Career questions tagged pharmaceuticals
How to get from PharmD to bench work drug synthesis?
As a high school senior, my current plan is to enter a 6 year PharmD program, then either go into a fellowship or a PhD program (in Organic Chemistry, perhaps) to secure the relevant qualifications for the R&D work I want to do. However, I'm very hesitant about the PharmD portion, as I am currently not enthusiastic about the clinical work it would entail. The real reason I want the degree is for security---if research ends up being too unstable, or if I need to take a break from education for any reason, clinical pharmacy seems like a good option financially and stability-wise. But as it stands, I really can't see myself doing it as a career---that simply isn't where my passion lies. So firstly: Does this plan make sense? Could someone with an educational background like the one I described be marketable to big pharma for research? If so, would someone with a PharmD (who has a heavy Organic Chem focus through electives, undergrad research, internships and summer programs, etc.) be marketable to PhD or fellowship programs in the realm of drug synthesis? Would it be possible to acquire the relevant experience to make it so, or would that pursuit conflict too strongly with pharmacy coursework/residency? Are there other, perhaps more straightforward ways to make it to the R&D roles I want, while still offering more secure and well-paying job options (without clinical focus, ideally)?
Would a BSc in Chemistry from an Ivy League be more attractive to employer & PhD programs than a BSc (BSPS) in Pharmaceutical Sciences from another good school?
As it stands, I have a few great schools in mind for a BSPS that I think I stand a good chance of getting into (ex. Northeastern University, University of Pittsburg, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor). However, I've hesitated to add any Ivy Leagues to my college list because none of them offer a BSPS in undergrad. Although, for my future of plans of pursuing a PhD in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry (with the ultimate goal of doing R&D for big pharma), a BSc in Chemistry with an organic focus would suit my purposes quite well---and all Ivy Leagues certainly offer that. But from what I know, general STEM degrees like Chemistry do not offer much in the way of high-paying jobs. While I don't plan to work immediately after my undergrad (I would like to enter a PhD program right away), unforeseen circumstances may arise, and I want to be sure my degree qualifies me for a job that could support me in the meantime. All of this to ask: would a BSc in Chem from an Ivy League secure me a well paying job ($60k+), or is it not worth it to apply since that isn't my major of choice? Would it be worth it for other reasons? For context, I don't have any school in mind to apply Early Decision for, but if the Chem degree is worth it, I would do it for an Ivy. Is that a safe decision with all I have in mind?
How To "Secure" A PhD program?
I'm fairly certain I'll have to pursue a PhD after my undergrad degree in order to do the pharma R&D I dream about. What can undergrad today do to better their chances of finding a professor to take them on? Beyond undergrad research, what kinds of opportunities exist to establish yourself in the scientific community, and with a handful of professors.
Is BSPS + Organic Chem PhD a strong profile for Big Pharma Work?
What are the logistics of doing a BSPS followed immediately by a PhD in Organic Chemistry? Would an OrgoChem PhD would be more advantageous than a MedChem PhD towards securing a bench job in big pharma? Is a BSPS a good undergrad degree to support that? I'm inclined towards it in order to leave my options open for other grad school paths, like PharmD ( strongly opposed to the idea of working pharmacy right now, but I may feel differently in 4 years and I want to have it on the table in case). I hear the hands-on experience you acquire in undergrad is more important than the name of your degree when it comes to being accepted in any PhD program. What can a first year do to set themselves up for success in that regard?
What Can You Do With A BSPS?
What quality of job (pay & technicality) can one expect with solely a Bachelors of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences? Is it worth it/feasible to work (primarily to afford further education), or should one just go straight for a graduate degree in something else (ex. Medicinal Chemistry) and acquire a higher paying job afterwards to pay off student debt? Is there a solid guarantee of such a well-paying job with a graduate degree like that?
Industry vs. Academia for Biostatisticians?
I've been trying to find an answer to what it means to be a biostatistician working in industry versus working in academia. This is what I gathered from searching the Internet: working in industry means working in a fast-paced environment and using statistical methods to prove a company's drug or other healthcare product works. In academia, biostatisticians work toward uncovering new approaches to healthcare beyond pharmaceuticals, and the environment is slower-paced. Also, the industry seems to pay more than academia. However, I feel that doesn't tell the whole story. Could someone with biostatistics experience explain the difference and offer advice? For whichever path you chose, what did you do as an undergraduate to appeal to graduate schools, such as internships and research projects? Are there specific companies, research centers, or institutions that offer opportunities to undergraduate students seeking to participate in research or get entry-level experience? I applied to a Summer Institute in Biostatistics (SIB) to kickstart my journey and learn more about the field. How can I build on that experience after the summer?
How did you gain experience throughout college, clubs; internships; research, in order to have skills and helpful experience for internships and jobs?
I am a first-year in college looking to develop the necessary skills to prepare for internships in the clinical research and pharmaceutical industry. #Spring26
What skills do you think are most important for someone pursuing healthcare management, and how did you develop them?
I am a college sophomore and certified pharmacy majoring in healthcare management.
Which pharmaceutical industry would be recommended for aspiring pharmacists?
As someone who is about to enter university admitted in a pharmacy program, I am very curious on which specific discipline would be most suitable for an upcoming pharmacist, focusing on which field has the best projected growth. As of now, I do not have any specific draw towards any of the different sub industries, meaning I am very flexible for my future workplace. I would like to know any specifics for certain fields that may be important considerations beyond their growth.
What i need to advance my career as a PharmacoVigilance Expert?
I am a Pharmacy Student and want to advance my career in PharmacoVigilance. So, which subjects should i be griped on?
Just how hard is becoming a pharmacist and what challenges am I likely to face?
I've wanted to be a pharmacy for a while, awhile as in a few years, and I haven't really been looking into it until this year, which is my final year of high school. And because of that I've been searching up lots of different things and I'm not exactly sure just what to believe.
How do I become a Nuclear Pharmacist?
I am a highschool junior originally interested in compound pharmacy, but as I did a bit more research I saw Nuclear Pharmacy. I've never heard of it before and I just want to know if anyone has any information about the job and how they got to that position.
How can I use my free time to better prepare for pharmacy school?
Resume tips, extracurriculars, etc.
If I want to be involved in the pharmaceutical industry, what career path should I take?
I've always thought that obtaining degrees like biomedical engineering, biotechnology or chemical engineering gives me many options to where I want to guide my career, including the pharmaceutical field. What is the optimal career that I should take to be involved in the creation of pharmaceutical products?
Any health professional student who has been through the Junior COSTEP process willing to answer my questions about certain parts of the application?
Hello, I am a pharmacy student interested in doing the Junior COSTEP program with the Public Health Service. I just started the application, but I am confused and struggling to fill-out some parts. I have emailed AES and COSTEP but have yet to hear anything. Does anyone mind if I ask them questions or willing to answer to the best of your abilities? Here are my questions: 1. For education, do we complete state the colleges, universities, or institutions we have attended/ attending? It seems to have a character limit which is odd? 2. Also, for semester credits, do we put all the credits earned if we completed a program? Idk how to go about this sections, I wish there was examples to reference too. 3. Will my references have to send me their completed PHS-1813 form to submit or will they submit it on their own? 4. Should I have a physician or any provider fill-out my medical form or is it okay if I fill it myself? Please elaborate which parts DD 2807-2 form I should fill-in and what parts my provider must do. Any suggestions, advice, or solutions are appreciated!
Hi! I’m a high school student from El Salvador interested in studying pharmaceutical sciences in college. I’m passionate about community service and would love to start a project, school initiative, or extracurricular activity that could show leadership and help me stand out in college applications. What kind of passion project or community-focused initiative would you recommend that connects with my interest in pharmaceutical sciences or health in general"?
Hi! I’m a high school student from El Salvador interested in studying pharmaceutical sciences in college. I’m passionate about community service and would love to start a project, school initiative, or extracurricular activity that could show leadership and help me stand out in college applications. What kind of passion project or community-focused initiative would you recommend that connects with my interest in pharmaceutical sciences or health in general?" I'm rising senior and don't have much time and I'm really missing something that transmits leadership. I want to start something but, for community work initiatives most of them have been don and I want to be innovative, any ideas?
What does a salary look like for a person working in the pharmaceutical industry or in biotechnology?
I don't know if this is an appropiate question to ask but I was genuinely wondering. These are some of the careers I'm considering and part of that is because from what I've investigated it seems to provide financial security, how was getting a job after university?
What does a day working in the pharmaceutical industry look like?
I want to hear about the different jobs opportunities or positions a person working in this field can have? What does a normal day at work for you look like? I would enjoy reading about the laboratory side, business/office side, or a pharmacist side. I'm open to hearing from anyone. I also would like to know if you enjoy your job and how do you balance it with your personal life?
To get a good job as a pharmacist, is a pharmacy residency required ?
Senior in high school, 17 years old, almost in college about to major in Biology
"What are the pros and cons of being in Biotechnology Pharma vs. Academia"?
I was asked about whether I'm planning on going the Pharma or Academia route, but I wasn't 100% sure about the differences.
How do I deal with the "impostor" syndrome of pursuing an academically challenging major and career?
I want to be a pharmacist, but anytime I experience a setback personally or academically,y I feel like I don't belong with my peers.
How can I secure an internship in the pharmaceutical industry ?
I am currently doing my final year in pharmacy and I am eager to work in the pharmaceutical industry.
Can I work as a clinical pharmacy specialist and work for industry simultaneously? Am I being delusional??
Thinking Above and Beyond! I am a first-year pharmacy student who aspire to become clinical specialist. For context, I working in a hospital as a pharmacy intern. For now, I am interested in internal medicine, ambulatory care, and oncology. Between all three, oncology piques my interest the most. While being a clinical specialist is my goal, I was also wondering if I can also integrate myself in the industry world during or after practicing clinically; specifically in medical affairs. I would love some feedback or insight from any pharmacists within these roles, suggestions/ advice, or with some experience. Thank you for your time.
healthcare pharmacy vs industrial pharm?
What is the difference between healthcare pharmacy and industrial pharmacy and what would you recommend to somebody that's getting in that field?
How versatile and stable are the chemical engineering vs. bioengineering fields, and where do the two overlap??
I'm a student at Oregon State University currently majoring in Bioengineering. I'm considering switching to Chemical Engineering. So far, I have taken on one internship doing biochemistry research and I'm a licensed Pharm Tech. I know that I'm interested in Biochemistry and Chemistry, and I want to know which major is most applicable to pharmaceuticals or has the potential to expand my options should I find out I'm interested in non-pharma things. If you can, please also comment on any potential salary differences. Thank you for your help!
I'd love to hear from experienced professionals on the real world value of each of the coursera online courses.
Good Day Career Village, I have the oppourtunity to pursue one among the seven 6-12month online courses on Coursera. Data Analytics AI & Machine Learning Project Management Cybersecurity Business & Entrepreneurship Developer Pathway Mobile Developer Pathway This to me, is very much a big deal. And seeing that I'll have to invest a lot to the course, I want to pick the one most feasible to have on my cv/resume for future carreer prospects. I'm currently a full-time student of Pharmacology Therapeutics and Toxicology in a college of medicine in Lagos, Nigeria. And I'm aware that data analytics Is a good choice considering my field, but I'd love to hear from experienced professionals on the real world value of each option. Thank you In advance for your insight
How to become a pharmaceutical technician?
Share your journey & guide aspiring pharmaceutical technicians on their path! Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.