Infinite Careers is a collaboration between Career Services (CAPD) and the MIT Alumni Association to explore career paths and the non-linearity of career decision making. Read profiles of alumni with unique career paths, hear their stories and network at a series of talks.
Education
- MIT, Ph.D, Course 7 (Biochemistry)
- Smith College. Major: Biochemistry.
Tahmeena is a regulatory medical writer with experience across therapeutic areas including oncology, vaccines, and infectious diseases. She is trained as a scientist and, after completing her postdoctoral fellowship in infectious diseases, she started my career as a medical writer. She is currently a director in medical writing at Pfizer where she is the medical writing lead for the COVID-19 vaccine program.
What influenced your choice of undergraduate major? How has it shaped your career choices and professional ability?
I wanted to be a molecular biologist ever since I was 13 years old. All through high school, I focused on that goal. Hence, it was a very straightforward decision to major in biochemistry and start getting as much research experience as possible as soon as I started college. I was fortunate to have selected a liberal arts college to attend because that is where my love of writing really began. I took many writing-heavy liberal arts classes while majoring in biochemistry. My undergraduate experience in both science and writing have helped me greatly in my career choice.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career?
I have worked on several applications to health authorities for licensure of investigational products across therapeutic areas. When these products are approved/authorized and patients are able to access them, it is a very rewarding to know that my work had a positive impact on people’s lives.
What motivates you to do the work that you do?
I find working in drug development very fulfilling. I especially enjoy working on applications to health authorities for approval. It’s very rewarding and motivating to see a product that I worked on become available to patients worldwide and have a positive impact on their health and lives.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve encountered in your career? How have you managed or overcome it?
The biggest challenge I encounter every day is balancing my work and life. It is an ongoing issue and I am always trying to figure out how to effectively achieve that balance.
What professional development experiences or opportunities shaped your early career?
Networking was really helpful early on in my career. While an undergraduate and graduate student, I talked to as many people as I could about their career paths and why they decided to pursue that path. It helped me identify what my strengths were and what kind of work would make me happy and fulfilled.
What career advice do you have for current MIT students, or those interested in entering your industry?
Try to be flexible and keep an open mind! Being focused/goal-oriented is great but being open to learning about different career options within an industry can also be helpful. I would recommend talking to as many people as you can who work in the field that you are interested in.
What do you like to do outside of work for fun/relaxation/inspiration?
I like to read, cook, and spend time with my family, especially our two judgy demonic cats!
Last edited: February 2024
