#OneOfUs – Anđela Postolović, former Hemofarm Foundation scholarship holder, now Manager for Quality Compliance of Cluster West Operations at STADA Group.

When she was a pharmacy student looking for a scholarship, she wanted more than just financial support. Today, several years later, she is the Manager for Quality Compliance of Cluster West Operations at STADA Group — and she says that everything she learned, from professional knowledge to life lessons, she owes in part to the Hemofarm Foundation’s “You Can Do It Too” program.

How do you remember the moment you became a Hemofarm Foundation scholarship holder – what did it mean to you then?
As a pharmacy student, I was looking for scholarships and exploring opportunities, but I wanted something more than just financial aid. I wanted a program that offered additional value such as mentorship, internship, and contact with professionals from the field. That’s exactly what I found in the Hemofarm Foundation scholarship. There are scholarships that offer more money, but they offer only that. This program opened the door to the pharmaceutical industry for me and gave me a chance to see the company from the inside – its people, processes, and atmosphere.

How did the scholarship help you in your personal and professional development?
I was lucky to have Biljana Francuski as my mentor – an amazing person and an exceptional leader. Always consistent, direct, and a person of integrity. Those are qualities I deeply value and that have shaped me a lot.

Through mentorship and professional practice in Vršac, I gained a real picture of how the pharmaceutical industry works – from research and development to production and quality control. That experience was priceless.

You also had the opportunity to gain practical experience both in Serbia and Germany – what stands out as your most valuable takeaway from those programs?
I was part of the generation that visited STADA’s production facilities in Bad Vilbel – and that was an unforgettable experience. When you see factories in Germany and realize that Hemofarm operates at the same level of technological development – it gives you tremendous confidence.

During our study visit, in addition to lectures, we had meetings at the office of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the German Parliament – Bundestag, and the Federal Ministry of Health. The trip was also meaningful on a personal level – we visited Goethe University and the Charité Clinic in Berlin, the German Academy of Sciences – Leopoldina, and many other places I might never have had the chance to see otherwise. I felt honored and proud of my company – Hemofarm.

Looking back on your journey from scholarship to employment – how did your career at Hemofarm develop?
After completing my internship, I applied for a job and was certain that I wanted to stay at Hemofarm. I started as an Associate in the Quality Assurance Department, later advanced to Senior Associate, and then joined the Inspections and Internal Audits Team as a Process and Project Specialist – which was a big challenge I gladly accepted. Today, I am the Manager for Quality Compliance of Cluster West Operations.

I am grateful to my mentors and supervisors who recognized my potential and supported me along the way. I believe that this culture of support is essential for growth, and I am happy to always be able to rely on Tamara Tomić, my current direct supervisor.

What has been most valuable to you on this journey – people, knowledge, or opportunities?
The most valuable things have been the knowledge I’ve gained and the exposure to different cultures, people, and experiences. That teaches you agility – to adapt and keep learning constantly. Company values are not just words on paper, but the way you live and work. Of course, integrity remains most important to me. And the team – the team that supports you and that you support in return. It’s important to stay consistent and surround yourself with people who believe in you.

Would you recommend the “You Can Do It Too” program to future generations, and why?
Absolutely. The program is unique because, in addition to financial support, it offers immense professional expertise – not only in Serbia but across the region. It’s an opportunity to gain experience, to test whether this is the right career path for you, and to get a strong push forward. It’s not easy for pharmacists to find internships in the pharmaceutical industry, and this program makes it possible.

The “One of Us” initiative highlights former scholarship holders who are now part of Hemofarm. What does it mean to you to be “one of us” today?
It means a lot to me. It’s a sense of belonging, continuity, and shared values. The Hemofarm Foundation gave me the opportunity to learn and grow, and Hemofarm gave me the space to develop further.

Do you have a message for future scholarship holders?
It’s important to believe in yourself, to come prepared, and to give your best. To stay open to new experiences, because every experience – good or less good – brings a lesson. There is no progress without stepping out of your comfort zone, but also no growth without the support of mentors and supervisors. That’s something I learned firsthand.

Take the opportunity to expand your knowledge and gain your first professional experience by learning from the best in the pharmaceutical industry. Apply for the new scholarship competition for the 2025/2026 academic year. You can find more details about the eligibility criteria and application process here. The competition is open until December 1, 2025.