How to Get a Job in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Written in about 1550 B.C., the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus is one of the oldest preserved medical texts ever found, according to Purdue University. People have utilized chemistry to heal the body for millennia. The modern pharmaceutical industry provides thousands of medications that treat, diagnose and prevent disease. As a result, there are many jobs opportunities available in the industry, including pharmacy, research, manufacturing and sales positions. Salaries vary greatly depending on the position. The average hourly wage in the pharmaceutical industry was between $13.36 and $42.59 in May 2008.
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Instructions
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Research available opportunities. Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) website to review positions in the industry. Many opportunities in the industry exist, including pharmacist, and manufacturing, research or sales positions. Research those positions that interest you and develop an understanding of position requirements.
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Review your education. If you are interested in work as a pharmacist, in the United States candidates must earn a Pharm.D degree. The program replaces the bachelor of pharmacy degree and typically takes four years to complete, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Research licensing requirements. Every state in the U.S. requires a license to practice as a pharmacist. To qualify for license exams, a candidate must possess a Pharm.D degree and pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and the Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE), which are both administered by National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
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Conduct a background check. Candidates selected for employment in the pharmaceutical industry may be required to complete a background check. Conduct your own background check by contacting your state judicial system. Review your credit, driving and court records. Resolve any issues prior to starting your job search.
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Build a network. Networking will extend the reach of your job search. Networking provides you with access to industry professionals who may know of available opportunities. Become a member of a professional association like the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AASPSpharmaceutica.com) or the American Pharmacists Association (Pharmacist.com). Review job listings and participate in networking events.
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Review your resume. Make sure your resume reflects your education, licensing, experience and other relevant information. Make sure you include membership with any pharmaceutical organizations. Check for grammatical errors and consistency. Have a friend or family member review your information.
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Apply to suitable positions. Conduct an employment search by visiting online employment boards, speaking with people in your network, visiting area companies and your local one-stop center. Once you identify suitable opportunities, review the requirements of carefully and make sure your experience, skills and education are a good match.
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