficult for me at times. Despite this, the week was enriching, and I now feel better prepared to understand the pharmaceutical and chemical industries in more depth

Week 14 – 5th February

This week in the eBioPharmaChem course, I found the FMEA workshop quite challenging. The process of analyzing potential failures and their effects required deep thinking and a structured approach. However, it was a valuable experience that helped me understand risk assessment in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

On a positive note, I really enjoyed learning about Product Quality and Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). It was interesting to see how regulations like FDA, ICH, and EU guidelines ensure product safety, quality, and data integrity. The concept of Performance Qualification was particularly engaging, as it demonstrated how companies verify that their equipment and processes meet strict quality standards.

Week 13 – 31st January

This week on the eBioPharmaChem course has been challenging due to a lack of electricity, meaning I’ll have to complete two weeks’ worth of work in one. This has been difficult because of the large volume of new information. The most challenging task for me this week was completing the Cause and Effect Diagram.

I also received feedback on my previous module. There are a few minor formatting issues with my CV, but overall, I’m happy with the results of my work. I want to highlight once again how convenient the course format is. Despite the critical lack of time this week, I was able to easily navigate the platform and keep up with the material.

I find the course structure very effective, especially in terms of how it presents complex topics like GEPs. It’s clear, accessible, and fits well into my schedule, even under difficult circumstances.

Week 12 – 19th January

This week on the eBioPharmaChem course was very productive and helpful. I spent time revising the knowledge I had gained in previous weeks. There was a thorough review of the material we had already covered, which I found very beneficial. Revisiting the topics helped me remember key concepts that I had started to forget, and it also gave me a clearer understanding of some areas where I had struggled before.

In addition to the revision sessions, there was given an interesting article to read about pharmaceutical validation. The article explained the importance of ensuring that every medicine is manufactured with consistent quality and safety. It used a simple and engaging analogy, comparing the validation process to following a detailed recipe for baking cakes. This helped me understand how each step in pharmaceutical manufacturing, from testing ingredients to checking equipment, is carefully monitored and documented to ensure the final product is safe and effective. I found the article very insightful, as it provided a clear explanation of a complex topic and emphasized the critical role of validation in the pharmaceutical industry.

Alongside these learning activities, I also worked on my CV. I adapted it to fit several job vacancies that match my skills and experience. It was a great opportunity to reflect on my professional achievements and tailor my application to the specific requirements of each position. By the end of the week, I had sent out my updated resume to multiple companies.
Overall, this week was a good balance of reviewing past material, gaining new insights from the article, and focusing on practical tasks for my career development. I feel more confident in both my knowledge and my job search efforts.

Week 11 – 7th January

During the second assessment week, I focused on completing tasks that I had partially worked on earlier, which made the workload more manageable. One of the key challenges was creating ten thoughtful interview questions. This task helped me better understand how to evaluate potential employers and prepare for interviews. Additionally, I gathered detailed information about a company, which allowed me to explore its goals, values, and culture. These assignments enhanced my research and preparation skills, both essential for job applications. The assessment week highlighted the importance of being proactive and well-informed during the job-hunting process.

Week 10 – 27th December

The first assessment week after the “Job Hunting” module was well-organized, with all necessary information provided in a timely manner. This made it easier to follow the tasks and complete them efficiently. However, I found it challenging to describe my achievements in the CV. Tailoring a resume for a new job takes a lot of time and effort, especially when adapting it to specific positions. This process can feel overwhelming, but I hope that with more experience, it will become quicker and more intuitive. Presenting skills and accomplishments effectively is crucial for a successful job search.

Week 9 – 22nd December

I have just completed the “Advanced Job Hunting Skills” module, and the final week was focused on networking and interviews. Thanks to the new knowledge I gained, I was able to identify mistakes I made in previous interviews, and I will definitely keep them in mind for future opportunities. However, the most challenging aspect for me remains LinkedIn. I don’t like social networks and prefer not to be active on them. While I understand that LinkedIn is a great tool for expanding one’s network and finding job opportunities, it is still difficult for me to embrace it, as I dislike social networks regardless of their purpose.

Week 8 – 16th December

During this week of the eBioPharmaChem course, I learned a lot of useful information. One of the most valuable things was how to transform the skills gained from previous experiences and adapt them to specific job positions. Now, it’s clear that resumes need to be customized for each role. I also learned about Speculative Cover Letters, which was new to me. This type of letter allows you to take initiative and send your resume to potential employers. There was given the map of Ireland with all the major employers in the pharmaceutical industry very helpful. However, it’s important to actively use LinkedIn to find the right contact. I’ve started sending resumes and Speculative Cover Letters, not expecting immediate results, but I continue working on expanding my network and sending out applications.

Week 7 – 8th December

This week in the eBiopharmaChem course was focused on working with CVs and cover letters. Unfortunately, I was still sick, and the lack of electricity due to bad weather on Saturday made it impossible for me to fully absorb all the information and complete all the assignments. Overall, this week was quite challenging. We were given a new format for filling out the evaluation file, which required some effort to understand, even though the instructions and links were provided. This also took time. I had to spend a lot of time analyzing my CV and writing a sample resume, which was difficult for me. I am not sure whether it’s because of the time lost due to illness or because this is the most challenging part of the course.

Week 6 – 3rd December

During the second assessment week of the eBioPharmaChem course, I focused on working on my Foundation Assignment. Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling well, so I’m glad I had two weeks to complete it. While writing the assignment, I made sure to follow the Plagiarism Guidelines and properly reference all my sources. This module ended with the Closing Pack, which included useful information and an interesting video about bad science.

In the video, Dr. Ben Goldacre discusses misleading cosmetic ads, acupuncture, homeopathy, vitamins, and other pseudoscientific practices. I really enjoyed the video because it not only provided important information but also showed how easily scientific facts can be manipulated, which helped me understand the importance of critically evaluating the information we receive.

Week 5 – 27th November

The evaluation week on the eBioPharmaChem course was quite challenging yet rewarding. The total word count for all assignments amounted to around 1500 words, covering 8 questions across 4 different topics. These topics had been thoroughly discussed in the previous four weeks of the course, which helped in preparing for the final tasks. To enhance my understanding, I also used additional resources provided during the course, such as the “Glossary of Pharmaceutical Validation Terms” by Gerry Creaner and Donagh Fitzgerald (updated January 2022), as well as information from the FDA website. Overall, the evaluation week allowed me to apply the knowledge gained throughout the course effectively.

Week 4 – 17th November

This week at eBioPharmaChem was the most interesting out of the four. The amount of information I encountered was both familiar and new. Much of it connected to what I had studied in university, but there were plenty of fresh concepts to explore. One of the most intersting topics was WFI (Water for Injection) Storage and Distribution. I found it fascinating to learn about the importance of maintaining water quality in the pharmaceutical industry, especially regarding the storage and distribution systems.

Additionally, I was impressed by the video “How to Properly Use a Cleanroom” by NASA Langley Research Centre. It provided a clear and detailed explanation of cleanroom protocols, particularly Cleanroom Gowning. Thanks to the video, I gained a better understanding of the strict rules that must be followed to maintain the sterile environment, which is crucial for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Week 3 – 10th November

This week at the eBioPharmaChem course was relatively challenging. New self-assessment tasks were introduced, which made the workload heavier. One of the tasks involved learning to use the risk management tool ‘Fault Tree Analysis,’ which I found straightforward and did not raise many questions.

However, the second task, which focused on Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMEA / FMEAC), has proven to be more time-consuming, and I am still working on it. Despite these more difficult tasks, the other topics covered this week were generally easy, yet very interesting.

I am enjoying the course and feel that I am gaining useful knowledge, even though some aspects require more time and effort to fully grasp.

Week 2 – 2nd November

During my second week in the eBioPharmaChem course, I found it much easier than the first week. I was already familiar with how to navigate the platform and the lesson formats, which helped me feel more comfortable.

However, the initial topic on ASTM E2500 – Standard Guide for Specification, Design, and Verification was quite challenging. I had never heard of this guide before, and its complex terms made it difficult to understand.

On a positive note, the section on Introduction to Quality Risk Management (QRM) was interesting, with clear examples that made the concepts easy to grasp. The biggest surprise came during the Round-Up! session, where I found a bonus video about the book I’m currently reading, Atomic Habits. This connection was delightful, and the tips from the book are helping me improve my study habits.