Student blogs

Choosing the right master’s programme can feel like a big decision, especially when thinking about where it might lead you after graduation. Karolinska Institutet’s Toxicology Master Programme (ToxMaster) is known for its interdisciplinary approach, preparing students for careers across academia, industry, and regulatory work. But what does that actually look like in practice?

To help answer this question, I reached out to recent alumni working in different fields to share their experiences and insights. From research in academia to impactful roles in regulatory agencies and dynamic positions in industry, these stories highlight the diverse opportunities available to ToxMaster graduates!

Tommaso: Trainee at EFSA (Class of 2024)

Can you share a bit about your current role and the organisation you work for?

I’m a trainee at the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA), supporting my supervisor on various projects. EFSA provides scientific opinions on food safety to help EU policymakers create legislation. While it doesn’t have legislative powers, EFSA’s work guides risk managers in drafting regulations. I was drawn to this field because of its tangible impact. Unlike academia, where results can feel abstract, I can see the concrete outcomes of my contributions, like scientific opinions being published. The ToxMaster programme introduced me to regulatory authorities and showed me how meaningful this path could be.

What does a typical day at your job look like?

A typical day involves working on projects, attending meetings, and participating in trainings. My role includes reviewing materials, proofing documents, and contributing ideas during discussions. EFSA also offers flexibility, you can choose your work hours and location within certain guidelines, and even work remotely for part of the week. The work environment is informal and collaborative, with plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues over coffee or lunch!

How did the ToxMaster help you prepare for your current job?

The ToxMaster programme gave me the ideal background for this role. A senior colleague even said it’s rare to find such a perfectly suited education for EFSA positions! The programme’s focus on regulation, science, and teamwork prepared me well. Many trainings I’ve attended here cover material we already explored in depth during the master’s.

What advice would you give to current or prospective students?

Be open to exploring different career paths! I initially didn’t see myself in regulatory work, but I’ve grown to love it. It’s also important to remember that careers take time, don’t pressure yourself to find the “perfect” job right away. Failures are part of the journey, so treat them as learning opportunities. Lastly, enjoy the friendships you’re going to make during the programme!

Maria: Percision Medicine Academy at AstraZeneca (Class of 2023)

Can you share a bit about your current role and the organisation you work for?

I’m currently working at AstraZeneca in Warsaw, Poland, within the Precision Medicine and Biosamples function. Specifically, I’m part of the Precision Medicine Academy, where I rotate through different teams to learn about all aspects of diagnostic test development and regulatory approval. My work involves collaborating with a multidisciplinary global team to support projects that enable patients to receive treatments tailored to their needs.

What does a typical day in your job look like?

The work I do varies with each rotation within Precision Medicine. During onboarding, I learned a lot about the drug development process, the company’s portfolio, and future goals. I typically work on multiple projects, attend meetings, and collaborate with team members or external stakeholders. This role allows me to work independently, contribute during discussions, and present my work in trainings or meetings. It’s a great opportunity to explore Precision Medicine and diagnostics, there are a lot of opportunities for career development and everyone is very open to connect and/or collaborate in projects.

How did the ToxMaster help you prepare for your current job?

The ToxMaster provided a strong foundation in critically evaluating toxicity data, especially in understanding the interplay between toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics. I also gained valuable knowledge about regulatory processes, including how to navigate submission and approval systems for new chemicals and drugs. Beyond the technical knowledge, the program emphasized collaboration in multicultural, multidisciplinary teams and taught me soft skills like communication and adaptability. The Bergendorff internship also gave me hands-on experience with relevant lab techniques, data analysis, time management and critical thinking, which I rely on daily in my current role.

What advice would you give to current or prospective students?

I encourage students to explore their scientific interests, KI is full of opportunities so if you have a particular interest I would recommend you to explore it further by doing a summer internship or just shadowing some researchers to understand their field of research better. Don’t let opportunities pass you by! Use this time to expand your network by connecting with KI’s scientists and professionals in toxicology, as these relationships can open doors to future opportunities. Finally, get involved in student life and extracurricular activities, like TedXKI or MF (student union) committees! This will help you meet other students, more professionals from different fields and to work on several skills not necessarily scientific which are equally as important.

The ToxMaster opens the door to a variety of fulfilling careers, as these alumni stories show. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for part 2!