From Surgical Halls to Corporate Ladders: An Unconventional Journey

CAREER SNAPSHOT

Education:

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in Medicine from Grant Medical College & Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai (2010-2016)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) from London Business School (2019-2021)

Reason for switching:

• Wanted a temporary break from Medicine and the NEET entrance exams

First Job Post Career Switch:

• Bioequivalence Officer, RnD in Pharma

From diagnosing patients to dissecting financial statements, Dr. Ruchi proves that the right career prescription is a blend of medical insight, business acumen, and a dose of corporate adventure – remember to check your portfolio’s vitals as often as you would a patient’s!

Current Role:

• Manager in Finance, Macleods Pharma

Favorite Part About Corporates:

• Work-life balance, stable earnings, opportunities of entrepreneurship/intrapreneurship, scale of impact

Dislikes about corporates:

• Early burnout, the constant need to search for impact and purpose in your work, and office politics, can lead to stagnancy.

To gain deeper insights into the expertise of Dr. Ruchi Agarwal, connect with her professional journey on LinkedIn and listen to her engaging discussion on Spotify.

Introductions

The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. – Steve Jobs

This quote perfectly encapsulates the journey of Dr. Ruchi, a medical graduate who found her true calling in the corporate world.

Her story is one of courage, adaptability, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

Dr. Ruchi’s journey began at Grant Medical College & Sir JJ Group of Hospital, Mumbai, where she completed her MBBS.

Seeking to broaden her horizons and gain business acumen, she then pursued and completed her MBA from the prestigious London Business School.

This combination of medical knowledge and business expertise uniquely positioned her for success in the corporate world.

However, as she approached the end of her studies, she felt a pull towards a different path.

“I wanted a temporary break from Medicine and the NEET entrance exams,” she explains a decision that would ultimately reshape her career trajectory.

Dr. Ruchi’s Transition from Healthcare to Corporate Leadership

Dr. Agrawal’s desire for change led her to her first role in the corporate world as a Bioequivalence Officer in the R&D department of a pharmaceutical company.

It was a significant shift from operation theatres to laboratory benches, but it opened up a whole new world of possibilities.

Today, Dr. Ruchi has climbed even further up the corporate ladder, currently serving as a Manager in Finance at Macleods Pharma.

This transition from healthcare to finance might seem unexpected, but it showcases her versatility and eagerness to learn.

Dr. Ruchi on the Rewards and Challenges of Corporate Life

When asked about her favorite aspects of corporate life, Dr. Ruchi’s eyes light up.

“The work-life balance is fantastic,” she says. “There’s also the stability of earnings, which provides a sense of security.“

However, what truly excites her are the opportunities for entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship within the corporate structure.

“The scale of impact you can have in a corporate role is immense,” she adds.

However, Dr. Ruchi is also candid about the challenges of corporate life. “Early burnout is a real concern,” she admits.

“There’s also a constant need to search for impact and purpose in your work.”

She notes that office politics can be tricky to navigate, and there’s always a risk of stagnancy if one isn’t proactive about growth and learning.

Dr. Ruchi’s Life Beyond Work and Career Advice

Despite these challenges, Dr. Ruchi has found ways to maintain a fulfilling life outside of her 9-to-5.

She’s an avid fitness enthusiast, often found working out or playing tennis.

Travel is another passion, allowing her to broaden her horizons beyond the corporate world.

Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Ruchi offers advice to others considering a similar career switch:

“Don’t be afraid to explore. Your healthcare degree gives you a unique perspective that can be valuable in many fields. Be open to learning, stay curious, and don’t shy away from challenges.“

Her story serves as an inspiration to all healthcare graduates who might be considering alternative career paths.

It proves that with determination and adaptability, one can find success and fulfillment in unexpected places.

Conclusion

From surgical procedures to financial forecasts, Dr. Ruchi proves that the right career prescription is a blend of courage, adaptability, and a willingness to explore new horizons – just don’t forget to breathe between spreadsheets!