Mina Patel has led an incredibly successful 35-year career with pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer. She is now a Senior Consultant for the Centre for Biopharmaceutical Excellence (CBE). QUT recently recognised her achievements with an Outstanding Alumni Award, celebrating her sustained and significant contributions to her field and the community.
While filming Mina's award video, the Alumni team discovered that QUT is affectionately known as 'Patel University' in her household, thanks to the many family members who studied here. We asked Mina to share her story.
My transformative journey at QUT
My experience at QUT was nothing short of incredible, both personally and academically. I first pursued a Diploma in Applied Science (Applied Chemistry) and later completed my Bachelor’s degree. QUT was not just an institution for me; it was a place of transformation, where I gained confidence, collaboration skills, and the ability to thrive in the professional world.
Finding my place in a new country
At the age of 15, my family moved to Australia. I entered Year 11 as a shy student, adjusting to a new country and unfamiliar ways of learning. Those initial years were challenging, but everything changed when I started at QUT. The university provided an environment where I felt comfortable in my own skin, allowing me to flourish in ways I never expected.
Like many high school graduates, I was uncertain about my future. Inspired by my older sister’s positive experience, I followed in her footsteps and enrolled at QUT in the same course. Her journey convinced me that QUT would be the right place for me, and it certainly was.
Supportive learning and career opportunities
QUT fostered a strong sense of collaboration and academic support. The professors were encouraging and emphasised teamwork and student engagement. Their guidance played a pivotal role in shaping my career.
My sister secured her first job immediately after graduating, thanks to a recommendation from one of her professors. Forty years later, she remains happily employed at Queensland Health. Remarkably, I had the same experience—my professor’s recommendation landed me my first role as a Laboratory Analyst. That moment marked a significant turning point in my career, leading me into the pharmaceutical industry, where I’ve now worked for 35 years.
A family tradition of excellence
QUT has become our “Patel” family university. It’s more than an institution—it’s a legacy. My sister, cousins, brother-in-law, and now my niece have all attended QUT, each experiencing the same level of academic excellence and career success. Our family’s story is a testament to QUT’s ability to shape future leaders.
Honouring the past, inspiring the future
Last year, I was deeply honoured to receive a QUT Outstanding Alumni Award. This recognition allowed me to share my career journey with students, offering insights into the industry and the incredible opportunities that await them. The experience was humbling and fulfilling, as I was able to give back to the university that shaped my path.
QUT stands out for its commitment to transformative education and student experiences, making a meaningful impact on society and the environment. I am truly grateful to have been part of this extraordinary institution.
Mina Patel
QUT degrees— Associate Diploma in Applied Science (Applied Chemistry) 1991 and Bachelor of Applied Science (Applied Chemistry) 1993
Have a question for Mina? Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Author
Zoe is a marketing and communications professional and Alumni Communications Coordinator at QUT. She is also a proud alumnus with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing).