Hi, my name is Kitti Vitai and I study Biomedical Sciences (Physiology) at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. I am originally from Budapest, Hungary, but I have always dreamed of studying abroad to experience a different culture and perfect my English.
At Vertex, I am part of the Human Disease Modelling team. My work mainly takes place in the Cellular Pharmacology Lab, where I carry out cell culture work and flow cytometry analysis routinely. With my manager’s support, I design experiments, execute them, analyse the data, and occasionally present my results for others. In addition, I take part in meetings and team discussions, which gives me a chance to share ideas and gain insight into various projects.
What is it like to work at Vertex?
Working at Vertex in one word is amazing. I have new challenges and learning opportunities every week, which keeps me excited and motivated. I can gain expertise in techniques I frequently use, as well as try new techniques to broaden my knowledge. Depending on what our project demands, I interact with professionals from a variety of fields and backgrounds.
The atmosphere is very friendly, and people are happy to have a chat if you invite them for a quick coffee break. There is time set aside for socializing every week, where you can grab a bite and show off your pool skills.
What are your top tips for candidates looking to apply for an Industrial Placement?
My recommendation is to familiarize yourself with the company’s mission and values. Find out if these resonate with you and think about how you can relate to them. Next, look around to see what the company has achieved or is trying to achieve. This way you can pin down why you want to apply and what you can bring to the company as a candidate. My last tip is to have discussions with a mentor or a teacher to improve your portfolio and interview answers.
Why should members consider an Industrial Placement role at Vertex?
Vertex is an expanding company with excellent resources. The company’s ambitious goal to produce transformative medicines for serious diseases creates a fast-paced and innovative environment, where people are motivated by helping patients and the extraordinary science. There are endless opportunities to learn about the drug discovery process and its challenges from experts in the field. Furthermore, personal development resources are available for everyone and there are several groups and programs that promote inclusion, diversity and equity in the workplace.
What’s next for your career?
I am going back to Aberdeen University for the final year of my MSci degree in September. After, I would like to do a PhD and maybe explore a different country. In the future, I would love to return to drug discovery and the pharmaceutical industry, because my experience so far has been very positive. Meanwhile, I am aiming to improve my science communication skills, develop professional connections and expand my knowledge on different aspects of the drug discovery process.
Do you want to follow in Kitti’s footsteps? Find out more about Vertex and their open roles here.