Pharmacists have a broad knowledge of medicines as well as patients. They have a greater
understanding of the patient’s need and since the medical sector is hugely dependent on the
practical implementation of learning, there are few steps which everyone has to take before starting
a career in Pharma and Medical Sector. Here is a short step-by-step guide of how any person can
start a career in Pharma and Medical sector or what one would require to make a career switch to
the medical sector:
Studying Medicine
The most essential thing to do is to study the relevant course according to the field one wishes to
join. In the medical sector, if one wishes to be a doctor or dentist, then there is the option of MBBS
and BDA. But for someone choosing to step into the Pharmaceutical field, there are many Pharma
courses as well.
Role you can play
There are many roles in the pharmaceutical industry and one must decide at the earliest what they
wish to do. Since the pharmaceutical sector is a big one, it has a wide range of possibilities. One can
pursue roles like pharmaceutical formulation development or stick to marketing and sales. There are
also options of clinical manufacture and supply, medical information, project management,
commercial business development, quality assurance or just regulatory affairs.
What skills are needed?
After you have decided upon the role you wish to play, you must acquire the skills and knowledge
you would require for it. For Pharma sector, good communication skills are very important. Other
than that, it is important that right after you have come out of university, you start working in the
relevant sector. Though the starting package won’t be good, it is important to gain experience which
will go a long way in your career. In the pharma sector, starting from smaller manufacturing units or
companies is a good idea. One can also do an internship in hospitals and community health care
centres for gaining skills and getting exposure of working with real-time patients.
How to enter the industry?
Seek opportunities through the colleagues you have worked with. Seek out clinical trial groups and
keep applying with bigger hospitals. Networking and social media are quite relevant to all
professions, but especially one in the pharmaceutical industry. Stay updated with industry news
through medical papers. Look out for opportunities in your field or the changing trend. Keep growing
your knowledge. Finding your niche can be very useful. Don’t keep yourself geographically restricted
since there are more options opening up overseas.
Before you start searching for your job, structure your CV and add all relevant skills for the position
you are seeking. There are many online websites as well where you can start searching for a job.
Benefits and drawbacks
Since the pharmaceutical industry is growing with great speed, there are many job positions opening
up every year. If the applicant has relevant skills and experience, then the salary package is often
alluring.
Stepping into the medical and pharma sector requires a huge commitment. Whether it is the
education part and the growing gap of eligible candidates and number of seats available, or the
growing costs, the time and money it requires to be prepared for the medical industry has made it
unattractive for many people.
But, if you are clear in your thought about what you wish to do, then gather the relevant skills,
prepare a CV and start preparing for interviews. Keep a broad range of roles and job possibilities in
mind and don’t limit yourself to one particular position or geographical location. A study shows that
30% of doctors working in the United States are Indians.
