Two months ago, I got the opportunity of coming to my first fieldwork organisation: GSK Pharmaceuticals Ltd. The prospect of working with one of the largest pharmaceuticals and healthcare organizations in the world was exciting and the journey that ensued was equally amazing. Apart from the interesting project assigned to me, what I’ll always carry with me are the experiences that this place gave me. The knowledge sharing sessions with the senior management, the lunches, the walks after lunch, the tiny celebrations and the laughter between work are memories I will take away with me.
Apart from working with the corporate HR team, I also had the opportunity to work with one of their field forces to understand the organisation’s sales and its reach from the micro level. The most interesting learning for me here was my experience on a trip with a Medical Representative. Sales being a highly competitive field, my expectations from this trip were that of high pressure and aggressive pitching. But the simplicity and confidence with which the sales force meets its requirements were novel to me. Without the burden of an unmeetable target, it was great to see sales promotion being done ethically, all with a bright smile.
Through this experience, I was not only exposed to the challenges faced by the Medical Representatives but also the mindset and priorities of doctors, and how each of these is an integral part of a vital transaction to sustain trust and thus business. It is even more critical and sensitive, as the major stakeholder here is the patient in need. One of the best learnings that I got from one of my mentors, was that to truly be a good HR, empathising with the employees is necessary, and that can be achieved by being one with the business. Taking each opportunity to learn and understand the nuances of work.
A part of my project was to work on Inclusion & Diversity at the workplace. The effort is taken to ensure equal opportunity and respect for all was on par with the hard work and excitement of a young firm building its ground. The fact that a major organisation is open to accept change and improve continuously in spite of a strong brand backing is something to learn from. Inclusion week was celebrated at the company which promised and championed the cause of inclusivity irrespective of all the ways we are different from each other. From the grandeur of the HR office to the waiting for a healthcare professional’s time to give a sales pitch, I experienced it all. On the cusp at the end of this fieldwork journey, I am happy and grateful for this experience that helped me grow. I take with me the opportunities, the experiences and guidance that helped shape me and push me to excel.
About the Author:
Pournima Gaikwad is a student of HRM & LR, TISS Mumbai. She's a Potterhead who loves to read anything and everything she can lay her hands on, with a strong bias for old classics & fantasy. She writes for her blog called In A New Lifestyle, where you can find short stories inspired by her daily experiences.