‘’Life should be driven by a passion to learn’’

Sharpening one’s axe

I think that is absolutely essential. Technology is evolving very rapidly today and it is all the more essential to keep sharpening one’s axe. Or become redundant.

Achieving credentials

Apart from my doctorate, earlier on I pursued an Adv Dip in French – but that is because I love languages as much as I love science. Along the way, I did an Advance Diploma in Management, got trained as a Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma, became the first from India to do the CCDM certification, and did multiple other courses along the way.

The primary stimulus has been an interest to learn new things, coupled with the need to remain state of the art and to achieve the highest professional credentials in whatever I do.

Experience over qualification

I value both, though I would respect experience more. I would also tend to believe that that is the general view as well. Just additional degrees don’t help. But yes, additional certifications from professional associations/ reputed institutes do build credibility. Finally, demonstrating how you have applied what you have learned is what makes the difference.

Transition period

I think at a junior level it is more about technical skills, and as one moves up it is more about behavioural skills. But upskilling in every respect is important and I do not believe that one can ever stop learning. Life should be driven by a deep passion to learn. While technology is evolving really fast, technology today is making learning opportunities accessible at a global scale.

Advice

Definitely upskill on an ongoing basis and never ever stop learning. Seek high professional standards – you should be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.

Re-skilling ambitions

First, carry out career planning exercises which are often lacking, even in large organisations. Based on the proposed growth plan, identify needs for upskilling. Pharma companies do invest, especially on their key retains and to that extent it does serve as a retention strategy. More investment is clearly required, but along with that the ROI needs to be monitored as well.

– Nimita Limaye, Vice President, CDM, Medical Writing and Risk Based Monitoring, Tata Consultancy Services