Who works in pharmaceuticals?

Pharmaceutical companies employ people with a range of skills, qualifications and experience.

Many are graduates, some with postgraduate qualifications and experience. Others may join straight from school, continuing their education through part time study for BTEC, HND, and sometimes honours degree, qualifications. In some companies Apprenticeships are offered in many areas.

In Research and Development many people will be scientists, often with degrees and perhaps postgraduate qualifications in chemistry, biological sciences, maths or IT.

Manufacturing also relies on scientists as well as engineers and other specialist staff.

Commercial functions and the more general support roles that are essential in any large organisation, such as HR, finance and IT will involve people with a range of professional qualifications. However, again, there are likely to be opportunities to further your education whilst employed.

• For individual career perspectives from people who actually work in the industry, explore this section of the website: Career Profiles