At the end of 2024, Pharmalys welcomed five interns sponsored by the Mastercard Foundation, which supports young professionals in Africa by providing valuable skills and career opportunities. As part of this partnership, interns gain hands-on experience in key areas such as Clinical Trials, IT, Human Resources, and Accounting. Samira, one of the Mastercard Foundation interns, is currently working in the Accounting department at Pharmalys. We had the chance to speak with her about her background, her role, and her experience so far.
Can you tell us about your academic and professional background? Did you always hope to work in Accounting?
I obtained my bachelor’s degree from Saint-Michel School in Dakar, Senegal, before continuing my studies at UCAO Saint-Michel, where I am now in my fourth year. Throughout my academic journey, I have completed several internships that have allowed me to develop practical skills. In my first and second years, I completed two three-month internships at Titan International, where I learned how to manage accounts receivable and payable, as well as handle tax returns. During my third year, I undertook a one-month internship at ROAJELF Senegal, which broadened my experience in a different sector.
Could you walk us through a typical day in your role? What are your current responsibilities?
A typical day for me starts with checking my to-do list to make sure that all tasks from the previous day have been completed. My responsibilities include recording invoices, sending them to clients, and checking the status of the cash register. I also follow up on overdue or upcoming invoice payments and update financial records such as our invoice tracker to maintain accuracy. Usually towards the end of the day, I reconcile accounts to ensure consistency in financial data. I find this process particularly interesting as it helps me develop a structured approach to financial management while gaining a deeper understanding of accounting systems.
What aspects of your internship at Pharmalys have you enjoyed the most? Have there been any rewarding or challenging experiences?
I really enjoy my internship at Pharmalys because I feel very comfortable in my work environment. My colleagues are kind, helpful, and open, it’s a very collaborative and supportive working atmosphere. In particular, my line manager plays a key role in my professional development. He has provided me with valuable guidance, not only on financial matters but also in using industry-specific software. This has really helped me to develop new skills and feel supported throughout my internship.
How has your time at Pharmalys helped you develop new skills or grow professionally?
The skills I am developing at Pharmalys are invaluable to my professional growth. Not only have I strengthened my technical abilities in finance, but I have also improved my adaptability to new tools and processes. This experience has taught me how to work in a structured manner and manage my time effectively. So far my internship at Pharmalys has given me a clearer vision of my career goals and equipped me with practical skills that will be beneficial in my future professional journey.
Looking ahead, what do you hope to gain from the rest of your internship?
Looking ahead, I hope to gain more hands-on experience in financial analysis and deepen my understanding of the financial processes that contribute to the success of clinical research projects. I also aim to continue developing my skills in financial management and gain further experience using industry-relevant tools and software. This internship aligns with my career ambitions in finance and management, and the experience I am gaining is invaluable. Beyond enhancing my technical expertise, working in a dynamic environment with the support of my colleagues and manager is helping me grow both professionally and personally. I am confident that this experience will equip me with the skills and knowledge I need to succeed in my career.
Through our partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, young professionals like Samira have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop essential skills. This experience not only supports their professional growth but also helps them build a strong foundation for future career success. We look forward to seeing Samira’s continued development in the months ahead!
