Student Testimonial - Karoline
Name: Karoline
Program: Regulatory Affairs
Graduate: 2018
Tell us what you’re doing workwise right now.
I am currently the Director of Regulatory Affairs and Business Development at ARA-Avanti Rx Analytics, a sister company of Aphria/Tilray’s group, the global leader in the cannabis sector. I’ve been with the company since 2018. I am responsible for, among other things, the assessment and support of regulatory strategy to ensure successful planning and execution of global regulatory filings, maintenance of licenses, interpretation of international regulations to collaborate with businesses and key projects, and exporting of cannabis products.
Reflect on your time just prior to Humber. Why did you choose Humber College? What was your career ambition?
My career ambition was to obtain a post-graduate education in Regulatory Affairs, where I could expand my knowledge in this area, and excel in my career. Even though I already had some experience working with RA in my home country, I wanted to continue my education to open up more opportunities in the regulated industry.
When I started searching for potential colleges offering a program in RA, Humber stood out for a few reasons: it is a well-known program in the RA sector, the program has been offered for more than a decade; it offers a comprehensive course list and a work placement; the professors are highly qualified with years of experience in the industry. The professors are like mentors. They have hands-on practice and successful careers which gives the program a great deal of recognition.
How did the program set you on your path to where you are now?
The program offered beyond the education, knowledge, and skills necessary to work in a RA department. It also provided the opportunity for networking and the exchange of experiences. It helped me to understand the regulatory framework in Canada for different industries, such as medical device, drugs, cosmetic, veterinary and food. It also provided additional tools of extreme importance preparing me to become an outstanding RA professional, such as project management concepts, critical thinking, and problem-solving. When I graduated, the cannabis regulation wasn’t approved yet, so even though the cannabis business wasn’t a part of the program, and I have had no work experience in this specific industry, my fundamental RA background led me to receiving an offer letter to work in the cannabis business.
What advice would you share to someone considering this field?
If you have a Life Science degree, and consider yourself very organized, with great oral and written communication skills, with a keen interest in learning and great attention to details, then a career in Regulatory Affairs can be a great fit. Usually, the regulated industry has a fast-paced environment, full of challenges and exciting projects; it is very hard to get bored. It is extremely rewarding to see a drug in the market helping patients and knowing that you were part of the compliance process. As the industries are evolving there is a growing demand in the regulatory affairs niche making it a promising career option.
