The two-year Trainee Master's Program integrates theoretical knowledge and practical experience. It offered Lisa Schutera and Selina Gronmayer new professional opportunities and also paved their way to assume positions of responsibility within the company.
Lisa: From pharmacy to quality management
When Lisa Schutera began her trainee master's program in 2020, she had just completed her pharmacy studies. She wanted to enter the industry immediately, ideally in a role that offered the right balance of hands-on experience, professional development, and additional training. Vetter fit her criteria perfectly. Today, Lisa is a Team Leader in the Quality Operations department. She has visited multiple stations along the way, including the laboratories, aseptic filling, and project management. Lisa also served as a key interface and took numerous master's courses that complemented the program’s scientific and business management components. “The program helped me to truly understand processes in the industry and realize where my own strengths lie,” says Lisa.
Selina: From customer service to key account management
Selina Gronmayer has a background in business administration and had worked in customer service for several years before deciding to advance her career. She wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the pharmaceutical industry. When Vetter introduced a new part-time master's program, she seized the opportunity. She reduced her work hours to 75 percent and enrolled in the program. Today, she is a Key Account Manager and is responsible for working with strategic customers. For Selina, the variety of content was the deciding factor. “The combination of natural sciences, technology, and business is exactly what I needed to broaden my horizons and be more confident in working directly with customers.”
How the program works
The master's program combines theory and practice. Many modules are supplemented with tours of the production facilities and guest lectures from specialty departments at Vetter. Theory and practice go hand in hand. A highlight for both graduates was the international module at the Rosalind Franklin University in Chicago, which included a visit to the Vetter site. Vetter covers the tuition fees for the Trainee Master's Program and also contributes to travel and accommodation costs.
Discovering new perspectives – while growing your network
Student come from different disciplines and bring a variety of professional experiences. The intersection of science, technology, and business administration shapes their collaboration. “You realize how valuable it is to have different perspectives in the room,” says Selina. Lisa adds, “Not only did this help me content wise, but I also made numerous new contacts with whom I’m still in touch today.
Who's this program for?
Both graduates agree that the Trainee Master's Program is ideal for anyone who:
- is curious about how pharmaceutical processes work from the inside,
- is seeking to develop a broad spectrum of professional skills,
- enjoys working across disciplines,
- and is ready to combine their studies and career in a systematic manner.
The requirements are high, but easy to plan for—and, above all, attainable. Education Manager Dorothee Prestel believes the (trainee) master's program provides significant value to both target groups.
Here, career starters gain a thorough understanding of the company, its processes, and the pharmaceutical industry, while building a strong internal network early on. Employees who complete the program while working expand on their existing knowledge with the latest scientific content, creating ideal conditions for continued growth.
Dorothee Prestel, Academic Education Manager
A launchpad for the next step in your career
Whether you want to jump straight after earning your bachelor’s degree or continue learning while working, the Trainee Master's Program is beneficial for those seeking to advance in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Lisa found her way to her current leadership role through project management. For her, the program is a key cornerstone of her professional and personal development.
- Selina qualified for key account management and applies her acquired knowledge daily during customer interactions.
Their conclusion:
The program offers professional growth, personal development, and an indispensable network for everyday work.
