From the early stages of molecular testing to drug product launch, Worldwide Oncology Commercial (WWOC) at Bristol Myers Squibb plays a pivotal role alongside research and development teams. WWOC brings a commercial lens to the development process, thus assuring viability and ensuring cancer patients have access to our oncology portfolio. Accordingly, the organization relies on teams of accomplished professionals from various backgrounds like Irene Mac, Executive Director, and Andrew Witriol, Vice President, who found in WWOC opportunities to learn fast and grow fast and take advantage of BMS growth opportunities, while doing some of the most interesting and meaningful work of their careers. They and their teammates around the world continually apply their diverse scientific, market and analytical expertise to help shape commercial strategies that can transform the lives of patients.

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From US to Worldwide: Careers Without Borders

Setting a goal to develop a career in commercial led Irene to pursue her MBA, during which time she demonstrated her potential in a summer marketing internship at BMS. She joined BMS full-time through our Commercial Leadership Development Program for top MBA graduates.

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.Beginning with her tenure in US commercial and then in the Worldwide organization, Irene accelerated her career, going from Associate Director to Executive Director in under four years. She credits the pace of the work and the dynamic and supportive environment in WWOC that gave her the challenge to expand her abilities.

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“The need to be able to act quickly while working with incredibly smart people cross-functionally challenged and pushed me,” explained Irene. “In Worldwide, you’re solving complex issues that you don’t see in a market role. It's been very eye-opening and has helped me build on my experience and build a strong foundation for me to continue my career at BMS.”

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Purpose-Driven and Patient-Focused Professionals

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Coming from a business and marketing background, Andrew’s BMS career spans nearly 20 years in various roles, beginning with a marketing internship and advancing through such areas as product management, global marketing, US commercial strategy and operations, and oncology sales. Along the way he leveraged these experiences to build his leadership skills, strategic thinking and market

Andrew’s early career at BMS wasn’t initially in oncology, but he was able to make the transition thanks to his desire to learn, and not just the science and the cross-collaboration, although those had a big influence. He also found oncology a particularly meaningful place to work, knowing the direct impact he and his teammate’s efforts could have on the lives of cancer patients. He encourages other like-minded professionals accordingly.

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“We're looking for people who want to learn,” said Andrew. “People who can learn the science, who are good at managing the matrix and thinking strategically, and who positively add to the culture. That applies to people with oncology experience, and to people without it. Everyone knows someone impacted by cancer, so to have the opportunity to work in this therapeutic area is, no doubt, very special.”

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As for finding success in WWOC’s learn fast, grow fast culture, as well as keeping up with the rapid pace of the science behind oncology, Andrew believes it requires being a self-starter with curious, nearly insatiable interest to stay ahead of the curve. But also having a passion for doing what’s right for the cancer patient.

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“Most days I get to look back and say, ‘I helped advance a therapy that has a direct impact on someone who’s out there, waiting for a solution to help them prevail over a serious disease.’ I get a lot of energy from that.”

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Careers in Commercialization Can Change Lives

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Irene and Andrew are just two examples of how working in Worldwide Oncology Commercial can be a career trajectory, a transformative opportunity to learn fast, grow fast — and make a difference in the world. Learn more about careers at BMS and read about other BMS colleagues who found empowering work that can transform lives –­ including their own.