Meet Our PDP/MDPs Archive

What excited you about Abbott's Professional and Management Development Program (PDP/MDP)?

The great thing about Abbott's Professional Development Programs is that it really helps ease the transition from college to the workplace. The thought of having three different jobs in two years put my mind at ease. I knew that upon completing the program, I would have a better idea of my career aspirations, a better grasp of Abbott's corporate culture, an understanding of how daily operations apply in the workplace and a jump start on creating a successful career at Abbott.

Describe a project or role you have held during your rotations so far.

During my 2nd Rotation, I worked in Pharmaceutical Products Division (PPD) as a business systems analyst. Our group supports a Sales Force Automation (SFA) application that Abbott PPD sales representatives use in their daily operations. I had an opportunity to assist in the deployment of a major release of Abbott's SFA application. The amount of planning and behind the scene activities performed is remarkable. This project allowed me to gain insight into the technical side of the application used, as well as the impact the application makes to Abbott's business.

How do you think Abbott's Professional and Management Development Program will help you accomplish your long-range career goals?

The PDP program is a great foundation to my career for a number of reasons. First, having the exposure to three different IT organizations within Abbott has allowed me to gain valuable insight to various business processes. These experiences will help me bring a variety of new ideas and new perspectives in my future positions at Abbott. Second and most importantly, throughout my rotations I was able to establish contacts with many people throughout the IT organization here at Abbott. The people that I have met have all been extremely open to provide advice and guidance. The guidance shared has helped me see the big picture of IT and Abbott. The relationships I built will only provide further opportunities in the long-term. I am excited for the future ahead of me.

What excited you about Abbott's Professional and Management Development Program?

The opportunity to experience different positions in different divisions within Abbott was the main reason I wanted to be in the Professional Development Program (PDP). I knew I was interested in Medical Devices but I also wanted to experience other areas in the healthcare industry. With the PDP I am able to experience other areas while leaving opportunities open to follow a career path in Medical Devices.

Describe a project or role you have held during your rotations so far.

My first rotation was with Abbott Vascular (AV) in Temecula, CA. I was a Manufacturing Engineer in AV for the Xience V product line. In this position I was responsible for daily support of the manufacturing line and ensuring that equipment was operating properly, documented practices were being followed, investigating production issues, and continually improving the manufacturing processes. I had an opportunity to make an impact and do meaningful work while also learning about more about AV, careers in Engineering, and my technical abilities.

How do you think Abbott's Professional and Management Development Program will help you accomplish your long-range career goals?

I think having different experiences will give me an immediate advantage when I'm looking for my first position after the PDP because I will have a better understanding of what type of career I would like to pursue. Additionally, having exposure to various functional groups and understanding how they work together to achieve goals will give me a greater perspective and help me to be a more effective team member. I also believe that having exposure to various management styles will help me become a more effective leader at some point of my career path. These are just a few of the specific experiences that will help me achieve my career goals.

What excited you about Abbott's Professional and Management Development Program (PDP/MDP)?

I was attracted to the Finance Professional Development Program (FPDP) because of the opportunities it provides to recent college graduates. The FPDP allows its members to gain experience across functional areas in accounting and finance, as well as across the diversified businesses within Abbott. By learning as much as possible in each rotation, FPDP members are able to determine which roles within Abbott they want to pursue upon graduation. Furthermore, the FPDP delivers unlimited opportunities to network and establish relationships during each rotation. By the end of the two-year program, its members are well-equipped with a broad-based knowledge of Abbott and a robust network of mentors and colleagues. These assets are things that could take longer to acquire without the help of the FPDP.

Describe a project or role you have held during your rotations so far.

My second rotation was within the Pharmaceutical Products Division (PPD), supporting the Acute Care marketing and sales force teams. Being a commercial role, the FPDP is responsible for forecasting sales related to one of the Acute Care products. Additionally, I was responsible for budgeting and managing sales force and promotional expenses for the franchise. Both responsibilities I found to be interesting due to the close interaction with the sales force and marketing groups. Because of the large amount of responsibilities in this role, I could truly see the value I was adding to the franchise from a financial standpoint.

How do you think Abbott's Professional and Management Development Program will help you accomplish your long-range career goals?

The FPDP lends itself to helping its members accomplish their long-range career goals because it helps you to focus in on your interests. After having completed four rotations across different business and financial areas, I will have a solid understanding of which career path I want to pursue. I have discovered that I enjoy the operational accounting side of finance within Abbott. I have also learned that I would prefer to work within the medical products group. Because a long-term career goal of mine is to become a leader in the financial arena, I can align my short- and long-term goals on the career path of a Divisional Controller.

What excited you about Abbott's Professional and Management Development Program?

When evaluating the Commercial Management Development Program as a business school student, three things stood out: the breadth of quality experiences, the flexibility to take on challenging assignments that fit my career interests and most importantly, the people. I was looking to transition from an engineering and manufacturing background to a more commercially-focused career. The Commercial MDP, through its three one-year rotations, has allowed me to take on three diverse roles in three different businesses to facilitate this transition. Most importantly, I continue to be very impressed with current and former program members who are very passionate about their past experiences as well as future opportunities at Abbott.

Describe a project or role you have held during your rotations so far.

My first assignment was in Abbott Nutrition Supply Chain supporting international product launches. This role allowed me to leverage my background in vitamin manufacturing along with my more recently developed skills and experiences from business school in order to have an immediate impact. I worked closely with the global marketing team and affiliates in over 30 countries to determine the global strategy as well as the specific needs of the local markets. As these needs came into focus, I worked with the plants and logistics, regulatory, R&D and other teams to develop and execute the launch plan. This experience gave me an appreciation for the complexity of a global product launch as well as the importance of strong communication and teamwork across the key functions of the organization to ensure its success.

How do you think Abbott's Professional and Management Development Program will help you accomplish your long-range career goals?

As a student researching career opportunities, my long-range career goal was general management in a healthcare company. As it turns out, there are several different roles at Abbott that fit this broad description. The MDP has exposed me to many of these roles and the people that fill them, and the key skills and experiences that have made their success possible, which in turn help me to identify development needs and make informed career decisions. The program has also given me the opportunity to build a strong network of friends and colleagues at all levels of the organization that help me learn and grow as my career progresses.

What excited you about Abbott's Professional and Management Development Program (PDP/MDP)?

I always knew I wanted a job in a flexible, fast-paced environment with challenging assignments. I was also sure I wanted to work for a company that made a positive impact on people. However, how I came to the program had little to do with me chasing the right company. I was presenting to Abbott as part of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers student chapter of University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, and upon finishing the presentation I received an offer to interview for the Internship Program. That night, I went home and read about Abbott and its Professional Development Program. After that, interviewing and targeting Abbott as a potential company to work for sounded like the right thing to do.

Describe a project or role you have held during your rotations so far.

As a PDP, I worked as an engineer in the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, but the one rotation that has given me the most rewards has been the one I'm currently in: Abbott Diagnostics Division (ADD) distribution supervisor. With this role I've been able to interact with a very diverse group of people, from the employees on the floor, to the Engineering, Customs, Planning, Logistics and Transportation groups. Working actively for ADD's supply chain efforts provided me with a better understanding of the business while allowing me to bring my interpersonal skills to the table, making an impact on our people and those we serve.

How do you think Abbott's Professional and Management Development Program will help you accomplish your long-range career goals?

The program has provided me with one tool that I'm sure will be the cornerstone to every goal I set in the future: adaptability. Having to change environments every six months allowed me to adapt at a faster pace than any other entry-level employee. It also taught me to take initiative in order to catch up on everything that I needed to learn for that specific role. In general, the program provided guidance and the necessary tools to gain experience in a fast-paced environment. Ultimately, this will prepare me to begin in a position after the program with a broader perspective of the business and a clear mindset for my career ahead.

What excited you about Abbott's Professional and Management Development Program (PDP/MDP)?

There were two major distinctive qualities of Abbott's Commercial Management Development Program (Commercial MDP) that excited me the most: global career prospects and Abbott itself as a company. After completing my MBA, my goal was to start a career in marketing with a global focus that would provide diverse opportunities to gain management experience across different divisions and geographies. Designing my rotations around this goal made MDP a unique experience for me. Second was Abbott itself as a company, and how it truly differentiated itself from other healthcare corporations - The products that make true impact in people's lives, the diverse business portfolio Abbott has, ranging from Nutrition to Animal Health, and the global business model that Abbott embraces. Besides, I created my own major during MBA on Corporate Social Responsibility, and working for a company with high social values and true dedication to corporate citizenship was a major priority for me - that's also why I chose to join Abbott.

Describe a project or role you have held during your rotations so far.

After doing two rotations in the U.S. in different commercial roles within Abbott, I have taken an international role in Europe for my current rotation. I am currently based in the UK, and I'm leading the commercial assessment of a new business opportunity for Abbott Nutrition International's Europe/Canada Area as a strategic development manager. In this role, I'm driving the development of Europe/Canada Area strategy for the pediatric nutrition business, and I have the opportunity to work closely with Abbott's European affiliates and senior management to make an impact on the market acceleration in Europe.

How do you think Abbott's Professional and Management Development Program will help you accomplish your long-range career goals?

My long term career goal is to pursue a global management career in Marketing/Strategic Business Development in different healthcare businesses. Abbott's Commercial MDP Program helps me build a strong foundation to achieve my goal by exposing me to different businesses and business models within Abbott, as well as unique global opportunities to learn the business from headquarters to the local affiliates. I believe working cross-functionally with different parts of the organization, ranging from R&D to regulatory teams, will help me become a more impactful leader in the organization by understanding how different pieces fit together to work towards a mutual commercial goal - which is critical for a business leader.

What excited you about Abbott's Professional and Management Development Program?

Coming out of college, I was not entirely sure in which area of finance or accounting I wanted to work. The Finance Professional Development Program (FPDP) gives me a chance to explore multiple functions while also developing my technical and analytical skills. Abbott is a global company, and the program reflects that by offering several assignments which are based at our international affiliate sites. Within the two years of the FPDP, I will be able to gain knowledge and experience that may have taken many more years to learn.

Describe a project or role you have held during your rotations so far.

My second rotation was in the Global Pharmaceutical Operations division supporting the manufacturing plants in Asia and Latin America. In the course of this assignment, my manager asked me and a senior analyst to travel to the plant in Goa, India to set 2009 Standards and develop the 2009 Plan. While we were there, we worked with employees from many areas, including manufacturing, purchasing and HR, to ensure that the Standards and Plan were comprehensive and as accurate as possible. It was great interacting face-to-face with people I had previously only communicated with through email. The experience provided insight into how manufacturing works at Abbott and gave me the opportunity to delve into the details of cost accounting. I also learned a lot from the cultural experience of visiting India for the first time. I am proud that my contribution made an impact on major parts of the planning process.

How do you think Abbott's Professional and Management Development Program will help you accomplish your long-range career goals?

After having had four well-rounded assignments in the program, I feel confident that I can tackle any challenge in my career at Abbott. My rotations armed me with the experience and skill set to handle more responsibilities and potentially a leadership role in the future. One of my goals is to have the opportunity to live and work overseas at an international affiliate. I know that my assignments in the UK and India prepared me to work towards accomplishing this goal. Furthermore, the connections I have made while in the program will continue to play an important part in my career path. My experience as a FPDP has been fantastic and I am eager to see where my path at Abbott will take me.

What excited you about Abbott's Information Technology Professional Development Program?

I was excited to hear that Abbott had an IT Professional Development Program that would allow me to gain exposure to the company's various businesses, and the broad variety of technology that supports those businesses. It was appealing to know that I would have the opportunity to take on challenges in roles including application development, business system analysis, and other areas of interest. Being a recent college graduate, I am certain that the IT PDP is exactly what I need to initiate my IT career and get the hands-on-experience to be successful within IT at Abbott.

Describe a project or role you have held during your rotations so far.

During my first rotation, I worked as a programmer in Abbott's Pharmaceutical Products Division. While in this rotation I had the opportunity to work as the lead on a challenging project for its entire duration. This project was to develop a dynamic reporting tool to be utilized for the analysis of Abbott's products for large customers. This tool improved Abbott's ability to track the performance of an important market – providing a great benefit to the organization. This project allowed me to utilize my technical expertise to provide business value; as a result I received an achievement award for my work.

How do you think Abbott's IT Professional Development Program will help you accomplish your long-range career goals?

My career goal is to work as a technical IT manager supporting manufacturing or international operations. The IT Professional Development Program will assist me in accomplishing this because it provides me with the tools and resources to further develop my leadership, technical and interpersonal skills. In addition, the IT PDP will help me to reach this goal by offering me a variety of experiences working on different types of projects, in different places. For instance, I will be traveling to the United Kingdom for my next rotation, working as a Business System Analyst supporting international operations. I am very excited to be a part of a program that provides me with these diverse and challenging opportunities.

What excited you about Abbott's Physician Professional Development Program?

The most appealing aspect was the opportunity to learn about various roles of a physician within the pharmaceutical industry. I was excited about gaining a strong knowledge base in pharmacokinetics, pharmacovigilance, and drug development while learning more about the various functional areas at Abbott. I feel that this program gives me a wonderful opportunity to develop a core knowledge that will be widely applicable to pharmaceutical medicine, while gaining broad exposure to the overall process of drug development.

Describe a project or role you have held during your rotations so far.

My first rotation was in pharmacovigilance. I was involved in monitoring adverse events during clinical trials and once a drug is approved and available on the market, and reporting this data to regulatory agencies. I gained first-hand experience in evaluating potential adverse drug reactions and applying regulatory guidances applicable to pharmacovigilance. During this rotation, I was also exposed to various approaches of assessing risks of medications and formulating approaches to minimize this risk. As drug safety is an important component of the overall process of drug development, the knowledge gained during this rotation will have broad implications in my future rotations and the area in which I choose to pursue my long-range career goals.

How do you think Abbott's Physician Professional Development Program will help you accomplish your long-range career goals?

My long-term career goal would be to apply my clinical and scientific skills in an intellectually stimulating, team environment to bring new medications to patients and improve their medical care. Thus far, my expectations of developing a strong basic skill set in pharmaceutical medicine have been confirmed as I participate every day in the nuances of these core areas. One thing that was appealing to me about working in the pharmaceutical industry is that I enjoy working as part of a team, especially when it involves bringing a team of experts together for a common goal. The physician PDP has core discussions to develop skills that are important in optimizing team interactions, leadership skills, and business understanding that are not part of traditional medical training. Being within the PDP has opened doors to a wide range of experts in such diverse departments as statistics and toxicology, and has allowed me to gain broad insight into the complexity of drug development. As I am challenged in my career beyond the PDP, I look forward to applying these unique experiences to develop innovative approaches for patients in a team environment.