How Saying "Yes" Changed My Career in Drug Development by Maatangi Sachchithanandam
When I reflect on my career journey, three lessons stand out: opportunities are only missed when they are not taken, discomfort is often where growth begins, and not knowing exactly what you want can sometimes open the door to what comes next.
Learning Drug Development Through People and Partnerships
My story began in September 2021, just before I joined Altasciences. At the time, I had reached a plateau in my career and was applying for new roles mostly to gain interview experience. Altasciences was simply one of many companies I applied to, and if I had focused too closely on the job title alone, I probably wouldn't have applied at all.
After completing my undergraduate degree in biochemistry, there was one thing I thought I knew for certain: I did not want a role centered on reading scientific articles or conducting literature searches. Naturally, as fate would have it, I became a scientific reviewer, and to my surprise, I absolutely loved it.
What drew me in was not only the role of Scientific Reviewer, but also something senior management shared with me during the interview: “I expect you to grow beyond this role within the next two or three years”.
That said a lot. It showed me that Altasciences values growth and sees potential beyond a single job description.
For the next three years, I worked as a Scientific Reviewer, supporting bioanalytical ligand binding assay (LBA) quotations by developing study cost estimates by evaluating assay complexity, technical risks, timelines, and operational requirements—while 3balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
When I started, I did not even know what a simple pharmacokinetic (PK) ligand binding assay (LBA) was. By the time I transitioned out of the role, I had developed a strong understanding antidrug antibody assays (ADAs), neutralizing antibody assays (NAbs), ELISpot, antibody titer (vaccine) assays, PCR, flow cytometry, and the operational requirements behind each of them.
More importantly, I developed the ability to ask the right questions, adapt quickly, and find solutions when answers were not immediately obvious.
I didn’t make that progress alone. From day one, my colleague Élodie Bourgeois-Cayer became both a mentor and a trusted resource, playing a pivotal role in my development. I also learned from laboratory subject matter experts across all three sites, who generously shared their knowledge of both the science and the operational aspects of our work. Together, they fostered a truly collaborative environment built around one simple question: "How can we help each other?"
That mindset extended well beyond the laboratory. Client managers, program managers, project managers, business development, and proposal coordinators all contributed to building a strong collaborative network. It did not happen overnight, and there were challenges along the way, but that culture of collaboration is one of the reasons I am proud to work at Altasciences.
Finding Career Growth Outside My Comfort Zone
At the same time, Altasciences indirectly supported me as I completed my MBA while working full time. Despite tight timelines and strategic shifting of priorities, I completed my MBA in person, organized three case competitions, and competed in five others, earning a podium finish in four.
The case competitions were not required. I joined my first because a friend asked, and because presenting made me uncomfortable. That decision became one of the most rewarding of my career. Each competition challenged me to analyze complex real-world business problems, develop strategic recommendations and implementation plans, present to executive leaders, and strengthen my confidence, resilience, leadership, and adaptability. Looking back, those experiences complemented what I was learning every day at Altasciences, where solving complex challenges through collaboration and critical thinking is part of the culture.
Balancing a full-time career, an MBA, case competitions, and life outside of work was not easy. I was able to do it because of the incredible support system around me, including the collaborative culture at Altasciences, where colleagues consistently encouraged my growth and development. As I reached the end of my MBA, I found myself entering another phase of uncertainty. Once again, I thought I knew what I didn't want: accounting, finance, or spending my days immersed in metrics.
As it turned out, I would be surprised yet again.
I found myself stepping into a Business Analysis Specialist role at Altasciences, doing exactly what I had been convinced I didn't want to do. Yet what I once expected to avoid quickly became one of the aspects of my career I enjoy most: using data to understand complex problems, uncover insights, and help drive meaningful decisions and solutions.
This transition was another unexpected opportunity. The role was new, the path was not fully defined, and the discomfort was real.
One year later, I am grateful I said yes. It has pushed me to expand my skillset even further, and to contribute to projects that sometimes still feel like those case competition days: understanding the problem, understanding the people, and finding the best path forward.
Continuing to Evolve at Altasciences
So, who am I today? I am a Business Analysis Specialist who enjoys my work and is grateful for my colleagues, my current direct manager, and other leaders who continue to encourage and support my growth.
Outside of my role, joining the company’s Employee Activities Committee (EAC) in January 2023 has been another source of joy. I have always enjoyed turning ordinary moments into celebrations and sharing that energy with others. Anyone who passed by Elodie’s and my old cubicles during Halloween or Christmas knows just how seriously we took those celebrations.
Looking back, what stands out most is being part of an environment where growth, collaboration, and recognition are truly valued. My journey at Altasciences has certainly not followed a straight line, and that's exactly what has made it so meaningful. Each unexpected opportunity and every step outside my comfort zone have shaped who I am today, and I am excited to see what comes next.
Inspired by Maatangi’s story? See what career opportunities at Altasciences await you.
About the Author
Maatangi Sachchithanandam is a Business Analysis Specialist at Altasciences, translating operational data into insights that support decision-making and continuous improvement. Before joining Altasciences in 2021 as Scientific Reviewer, she spent three and a half years in the natural health products industry, gaining experience in analytical testing, quality and compliance activities, and technical review. Her career has allowed her to build expertise at the intersection of bioanalytical science, operations, and business.
Maatangi holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and a Master of Business Administration. A standout case competitor, she competed in five competitions during her MBA, earning four podium finishes, while also organizing three competitions. Outside of work, Maatangi has practiced Bharatanatyam for 15 years—an art form that has shaped the discipline, patience, resilience, and growth mindset she brings to everything she does.
