Ideas to Impact (i2i) alumna, Sofia D’Abrantes, shares her experience with the programme.
What were you doing before joining the programme?
I was doing my PhD within the Radiation Oncology department at Oxford University and I had always been really interested in cancer and how we can use technology to solve some of the world's biggest problems when it comes to healthcare.
After a brief experience at Amazon, I decided to look for jobs that merged healthcare and technology. I wasn't too sure about what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to have some sort of impact on the world.
So how did you come across to i2i programme?
A friend of mine, a student at the Oncology department, recommended the programme as she had found it incredible useful to get some business understanding. And so I decided to apply and I am so happy that I did! I didn’t know much about business before the course and I now feel I own the basics to navigate the scenario.
And you also found your current job thanks to the programme, right?
I did - one of the many corporate people I had the opportunity to meet was the Managing Director of Sensyne Health. After some chats about healthcare and data, and several interviews I received a job offer. And now I am an Informatics Researcher for the company.
I know it wasn’t planned, but without i2i I wouldn’t have gotten the job, I’m extremely grateful!
What does i2i offer to participants?
I would recommend the programme to all scientists. They will get invaluable insights including useful business knowledge, an understanding of how to commercialise ideas as well as an overview of the jobs within the corporate sector that require scientific backgrounds.
Besides, Founders & Funders - the speaker series held at lunch time as part of the programme – was also a great integration to expand networking opportunities.
What gives you fulfilment in what you do?
My current job is allowing me to make the impact I was craving. It’s like I’m finally able to use and apply all the skills I have been acquiring during my PhD. Sometimes doing research can seem abstract and a bit disconnected to the world out there and so working with real data at Sensyne Health makes me feel that I have a bigger impact in society.
What does ‘impact’ mean for you?
My interpretation of the word is quite practical actually. Making an impact through my role means working in partnership with the NHS to deliver better patient care; seeing that what we do at Sensyne can truly add value to patients and clinicians makes me feel I’m making a positive impact.