Megan Delaney: Discovering My Formula for Growth

How saying yes to every opportunity transformed my Sanofi career before it even began

Megan Delaney, a Manufacturing Sciences and Analytical Technology (MSAT) Graduate at Sanofi in Waterford, shares her experience of embracing opportunities outside her comfort zone during university, which led to a dream graduate role.

When I started my data integrity internship at Sanofi in January 2023, it had absolutely nothing to do with my molecular biology degree. I came in expecting traditional lab and research work, but I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to contribute to a wider, more varied scope. I have found myself in completely new territory, learning about Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance and quality systems. 

Three months later, I'd talked my way into the manufacturing sciences lab for the rest of my internship. By April 2024, I was back doing my final year research project in that same lab – the first person in my course to complete a research project outside college.  

Now, as a Manufacturing Sciences and Analytical Technology (MSAT) graduate on Sanofi's two-year rotation program in Waterford, in southeast Ireland, I understand that saying yes to unexpected opportunities was the best career decision I could have made.

When Sanofi was the obvious choice

At South East Technological University, we all knew Sanofi was the place to be. When we were sorting out internships, Sanofi was top of everyone's list. It’s a company that is well known locally across Ireland as a great company to work for. But what attracted me was their focus on rare diseases, something that genuinely interests me and connects directly to my degree in molecular biology with biopharmaceutical science. 

My course offered a bit of both worlds: research techniques within biopharmaceutical science, giving us the option to pursue PhD research or go into industry. When I saw a company so close to home that offered elements of both paths, it drew me in immediately. 

Gaining that first internship felt like winning the lottery. That data integrity role was a massive shift from anything I'd studied. I had to quickly adapt to industry practices, GMP compliance, and quality systems. But the support system made all the difference. From day one, I had a mentor, a guide, and a buddy. My data integrity lead became my shadow partner, and the whole community was incredibly welcoming.

Halfway through that first internship, I recognized I wanted to be closer to the lab work. Instead of just accepting my placement, I contacted people in the labs and asked for a tour. That led to a two-day crash course through their Lab Academy, which turned into a week-long placement that became the rest of my internship.

Embracing rotation, mentorship, and unexpected challenges

Now I'm on the MSAT graduate program, a two-year program with three eight-month rotations. I started in the Manufacturing Sciences Lab, where I did my internship and research project, moved into Manufacturing Technologies, focusing on technology transfers, and I'll finish with an analytical science role. 

The mentorship structure is conducted through my internship and research project. You are assigned a buddy who's a graduate a year ahead of you, another buddy in your current role, and – this is the key part – a mentor from the senior leadership team who changes with each rotation. I meet with my mentor every two weeks, and it's completely up to me what I want to get out of it. 

The program also sends you on courses to develop soft skills you don't learn in college. I've taken six days of training covering emotional intelligence, influencing without authority, and leadership skills, for instance. You go to these courses and come back to work able to apply what you've learned immediately. I was leading meetings and taking charge of projects much earlier than I expected. 

The role I'm in now proves how valuable it is to embrace the unexpected. I'm a scientist, but my current work is heavily engineering-focused, something I never thought I'd enjoy. Turns out I absolutely love it. 

I've also taken on a “gig” (short-term assignments designed to help Sanofians gain new skills, expand their networks, and explore opportunities) as Influencer Community Manager for the United Kingdom and Ireland. As someone who describes herself as "a scientist through and through", social media and influencing isn't exactly my forte. But that's exactly why it's valuable. It gives me the opportunity to try something completely different and see if what I am interested in matches where I actually want to go. 

These gigs are part of Sanofi's push for people to develop themselves and take the lead. You can allocate hours per week to areas you're curious about, whether they're directly related to your current role or not. It's about becoming more well-rounded and discovering capabilities you didn't know you had. 

Building community and looking ahead

The early talent community at Sanofi Waterford is special. We have events like Early Talent Day, in July, where interns, graduates, and apprentices showcase their work and learn from each other. There are Q&A sessions with younger managers, poster presentations, and genuine networking opportunities. 

It's incredibly valuable to see how people your age have progressed and decide whether you want to follow similar paths or take ideas and go in different directions. The community is open and supportive; everyone wants to help each other succeed. 

Looking ahead, I've already expressed interest in leadership roles. I'm developing both technical knowledge and soft skills to support that ambition. I'm excited about trying more research-focused work and exploring international opportunities. With 87,000 employees worldwide, Sanofi offers incredible scope for people willing to put their hand up for new challenges. 

All the graduates I've seen who have completed this program have gotten jobs afterwards. In my last rotation, both my team leader and manager had come through the MSAT graduate program themselves, which shows the genuine career progression available. 

My advice for anyone considering a career at Sanofi is simple: if you're willing to take the lead and step outside your comfort zone, you'll have a brilliant time and do well in your career. Say yes from the start. Be willing to try things that don't seem like natural progressions from your degree. 

Some of my most valuable experiences have come from roles that initially seemed unrelated to my studies. That data integrity internship taught me about industry practices that benefit every aspect of my work now. The engineering-focused role expanded my technical capabilities in unexpected ways. The influencer community management is developing leadership and communication skills that I'll use throughout my career. 

Sanofi creates an environment where saying yes to unexpected opportunities leads to extraordinary outcomes. When you combine that with genuine mentorship, structured development programs, and a community that wants you to succeed, you end up with more than just a job – you get a launching pad for whatever career you want to build. 

Sometimes the best career moves are the ones that make you slightly uncomfortable at first. 

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