From a young age in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Khalid Barghouti had a deep love for the sciences and aspired to become a doctor one day. As he pursued his childhood dream, he moved to the U.S. to study biological engineering and later engineering management at Cornell University. It was during this time, however, that he realized through his passion for data, he could make a broader impact. Discover the many doors Khalid has opened and stepped through along his journey from aspiring doctor to analytics expert.
Tell us about your career journey in commercial analytics.
I launched my career in medical devices and learned the intricacies of healthcare technology. Over time, I transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry, where the potential to impact millions of lives became evident. My innate curiosity and delight in asking the right questions led me to commercial analytics, where I leverage data to drive high-impact business decisions.
What attracted you to Biogen?
Biogen’s commitment to innovating therapies for complex neurological conditions, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, resonated deeply with me. Biogen’s mission to help improve patients’ lives and address unmet needs was a major attraction, as was the collaborative culture and chance to work with professionals equally passionate about making a difference in the world.
Describe what you do in Business Insights and Analytics.
I focus on forecasting and commercial analytics for our Alzheimer’s therapies. Simply put, I analyze data to predict future market trends, patient needs, and the potential impact of our therapies. This helps Biogen make informed decisions about product development, marketing strategies, and resource allocation.
How have you professionally developed since joining Biogen?
I have significantly honed my analytical and leadership skills here. Biogen has supported me through continuous learning, mentorship programs, and cross-functional projects. Recently I was selected to represent the Business Intelligence and Operations (BIO) team at the annual innovation rodeo, where various functions across Biogen North America gathered to come up with exciting new ways to solve pressing problems.
Tell us about the career mobility you’ve experienced at Biogen.
I have been fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time as well as having my managers and the people I work with believe in me. After doing forecasting for the spinal muscular atrophy team for a year, I was encouraged to apply for a new opportunity, supporting multiple sclerosis. This franchise offered me greater exposure to products in different stages of their lifecycle. Now as part of the Alzheimer’s team in forecasting and analytics, I am expanding my skillset into brand analytics, field analytics, and people management.
What do you like about working on the Business Insights and Analytics team?
I enjoy the intellectually stimulating environment, the opportunity to work on meaningful projects that have real-life impact, our team’s collaborative spirit and our shared goal of driving innovation in healthcare. I truly value that my role gives me a seat at the table to think through drivers and barriers and help influence future strategy.
What else motivates you to do the work that you do each day?
The possibility of making a tangible difference in the lives of patients. Knowing that the work we do can lead to breakthroughs in treatment and help improve outcomes for those suffering from debilitating conditions keeps me passionate and dedicated.
Describe the types of people who would excel on the Business Insights and Analytics team.
If you’re a collaborative team player who is analytical and detail oriented, curious and driven to ask the right questions, and adaptable and open to continuous learning, join us! Bring your passion for making a difference in healthcare through data-driven insights to our dynamic, innovative environment.
What type of experience would enable people to join the Business Insights and Analytics team?
I would suggest taking any opportunity you come across to build your analytic and critical thinking skills. I encourage anyone interested to reach out to their colleagues and ask for opportunities to be on these types of projects or helping assist in any ad-hoc requests or data pulls. If this is not possible through your current job, I would consider exploring educational programs such as business analytical certificates or graduate programs offered online or in person. Opportunities will present themselves, so always be prepared to share a good story of how you used data to understand, explain, or predict a trend.
So. Life outside of Biogen. Tell us about it.
I enjoy sailing, biking, and cooking. I also have a keen interest in volunteering for community health initiatives. Spending time with family and friends, exploring new cuisines, and traveling are some of my favorite pastimes.