Kiri:We went into consultation just before Christmas last year.There were serious implications for me. I was getting married this month so there were financial worries, as well as the fact that I really didn’t want to have to start looking for a new career. I’d wanted to be a Medical Sales Representative since university, and I loved my job. I knew the same thing was happening to people throughout the pharma industry, it wasn’t just us. I was worried for friends and colleagues who were in the same position, especially those with children and mortgages.

Andy: Same as me! Up until the end of last year I was happily working as a Regional Business Manager.Then we were called to a meeting and told that our client was reducing its teams, and ours was being disbanded. It’s always a shock, even if you think it might happen. A stressful time for me and my team, but I must say I was really delighted with the amount ofhelp and support I got from Innovex.

Kiri: I totally agree. It was made clear from the start that they didn’t want any of this to happen, and that they would help us in any way they could.Theydidn’t want to lose good reps, but their primary concern was to find us suitable positions – either with Innovex or with anpharma company. My manager was really supportive – the important thing was I never felt I was facing it on my own.

Kiri: After a stint on a reduced hours’ team, a vacancy came up on a fulltime team. I’m really happy to be back doing the kind of work I know I’m good at, and which I thoroughly enjoy.

Andy: It was an unsettling time, yes, but redeployment can open doors which people may not have considered before. One of my colleagues, an RBM, has become a Nurse Adviser Manager and another has gone into Innovex Clinical Resource Solutions at manager level.

Kiri: I think if it’s going to happen,  then we were in the best place! If I hadn’t had the support I’ve had, then. I’d probably have had to go somewhere that wouldn’t have been my first choice. What about you?

Andy: For me, redeployment has been a journey which has taken me to a different career path, and one which I am thoroughly enjoying. I’ve been shaken, yes, but not stirred. Are you ready for another Martini, Kiri?

Kiri: I thought you’d never ask!

Andy: My Resourcing Manager was great! As well as looking for new positions, she also sent me on a course to improve my interview techniques, helped me update my CV, and gave me good advice about applying for external jobs. It was great to have someone to ‘bounce’ ideas off and get honest feedback.

Kiri: I know what you mean. I just felt that everyone was focused on finding me another position. Their enthusiasm kept me from feeling ‘down’.

Andy: I tell you it can be so different with other companies. Before I joined in 1996, I was made redundant and it was a completely different experience. Although it was a large company, there were only a finite number of positions available and there was nowhere else for me to go. Innovex has so many clients, teams and therapy areas, that there are regular opportunities to slot in to a different role.

Kiri: That’s what I like too. People are always moving about within the company by choice. Because of this flexibility, redeployment doesn’t seem like such a big deal.

Andy: Now I’ve come through redeployment, I can honestly say that it couldn’t have worked out better for me. I’ve actually been promoted from Regional Business Manager to Project Manager! And I’m gaining experience at a senior level with one of the world’s largest pharma companies.My new role is giving me a completely new set of challenges and I couldn’t be happier.What are you doing now?