By PACS Team

On September 25, a high-level delegation from Cipla met with Dr. Victor Boiyo (DVC-Student Life), Prof. Shital Maru (Dean, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences), Jacqueline Lidonde (Head of Partnerships), Swabra Soud (Partnerships Officer), Patricia Gichuki (Senior PACS Officer, Career Services & Employer Relations Lead), Lameck Tala (Senior PACS Officer, Placements Lead), and Annsalome Njehia (Peer Tutoring Program and Internship Coordinator). The meeting aimed to explore potential partnership avenues, including internships, graduate trainee programs, mentorship programs, and collaborations on SPHS programs and initiatives.

The Cipla delegation included Herman Grobler (Vice President and Head of Impact and Sustainability at the Cipla Foundation), Kaustubh Deshpande (Vice President, Sub-Saharan Africa), Oliver Tambo (HR Business Partner, Sub-Saharan Africa), and Diana Sitima (HR Officer, Sub-Saharan Africa). They also engaged students on various opportunities at Cipla and Cipla Foundation.

Herman showcased the various projects the Cipla Foundation is involved in and delivered an inspiring speech on the importance of impact and sustainability. The Cipla Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Cipla, focuses on creating social change through collaborations with credible NGOs, experts, and government agencies. Their initiatives include enhancing community health with a focus on equitable access to healthcare services, promoting sustainable environmental practices, supporting educational initiatives to empower underserved communities, providing skill development programs to improve employability, and offering support and relief during disasters. The Foundation is committed to nurturing talent and providing career growth opportunities within the organization.

Kaustubh Deshpande introduced the audience to the operations and initiatives of Cipla Sub-Saharan Africa, discussing various opportunities for student engagement. He also described the company culture, which has been a catalyst for Cipla's growth into one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the region.

Both Herman and Kaustubh offered impactful advice to students, encouraging them to find their passion, maintain a flexible and curious mindset, and bring their whole selves to every project and work assignment. Herman emphasized the importance of seeing the bigger picture and not limiting oneself to just their job description once they begin their professional careers.

Students were encouraged to apply for the trainee programs and the upcoming mentorship program through the Placement & Career Services (PACS) Department. After the session, students engaged directly with the Cipla team and received gift hampers courtesy of the team.