Saturday, 22 June 2024 saw the University’s campus come alive with the annual Alumni Gala Dinner. The event welcomed back more than a hundred alumni and their guests, celebrating their continued engagement with CCCU post-graduation.

The highlight of the Alumni Gala Dinner is the Alumni Awards ceremony, which saw the highest number of awards given to date. One of two Rising Star of the Year Award winners was Jennifer Dominic (BSc (Hons) Biosciences, 2016). Jennifer is a passionate STEM advocate and leader in the healthcare and life sciences sector, with a focus on making an impact by unlocking potential in people, providing access to medicines to all, and fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive society. She has founded and lead numerous organisations and initiatives to support this mission, guided by her resilience and commitment to education.

Read on to hear her story.

Tell us about your current role

In my current job at MSD, I’m a Senior Brand and Customer Manager for our Oncology division. My main tasks involve leading a team, managing our budget, and developing marketing strategies for a range of important cancer treatments. I work closely with doctors and hospitals to make sure our products help patients effectively.

I also help lead global diversity and inclusion efforts at MSD, as the global EBRG co-lead for the League of Employees of African Descent, which means I work on making our workplace more inclusive and fair.

Outside of work, I run Wenite, a non-profit organization I founded. Wenite supports STEM students and early career professionals by providing resources, training, and career advice. My role includes managing the organization, handling finances, and creating marketing plans to help grow our impact. Over the past five years, I’ve built Wenite’s presence both online and in person, focusing on helping people in the STEM field succeed in their careers.

In both roles, I’m passionate about making a positive difference, whether it’s improving patient care or supporting the next generation of STEM professionals.

What made you want to pursue a career in STEM?

I’ve always been fascinated by the sciences because I’m amazed by how the world works—from the infrastructure we use every day to the way our bodies function. The complexity and wonder of things like medicines, vaccines, and surgeries have always intrigued me. My curiosity about how things work naturally led me to study science in school and then choose a degree in a STEM field. I’m also motivated by the desire to play a small role in making a difference in the bigger scheme of things. For me, pursuing a career in STEM is a way to explore and understand the world while contributing to meaningful advancements.

What is your favourite thing about what you do?

My favorite part of working in the pharmaceutical industry is seeing the direct impact we have on patients’ lives. In my DEI work, I love the opportunity to create an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued. It’s fulfilling to see how inclusive business plans and strategies can better serve patients worldwide and foster a strong, supportive community within the company. 

At Wenite, my favorite aspect is hearing the success stories from the people and organisations we help. It’s amazing to see how connecting undergraduates with a diverse network of industry professionals and providing them with tools and resources can significantly impact their careers in STEM. Knowing that our training and mentoring are making a real difference in people’s professional journeys and elevating the STEM industries more broadly is incredibly rewarding.

If anyone reading is thinking of working in your field, what advice would you give them?

If you’re thinking about working in the pharmaceutical or STEM fields, my advice is to jump in and explore! Our industry is full of innovation and offers a wide range of opportunities. Whether you’re interested in engineering, science, healthcare, pharmacy, medicine, maths, or tech, there’s something for you. We have roles in everything from lab research and clinical trials to data analysis and system operations. It’s a dynamic field with diverse career paths, and you’re guaranteed to find something exciting and fulfilling! Wenite’s career profiles and YouTube channel are always a good starting point.

How did you come to study at CCCU when you did? Why BSc (Hons) Biosciences?

I chose to study at Canterbury Christ Church University for a few important reasons. In 2013, I was honoured to receive the Article 26 Award, which provided a scholarship to support my tuition fees. This award was based on the belief that everyone should have access to education based on merit, and it played a crucial role in my decision to attend CCCU.

Initially, I was focused on pursuing a career in medicine because I saw it as a clear path to making a meaningful impact. However, as I faced some unexpected challenges, I had to rethink my approach. This led me to choose a BSc (Hons) in Biosciences at CCCU. I was drawn to the program because of its flexibility and the opportunity to tailor my studies to align with my interests and career goals. The variety of modules and the ability to select a dissertation topic that truly engaged me made the degree a great fit. Overall, the program provided the broad STEM foundation I needed while allowing me to explore different areas of interest within the field.

What is your fondest memory of your time at CCCU?

My fondest memory of my time at CCCU is definitely the sense of community and the friendships I made. Moving from London, I was initially unsure of what to expect, but I quickly found that Christ Church felt like a welcoming home. I loved exploring the campus, hanging out with new friends, and getting to know the local area. The genuine warmth and friendliness of the people I met made my time there truly memorable and special.

How did your time at university impact on your life and career post-education?

My time at the Canterbury Christ Church University had a profound impact on my life and career. The lecturers were incredibly dedicated and personalised their approach to each student, which made a big difference. In my final year, I had the chance to challenge myself with a dissertation project that involved working with postgraduate students and visiting a research centre.

Additionally, working part-time as a lab technician provided me with valuable hands-on experience that I was able to leverage in securing my first industry job. The University also hosted great career fairs, which led to a pivotal conversation with a recruiter about a career in pharmaceuticals. This connection helped me land my first role as a clinical trial assistant at Richmond Pharmacology right after graduation. Overall, the experiences and opportunities I had at university played a crucial role in shaping my career path.

What does being a CCCU Alum mean to you?

Being a CCCU Alum means being part of a supportive and enduring community. It’s a network that continues to offer opportunities for connection and growth, and it inspires me to give back. Whether it’s through my involvement with Wenite, participating in career talks, or engaging in events with current students, I appreciate the chance to contribute and support others in their journey, just as I was supported during my time at university.

What are your goals for the future?

Looking ahead, I aim to continue advancing in my leadership role within the industry, as I am deeply passionate about the impact I can make for patients. Additionally, I want Wenite to become a key career partner for universities and industry companies. My goal is to help bridge the gap between academia and industry, reducing talent pipeline leakage and addressing the challenge of the 2.8 million STEM job growth market expected in the UK over the next five years. By working together with educational institutions and businesses, I hope to enhance career opportunities and support the next generation of STEM professionals.