Breaking barriers: Women Pfizer Autonomous Teams programme graduates step into promising careers
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Visakhapatnam: Chandaka Padmavathi lost her father, Lakshmana Rao, at a young age. Her mother, Kanchanamma, a farmer from Sativada in Vizianagaram district, single-handedly raised her family.
On Wednesday, her resilience bore fruit as Padmavathi graduated with a BSc in Chemistry from GITAM Deemed to be University and secured a position at Pfizer Global Supply's manufacturing unit in Visakhapatnam — thanks to the Pfizer Autonomous Teams (PAT) programme. While she fondly reminisces about her university days, she eagerly embraces a promising future.
The PAT programme, a pioneering initiative for women, enables students to earn a BSc in Chemistry with a specialization in microbiology.
Visakhapatnam is Pfizer's only site worldwide to host this unique programme. This innovative "earn while you learn" model seamlessly integrates academic coursework at GITAM with immersive, hands-on training across diverse functions within Pfizer's manufacturing operations.
On Wednesday, 44 women — the first cohort selected under PAT in 2022—celebrated their graduation. Having been Pfizer employees since day one, this milestone officially marks their transition into professional roles.
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Currently, four cohorts are enrolled, benefiting around 350 students.
Among the graduates, T Sravani from Ichchapuram in Srikakulam district, sets her sights on higher education while continuing to work. Her father, Papa Rao, a construction mason, is proud that his daughter is the first in their family to secure a professional job.
Similarly, K. Nagamani from Malkapuram, near Gajuwaka, reflected on her journey of balancing classes at GITAM with her responsibilities at Pfizer.
"This experience will help us take on bigger responsibilities in the future," she remarked.
Speaking to TOI, B Muralidhar Sharma, vice president (site head), Pfizer, shared insights into the PAT selection process. "Our teams personally visit villages to identify candidates for the programme. The selection involves four stages, including psychometric analysis. The programme is designed to offer learning opportunities to local women and to enhance their representation in science and healthcare.
Moreover, the course is enriched through mentorship from senior leaders and structured growth plans for all inductees," Sharma explained.
"It is mandatory for students to attend full-time classes for the first six months following their onboarding. Subsequently, they transition to rotational shifts while attending part-time classes, five days a week," Sharma added.
Addressing the outgoing students, Dr. Errol D'Souza, vice chancellor, GITAM Deemed to be University, commended the graduates for their resilience.
"Balancing work and education require immense courage, and this achievement is a testament to the bold determination you all possess. By combining academic learning with hands-on industry exposure, the programme exemplifies the power of academia-industry collaboration.
This model can play a crucial role in developing a highly skilled talent pipeline for the pharmaceutical industry," he said.
The event was graced by Reshma Parida, senior director, people experience, Pfizer Global Supply, Asia-Pacific, and Africa & Middle East Region, as the special guest. Prof. K. Vedavathi, principal, GITAM School of Science, and T. Ravi Kiran, director, people experience, PGS India, presided over the ceremony.
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