Regulatory Affairs professionals are currently in very high demand. Graduates with a working knowledge in this field are going on to make waves in the world of quality standards and product regulations. These professionals are helping to ensure public safety as they work to develop, manufacture, and market a wide range of pharmaceutical and medical products.
We reached out to SDSU Global Campus Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs graduate Natalie Damrau to find out more about her experience with the program. She offered interesting insights into the regulatory affairs program, as well as online learning as a whole.
1. What was the most important lesson you learned during your time in the program?
“While people often view regulations as ‘black and white,’ the reality is that much of regulatory work happens in the gray. What separates someone who is good in regulatory affairs from someone who is truly great is not only a strong foundation of regulatory knowledge, but the ability to navigate that gray space, designing and executing strategies tailored to a specific product, technology, or operational area. Learning from peers and gaining exposure to adjacent disciplines has consistently given me fresh perspectives and creative approaches that have made me more effective in my role.”
2. Learning online can be difficult, what strategy worked best for you to overcome any challenges that you faced during the program?
“Having a fully online program was actually one of the features that attracted me the most. I valued the flexibility to learn on my own schedule, and I never experienced any issues with the technology or format. Despite being online, the structure of the courses and assignments still created a true ‘classroom experience’ through regular engagement with peers and instructors, such as weekly forums, group projects, or live presentation sessions. In fact, the virtual format expanded my network, and I was able to connect with individuals I likely never would have met if the program had been limited by the geographic constraints of a traditional classroom.”
3. How did your experience with the Regulatory Affairs program at SDSU Global Campus prepare you to work in the field?
“The biggest benefit of the program is the holistic design. It covers areas of Regulatory Affairs that you simply can’t get from self-learning alone. For example, the curriculum includes courses dedicated to leadership, communication, and ethics, topics that are critical in regulatory roles but often overlooked when learning independently. While it’s certainly possible to take general online classes in those subjects, having courses tailored specifically to the regulatory context gave me a much stronger framework and a more customized, meaningful approach. Another strength is how intentionally the courses build on one another. Concepts introduced in one class resurface and connect in later modules, creating a cohesive learning experience where everything ties together rather than feeling like isolated topics.”
4. Did you have any standout instructors or courses from the program that you want to shout out?
“It’s hard to choose a single favorite – I truly enjoyed all of the courses and found meaningful value in each one. Every class offered something different, whether it was a new way of thinking, a skill I could immediately apply at work, or exposure to perspectives I hadn’t encountered before. What really stood out to me, though, was that all of the instructors are active working professionals. Their ability to weave real-life case studies, current industry challenges, and on-the-job insights into the curriculum made the material feel practical and relevant. It elevated the learning experience and helped me understand not just the theory, but how regulatory concepts play out in real-world situations.”
5. What is your best piece of advice that you’d give to anyone currently considering going back to school?
“If you’re holding out for the ‘right time,’ realize that there will always be reasons to wait. Life rarely clears a perfect path, so if the opportunity matters, start now and let progress create its own momentum. Because the program is designed for working professionals, I found it very manageable to balance the coursework with a full-time job. If committing fully feels overwhelming, consider starting smaller, such as taking a certificate course or auditing a class, to determine whether it’s the right fit for your goals.”
Want to Join Natalie at Global Campus?
Begin your very own journey with SDSU Global Campus today! Apply now to join the ranks of professionals in all types of job sectors–including regulatory affairs!
