Since graduating from UCL School of Management’s BSc Management Science programme, Ghita Benjelloun Benkacem has pursued a career in the world of digital health technology. She shares her desire to build upon her expertise within this field in the hope of tackling health disparities and improving healthcare outcomes.
We recently caught up with Ghita to find out more about her time at UCL and the ways in which her internship experiences played an important role in guiding the next steps of her career. She also shares her decision to pursue an MSc in Applied Digital Health at the University of Oxford.
tell us about yourself
I’m Ghita, originally from Morocco and France. I completed my BSc in Management Science at UCL School of Management. Following this, I interned at Baringa, a consulting company, where I subsequently transitioned into a Data Analyst role. This fall, I will be pursuing an MSc in Applied Digital Health at the University of Oxford, within the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences. My long-term interest lies in the field of Healthcare, particularly Digital Health, with a focus on applications for Low and Middle-Income Countries. I am passionate about exploring how Digital Health Technology solutions can address health disparities and bridge inequities both within these countries and globally.
how did your career come about?
My career path began at the end of my first year, with a four-month internship at a health-tech start-up. The company was developing software to digitise the manufacturing process of cell and gene therapies. Although the topic was quite niche and unfamiliar, my role as an Intern Business Analyst, opened my eyes to the myriad of possibilities for applying my skills in the healthcare industry. My second internship at Baringa brought me closer to the world of data and data analytics. My interest in technology grew as I witnessed the potential of digital transformation across various sectors, particularly within Healthcare and Life Sciences. This experience underscored the transformative power of technology in both public and private healthcare organisations.
Having grown up experiencing the challenges and disparities within the healthcare industry, especially between European systems and those in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), I have always aspired to make a meaningful impact in this field. My professional and academic experiences thus far have guided me towards the field of digital health, where I see the potential for exponential impact. Pursuing a master’s degree in Applied Digital Health will deepen my expertise, expand my network, and enable me to drive innovations that can significantly improve healthcare outcomes, particularly in LMICs.
what did a typical week look like?
During my time at Baringa, whilst my days were structured similarly, they varied greatly in the nature of the tasks. This dynamic nature of the work was one of the aspects I enjoyed most, as it prevented repetition and kept things engaging. As the project evolved, so did the tasks, encompassing both analytical and strategic thinking. Each task involved different stakeholders, bringing diverse inputs and generating new outputs to be analysed within the context of a broader project.
A typical day began with a morning stand-up meeting, where the team would catch up on the previous day’s work, outline plans for the current day, and identify any areas where assistance was needed. This ensured alignment, effective communication, and cooperation within the team. Mornings were often my most productive time, dedicated to tasks requiring significant attention, such as data modelling problems or hypothesis testing. I preferred tackling these brain-intensive tasks early in the day, though everyone has their optimal work times. Afternoons were usually reserved for meetings. These could include status report meetings, where the team updated the client’s key stakeholders on project progress, typically happening once a week. Business Unit meetings were also held, which involved discussing mental health, business-as-usual matters, and strategic topics with internal teams working on various projects. Other meetings focused on reviewing work, providing feedback and holding interviews with clients. I typically implemented feedback given in the afternoon, with the latter part of the day reserved for project-related and internal administrative tasks.
Have you always been interested in tech?
I haven’t always been interested in tech. When I started university, my focus was more on finance and economics. My interest in tech developed through various experiences that exposed me to the field. I firmly believe in the mantra, “If this aligns with your current objectives, seize every opportunity because it can open new doors and shape your career journey.” In my case, my initial goal was to secure an internship. During that internship, I chose to delve deeper into data by selecting a division that offered such an opportunity. At that time, I had no particular passion for tech, nor did I fully understand it, but I knew it was something I wanted to explore further. Throughout the internship and over the past year, I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for technology, which has now become a significant interest of mine. This lesson of embracing opportunities to discover new interests can be applied to many situations, guiding one’s career journey in unexpected and rewarding directions.
what is the gender split like in your current industry?
The gender split in the tech industry remains predominantly male. However, significant progress has been made in recent years, and the efforts of various organisations are noteworthy. Baringa, for instance, places a strong emphasis on gender and ethnic diversity, as well as pay equity. In 2023, the company achieved a 43% female representation and continues to implement measures to improve related metrics, including recruitment, overall pay and bonuses, and promotions. These efforts are transparently reported in Baringa’s annual Gender and Ethnicity Pay Gap report, which details their progress and plans for continuous improvement. This commitment to “Putting People First” and “Creating Impact that Lasts” is evident in their ongoing initiatives. I had the opportunity to contribute to the analysis of the 2022 report, and was pleased to see the positive changes achieved within just one year.
what was your time like at UCL school of management?
My time at UCL School of Management was truly a blast! I thoroughly enjoyed the BSc in Management Science programme, which offered much more than a traditional management curriculum. The programme equipped us with a comprehensive and diverse set of skills essential for leadership roles in consulting, banking, large corporations, or start-ups. We gained proficiency in both soft and hard skills, including foundational knowledge in management, finance, economics, and business strategy. Additionally, we had the opportunity to delve into design thinking, critical thinking, product technology, operations management, and advanced skills in mathematics and data analysis. This included tackling problems such as optimisation and forecasting, among others.
One of the highlights was the scenario weeks, where we applied our skills to real-world situations with actual clients. My dissertation focused on addressing waiting times in hospitals, providing a practical application of the knowledge gained throughout the course. The curriculum undoubtedly laid a strong foundation, enabling me to confidently pursue a specialisation in digital health for my master’s degree. The faculty and staff at the department were exceptional. The professors were always approachable during office hours or seminars, offering invaluable support. I am deeply grateful for the whole staff’s dedication in providing the best resources and support to enhance learning experiences.
did you utilise the career team while studying with us at uclsOm?
I utilised the career team at UCL School of Management in various ways, and their support was invaluable. My first internship was secured through the university’s vacancies website, which often features exclusive agreements with companies to offer positions specifically to UCL students. Visiting this website proved beneficial, as this internship became a cornerstone of my career. It allowed me to work closely with an inspiring CEO and explore the application of business and management principles to healthcare. During my first two years, I had numerous meetings with the Management Science Career Advisor. Their assistance was instrumental in refining my CV, tailoring it for specific job applications, preparing me for case studies and helping me reflect on rejections. They helped me effectively pitch myself and the Management Science programme, which significantly boosted my confidence and readiness for interview and assessment centres.
What advice would you give to students that are trying to break into these big companies and industries?
My biggest advice is to view every rejection as a learning opportunity. Accept that rejection is part of the process, even for the best candidates. There is no perfect profile, so it’s essential to adopt a constructive approach to self-improvement. Another crucial element is knowing how to sell yourself. Take the time to explore your likes and dislikes, as well as your strengths and weaknesses. This self-discovery doesn’t require an internship; it can come from personal interests and experiences. Ask yourself, “What makes me different?” and use that to your advantage. Many people might fit a job description, but what sets you apart will be your unique edge and storytelling skills.
Finally, don’t overpressure yourself with finding the perfect consulting or investment banking job. One of my few regrets is the extreme stress I felt during my first and second years, seeing many of my classmates pursuing these paths and feeling compelled to do the same. While securing internships is important and highly encouraged, remember that internships in start-ups are equally valuable. Non-internship experiences can also be incredibly beneficial. If you realise you’re more interested in entrepreneurship, pursue it! It might seem scary to choose a different path, but this programme equips you with the tools to take initial steps in various fields. It’s worth exploring what genuinely interests you.
have you got any exciting projects in the pipeline?
The MSc in Applied Digital Health is an incredibly exciting step for me. I aim to make the most of it both professionally and personally. Professionally, I am eager to delve deeper into Digital Health, exploring its challenges and opportunities. I plan to leverage Oxford’s unique tutorial approach and the diverse interactions with classmates, academics, and guest speakers, to foster innovative thinking from the very start. On a personal level, I look forward to immersing myself in the vibrant life that Oxford offers. The collegiate experience and the city itself are renowned for being exceptional.
Overall, I am committed to creating my own and seizing every opportunity, to open doors for the future. I believe that adopting this proactive mindset will naturally lead to further opportunities. I am always keen to learn from others and share my experiences or thoughts too. So, if you’re interested in discussing Digital Health or any other topics I’ve mentioned, please feel free to reach out. I’m confident we can learn a great deal from each other.
Find out more about UCL School of Management’s BSc/MSci Management Science programme