Working in the life sciences sector, myths vs reality

Sustainability is high on the agenda for many industries, sectors and educators, and rightly so. However, with a challenge as large and far-reaching as climate change, can we be confident enough is being done by everyone who claims to be taking action?

The evidence is clear that climate change is already a key driver of an increasing number of health issues – making it a central issue on the minds of pharmaceutical industry leaders. Events like ‘Green Careers Week’ are a great way to raise awareness of the challenges, as well as an opportunity to support informed career choices among those keen to make a difference.

To support informed choices, we have to debunk myths and properly demonstrate what working in a particular industry has to offer, so that people can find a career that’s right for them. Securing the right job for students will ultimately lead to greater job satisfaction and wellbeing – in turn, that’s also likely to reduce absence from work and improve productivity.

Take the life sciences and the pharmaceutical industry as an example, there is a vast range of fulfilling careers in this sector, with many different career paths and entry points. However, when people think of working in the pharmaceutical industry, sustainability is not the first thing that springs to mind. Instead, thoughts tend to gravitate toward the qualifications required to get a job that requires wearing a lab coat – even if most people working in the industry may never enter a lab. 

So let’s explore how sustainable careers are evolving in this space and demystify some preconceptions about working in the pharmaceutical industry.

Myth: work experience is pointless

Getting work experience while at school can be an invaluable source of information and practical experience when you are considering working in an industry.

Not only does it provide students with a real-world perspective, it gives a deeper understanding of how the industry works. It also allows students to start building their networks and boost their CV from an early stage.

Resources like taster sessions and internships can provide students with hands-on experience and help them make informed career choices. But aren’t such opportunities only for those with existing connections to the industry? Absolutely not, another myth to dispel.

Myth: You need very specific qualifications to work in the pharmaceutical industry

UK statistics show that the number of young people choosing to pursue apprenticeships is on the rise. But surely the pharmaceutical industry is only accessible via A-Levels and the traditional Higher Education degree route? Yet another myth to dispel.

Apprenticeships offer an attractive alternative path to traditional education if further study at school or university does not feel right for you. Data collated from our recent survey of our members showed apprenticeships being delivered from Level 2 to Level 7 in areas including research and development, manufacturing, human resources, finance, and legal.

Apprenticeships in the pharmaceutical industry

These hands-on programs allow apprentices to learn industry-specific skills while earning a wage. Or, as current apprentices have told me, an apprenticeship can feel ‘like a direct route to a career’ and can provide ‘a high level of education through a much more accessible route into the sector’. 

Apprenticeships also help address skill gaps in the workforce and enable organisations to build a skilled, knowledgeable and talented workforce that is equipped to work efficiently and effectively.

Myth: Everyone’s the same in the pharmaceutical industry

A diverse workforce is essential for diversity in thoughts and ideas. The pharmaceutical industry knows the importance of embracing diversity to bring together people with unique experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives to solve the wide range of challenges we face every day.

Yet myths surrounding the approach to equity, diversity and inclusion remain. Fortunately, examples of schemes which dispel such myths exist across the industry, such as those aimed at supporting talent from underrepresented backgrounds. At the ABPI, we have found great value in working with the Social Mobility Foundation (The Social Mobility Foundation) and The Elephant Group (The Elephant Group), and continue to encourage engagement with tackling equity, diversity and inclusion issues, since embracing and celebrating diversity is a crucial aspect of building a strong workforce.

This means the industry is looking to recruit those who place a high importance on sustainability, as increasingly, everyone will be expected to take on green responsibilities.

From research and development to manufacturing and distribution, the industry is embracing eco-friendly practices that facilitate sustainable manufacturing processes, reduced waste and ethical sourcing of materials to help secure a greener future.

A career in our industry offers an incredible avenue for people to delve into the world of innovation and impact. The industry’s commitment to creating diverse and inclusive environments, with a focus on sustainability, means there are many roles that have the potential to contribute to a greener future.

About the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)

The ABPI exists to make the UK the best place in the world to research, develop and use new medicines and vaccines. We represent companies of all sizes who invest in discovering the medicines of the future.

Our members supply cutting-edge treatments that improve and save the lives of millions of people. We work in partnership with Government and the NHS so patients can get new treatments faster and the NHS can plan how much it spends on medicines.

Every day, we partner with organisations in the life sciences community and beyond to transform lives across the UK. Find out more about pathways into the pharmaceutical industry here. 

Written by Andrew Croydon, ABPI Director Education and Examination Policy & Partnerships