Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find answers to the questions we are often asked. If you want to know something that isn't covered on the website, please send us your query and we will try to answer it.

I am hoping to gain some work experience during my time at university. Would it be possible for me to organise a placement through your organisation?

Our organisation does not have the infrastructure to organise work experience on behalf of others, please refer to our Pharmaceutical Recruiters section of the website for details on companies that you can contact directly

Can I apply for a job at your company or through this website?

As the ABPI is a trade association, rather than a pharmaceutical company, we do not get involved with the recruitment of people into the industry, you would need to contact individual pharmaceutical companies, or look for vacancies on their websites. Information on pharmaceutical companies is available through the Pharmaceutical Recruiters section of the website.

I have gained my degree(s) and have worked overseas (for example in India), what opportunities are there for me in the pharmaceutical industry?

The pharmaceutical industry is a worldwide industry, may companies set up their Research and Development sites (as well as Manufacturing and Marketing) in multiple countries, for instance AstraZeneca has a site at Bangalore in India. Use the internet to explore the companies that are represented in the country you wish to work in.

I have been a medical rep in (for example) Canada/Australia  and have passed medical representative exams there, do I still need to take the ABPI exam?

I am sorry, there is no recognition of other exams for medical reps in the UK. Medically qualified doctors are not exempt either. You can find links to many international pharmaceutical companies from the Pharmaceutical Recruiters section of our website.