Director of Communications
The internship in Tom Donovan’s Master of Bioscience Enterprise degree gave him the journalistic experience he needed for a career in science communication.
"As someone passionate about science but uninterested in actually conducting research, the University of Auckland’s forward-thinking masters degree in Bioscience Enterprise (MBioEnt) was an exciting opportunity to broaden the employment possibilities of my undergraduate science degree.
"The MBioEnt course delivered on this promise by providing a broad knowledge base that helped me move into work that matched my interests and skills.
"The MBioEnt degree’s associated internship programme gave me the journalistic experience to begin my career in life sciences communications.
"It is highly unusual for university graduates to come to the workplace with relevant work experience and an appreciation for the many complexities of a business (and life sciences businesses are particularly complex), so the MBioEnt was a useful differentiator in that regard.
"Since graduating, I have consulted on communications for dozens of private and public biotech companies, or organisations in related industries.
"I most recently headed communications for biologic drug developer Nexvet Biopharma (Nexvet), through its journey from seed funding to an Initial Public Offering on the NASDAQ stock exchange, and the establishment of global operations.
"Subsequently Zoetis, the world’s largest animal health company, has announced its intent to acquire Nexvet for US$85 million. I now consult to biotech companies globally on strategic communications projects."