Alumni careers blog: How networking shaped my career

Catalina Rozo Bedoya worked for 11 years in the pharmaceutical industry before pursing the Full-time MBA with Warwick Business School. Now an Oncology Medical Manager for IPSEN Colombia, she shares how networking and the courage to start a conversation shaped her career.

What made you decide to pursue an MBA?
“I chose to return to academia and pursue an MBA at Warwick Business School to broaden my perspective and strengthen my leadership capabilities. It was an intentional investment in transformation. I needed a broader perspective, stronger strategic capabilities, and the confidence to operate at a higher level of leadership.

“The Full-time MBA provided academic rigour, global exposure, and strategic frameworks. Yet one of the most powerful lessons I learned happened through conversations.

“The key lesson for me was that networking is both a skill and a talent. It is a skill because it can be learned, practised, and refined. It is a talent because it requires authenticity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build genuine trust.”

How did your own relationship with networking evolve during the MBA?
“The school created numerous opportunities to engage with leaders and professionals across industries, initiating strategic conversations felt intimidating to me at first. I questioned what value I could offer and whether my voice would be relevant in such a diverse, international environment.

“With the support of my coach and the wider academic community, I began to understand that networking is not about impressing others. It is about connecting with intention. It is about listening before speaking, adding value before asking for anything in return, and building relationships grounded in mutual growth rather than transaction.”

Can you tell us more about your podcast: Medical Affairs en Primera Persona?
“I was going through various recruitment processes in Europe and noticed something striking: even within the pharmaceutical sector, there were significant gaps in the understanding of the strategic role of Medical Affairs and its impact on organisational outcomes. I was using LinkedIn far more intentionally and connected with leaders and consultants focused on building high-performing Medical Affairs teams. I observed industry conversations, analysed trends, and listened carefully to the questions professionals were asking. Gradually, the pieces began to come together – a space where Medical Affairs professionals could share their lived experiences and strategic insights.

“That is how Medical Affairs en Primera Persona was born, a Spanish-language podcast dedicated to sharing the lived experiences of Medical Affairs professionals, offering practical insights and real-world perspectives for those growing within the industry. In English, its essence can be described as Voices in Medical Affairs: Stories from Lived Experience.

“Knowing the best projects aren't built alone, I invited a colleague and friend to strengthen an initiative already taking shape. She said yes. Soon, more 'yes' answers followed — this time from podcast guests. Reaching out required courage while the project was still evolving, but with each recorded conversation, the platform gained clarity and depth.”

“Since its launch the podcast has reached hundreds of professionals across more than 15 countries and three continents. More importantly, it has created meaningful connections: reconnecting with former colleagues, meeting new industry leaders, and fostering thoughtful discussions about professional development and strategic impact. I was building not only more content, but I was building my credibility. 

“Then, something unexpected happened. During a call to invite an expert onto the podcast, the conversation shifted. After discussing the project, I was asked: “What are you currently doing? Would you be interested in applying for a Medical Manager position?”.

“Today, I am part of this leading organisation. And I can confidently say that it all began with a genuine conversation.”

What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone who finds networking intimidating?
“I encourage you to rethink networking not as a transactional tool, but as a strategic and human practice. Because sometimes, the next step in your career does not depend solely on your CV, it depends on a conversation.”