This is the new blog article in our ‘Career Insights’ series and we spoke to Nicolò Figà Talamanca, Business Development Manager of seQure (the business unit of Arithmos), to find out more on his job, career path, achievements, and his hobbies.
Can you say a couple of words about your work in seQure?
My three areas of work in seQure are the commercial activities, relationship building, and company representation.
Commercial activities include research of new business opportunities and proposal preparation.
Relationship building is about strengthening relationships with our partners and clients. This is extremely important, because continuous contact with clients allows us to ensure the highest quality of service and also to support them in the most personalised way.
Last, but not least, I represent seQure, the business unit of Arithmos, at national and international events. This is a unique opportunity not only to gain visibility, but also to understand the latest industry trends.
What does your day typically look like?
My day starts with my mailbox. I log in and go through the urgent emails. The rest of my day is built around the clients needs, so unless I travel, it’s divided into meetings and preparation of the proposals. For proposals I work closely with our Operations team in order to prepare personalized and lean offers.
Of course, lunch with my colleagues is also a must!
Can you tell us about your background?
I have a scientific background. I have completed a 5-year program “Doctor of Pharmacy” and a Master’s program in Preclinical and Clinical Drug Development during which I have learned a lot about drug development, pharmacovigilance, and quality assurance.
I have also invested a lot of time and energy into polishing my language skills.
Have you always been passionate about pharmacy?
I love science, especially chemistry. It allows you to understand the nature of things and how different elements interact. I find it absolutely fascinating, for me studying chemistry is like discovering a whole new world.
I chose to study pharmacy at the university because it was a way to combine my personal passion and work in a dynamic and rapidly growing industry. Besides, as a pharmacy graduate I can work in various positions in the pharmaceutical industry, so it is a very versatile degree.
What was your journey to your current position in seQure?
I joined seQure thanks to my curiosity. Prior to joining seQure, I was working as a pharmacist, however, I had a desire to expand my horizons and face new challenges.
This desire has pushed me to look for a job in a Life Sciences consultancy company.
I started working in seQure as a Business Development Associate and then I became Business Development Manager. I cannot be more excited about what the future holds!
What do you like the most about working in Business Development?
I enjoy working with different industry professionals, both inside and outside seQure.
My work is also very dynamic. Each day is different, as I work from home, while travelling and from the seQure office. Travelling is an essential part.
In seQure we believe in personal contacts with the clients, so I often travel to see them. You get an opportunity to learn more about the people you work with, find out more about their needs, and deepen your relationship.
What would be your top tips for early career specialists looking to develop in Business Development?
- Be curious and willing to meet and understand new people and master new skills.
- Study a lot of foreign languages, because they can open a whole new world for you. It’s is a key for the international career and to bringing your company to a new market. Staying inside your own language comfort zone is limiting!
- Develop interpersonal skills. You need to be integral, but flexible and know how to interact with different people.
What are your personal values?
First of all, integrity. What I do should correspond to what I say and to who I am.
Secondly, passion for everything that I do. I am a very lucky person. I work in the industry that I love and with people who share my passion and appreciate it. It is very motivating, and it pushes me to do my best every day.
What do you love to do for fun?
I am a sports fan! I love rugby and I have been doing it for 18 years. It is an extremely challenging team sport where you need a lot of character and energy, and that’s what attracts me.
My other passion is music, especially classic rock like Queen and Led Zeppelin. It was introduced to me by my parents when I was a kid.
seQure careers
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