
EXPERT ANSWER
Feb 20, 2020 - 01:09 PM
After doing a PharmD, you can get into a sales and marketing career in the pharmaceutical industry through networking. It’s not uncommon for new PharmD graduates to be lukewarm about pursuing a traditional pharmacology career. But you need to be aware that transitioning to a sales or marketing role might be bumpy at times.
You can begin building your network while still in school, introducing yourself to sales and marketing reps who make on-campus visits, or appear at industry events and trade shows. Reaching out to other pharmacists who are already working in the industry (or practicing ones with good industry connections) is an effective way to get advice, information, and referrals that can help uncover good opportunities, and ultimately get you referred into a sales or marketing role in the industry. Many companies visit pharmacology schools every year, so take advantage of campus-sponsored recruiting opportunities, even if you have already graduated.
As with any professional-level job search, identify your niche and target specific companies or opportunities. Make yourself known to companies you want to join, and use your resume to show them how you stand out. And be prepared for a drastic lifestyle change once you join.
You can begin building your network while still in school, introducing yourself to sales and marketing reps who make on-campus visits, or appear at industry events and trade shows. Reaching out to other pharmacists who are already working in the industry (or practicing ones with good industry connections) is an effective way to get advice, information, and referrals that can help uncover good opportunities, and ultimately get you referred into a sales or marketing role in the industry. Many companies visit pharmacology schools every year, so take advantage of campus-sponsored recruiting opportunities, even if you have already graduated.
As with any professional-level job search, identify your niche and target specific companies or opportunities. Make yourself known to companies you want to join, and use your resume to show them how you stand out. And be prepared for a drastic lifestyle change once you join.