Introducing Reach: Our new Medical Graduate Program

What inspired the launch of the Reach program?

Jack: We launched Reach to meet the growing industry need for early talent who can combine scientific expertise with strong communication skills, commercial thinking, and digital/creative capabilities. Reach isn’t about developing a narrow skillset – it’s about building well-rounded future leaders through innovation, collaboration, mentorship, and real client work. As part of our commitment to providing enriching, purpose-driven careers, the program invests in diverse talent and gives graduates the opportunity to make a real difference for patients from day one.

Can you provide a brief overview of the program?

Jack: Reach is a 12-month global program designed for life sciences graduates who want to build a long-term career in medical communications. Throughout the program, graduates rotate across key teams within our Medical capability – including Scientific, Project Management and Client Services, and Digital and Creative – so they get a genuine feel for how the work comes together through client projects and day‑to‑day collaboration, supported by mentorship from our team of experts.

Successful graduates will have the opportunity to move into a permanent role at the end of the program, with placements aligned to individual performance, business needs, and graduate interests.

How does this program differ to our other early careers offerings?

Jack: We’re proud to offer a range of early careers programs that are nurturing the next generation of talent across our industry. For example, our Cross-Functional Graduate Program (launched in 2022) runs for 18 months and gives graduates the chance to rotate across our three core capabilities: Advisory, Medical, and Marketing.

Reach is quite different to this. It’s a 12-month program that is intentionally embedded solely within our Medical capability. That means graduates gain both depth and variety of experience within medical communications, with a level of exposure to specialist projects and teams that wouldn’t be possible through broader or shorter programs. As a result, graduates develop a clear understanding of how different disciplines come together to deliver innovative, impactful work for our clients and the patients we serve in Medical.

Who is the ideal candidate for the program and what qualities are you looking for?

Jack: The ideal candidate is a life sciences graduate who’s curious, adaptable, and genuinely excited by the idea of turning science into clear, compelling communications. We look for people who can combine a strong scientific foundation with collaboration, attention to detail, and commercial awareness. People who are excited about developing skills across communication, problem-solving, and digital and technological tools. If you’re keen to learn, are comfortable working across teams, and are motivated by patient impact, you’ll thrive in Reach.

How will graduates benefit from participating in this program?

Jack: Graduates come out of Reach with a diverse and well-rounded skillset – from scientific writing and editing to project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and exposure to our digital and creative capabilities. Alongside hands-on project experience and ongoing mentorship, the program offers a clear pathway into a full‑time role, supporting those who are successful to build a long-term career in medical communications.

How does the program align with our mission of reaching EVERY PATIENT POSSIBLE?

Jack: At its core, Reach aligns with both our EVERY PATIENT POSSIBLE mission and our Medical capability’s proposition by turning complex science into meaningful impact – reaching the right people with the right story at the right moment. As graduates build cross-functional skills across Medical, they’ll be directly contributing to that mission through the work they deliver for clients and, ultimately, for patients.

What impact will this program have on our teams and clients?

Jack: Reach brings together innovative thinking, strong scientific foundations, and a commercial mindset, strengthening how our medical teams collaborate and solve problems. And for clients, it means working with emerging talent who can not only understand the science – but communicate it clearly and creatively in ways that add real value to the patients we’re all here to support.

 

Learn more about our Medical capability here.