Cogman began her career as a hospital pharmacist in the NHS after completing her university studies. This experience likely exposed her to a diverse range of people, situations, and the complexities of the healthcare system.

She spent 10 years working in the NHS, which is a substantial period of time to gain in-depth knowledge about the workings of healthcare and patient care. Her experience with medication and medical procedures could have served as inspiration for her fiction.

Presumably, Cogman pursued her writing interests alongside her NHS career. This period likely involved balancing the demands of a demanding job with the time and energy required for creative writing.