Career Insights: Interview with Marco Pastore, Business Analyst & Project Manager
In this new blog from ‘Career Insights’ series we talk to Marco Pastore, Arithmos’ Business Analyst and Project Manager, to find out more on his background, career path, and his interests outside of work.
Have you always been passionate about Life Sciences field?
I developed an interest in this industry few years ago. I hold a degree in Computer Engineering, and people with this background mainly work in the banking or insurance industry. I wanted to work in a very dynamic and fast-growing industry, and the pharmaceutical industry seemed like a perfect option. It was also a great opportunity not only to do my job, but also to help patients achieve better and healthier lives.
What has been your journey to your current role at Arithmos?
After graduation I concentrated on cutting-edge technologies. I worked as a System Integration Specialist in one of the leading international technological service providers. I also worked for an industrial automation company where I had the opportunity to explore the world of the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0.
After that I started my journey in the Life Sciences by joining a company that produced pharmaceutical ingredients. There I was appointed as National Coordinator of Telemetry and explored the world of healthcare by working closely with the hospitals. This was a great way to obtain industry specific knowledge of validation processes and regulations for specialized software. This experience was so handy when I joined Arithmos!
My meeting with Arithmos happened when I decided to look for a job that would give me a possibility to mix business and technology approaches. I came in for the interview and loved the Arithmos spirit! What impressed me the most was the expertise of my potential colleagues and the structural approach to the projects. I knew that in this way we could deliver superior services with clear objectives and deadlines.
How did you identify Project Management as the right career for you?
I was looking for a career path that will allow me not only to perform the operative tasks, but also be engaged in the business side of the project. Project Management allows me to get a 360-degree view of the project, both technical and business, so I have a bigger possibility to influence the outcome of the project, offer new solutions and be innovative. I am loving the innovation part, because my technical background allows me to come up with new ideas for our clients.
Why were you assigned a dual role of Business Analyst and Project Manager?
Ideally, the first step in the collaboration with a client, is understanding their needs and circumstances, and based on these, suggesting a solution. This work is done by a Business Analyst. Once the collaboration starts, each client is assigned a Project Manager that makes sure that the project is conducted timely, efficiently, and according to the plan.
In Arithmos we have opted for introducing the joint position of Project Manager & Business Analyst. This ensures that the client does not have to deal with the change of the reference person, and makes the collaboration smoother and more convenient for the client.
What most inspires you about working within this field?
The possibility to work with the clients, as one team, and bring to life complex projects that will improve the way clinical trials are managed. Also, the Life Sciences industry is constantly evolving, so there is a lot of space for growth and innovating!
What are the top skills that a Project Manager / Business Analyst in Life Sciences should develop?
- Analytical skills – you need to have a structured approach to the tasks and know how to step back, see the whole picture, and analyse the situation.
- Attention to details – as a Project Manager you need to keep track of multiple tasks and liaise with multiple stakeholders at the same time.
- Technical knowledge – although having a technical background is not obligatory, it helps in ensuring a high level of quality for the project. You also need to always stay on the forefront of the newest updates in the technology field.
What are your personal values?
Reliability – if you have taken on a task, you need to deliver it, because if one piece is missing from a project, it puts the rest of the work at risk. I also believe that things should be done with passion. Loving what you do allows you to always strive for excellence.
What are your main interests outside of work?
I am addicted to technology! I have a whole collection of gadgets. Most of them are related to sports, like smart watches and activity trackers. I have used them a lot during my trainings, as I am very keen to marathon running and triathlons. For example, I have done a half Ironman triathlon and have ran the full Valencia and Padova marathons.
Of course, I must mention that I am also a cat fan and I have 4 lovely kitties at home.
Arithmos careers
We are always looking for talented and motivated professionals ready to join us. Would you like to be part of our successful team? To find out more about our job openings click here.
Born as a platform for the pharmacovigilance department, Kairos can also serve as a horizontal solution that fosters collaboration between departments and gives a company a bigger picture of its data. The innovative solution helps Life Sciences companies make faster and more robust decisions based on the data analysis and visualisation, safeguarding patient’s health more efficiently.
