Why pharma is the perfect opportunity to upskill

You can build a career in a number of ways. Traditionally, you chose an industry, get a foot in the door and work your way up the ladder. In recent years, we have seen that trend that many people prefer to work across a variety of businesses for short periods to develop a more rounded experience. A big part of that trend is the need to upskill.

Upskilling is a great way to re-energise a career or move in a new direction. It’s a way to build on skills you have and apply them in a more lucrative or more exciting area. If you’re looking for a change and are interested in the pharma industry, there are many career opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector.

It’s a vibrant, growing industry

Pharma is such a good opportunity because it’s one of the largest and fastest-growing industries worldwide. Ireland is the largest net exporter of medicines in the world, with pharmaceuticals generating over 50 per cent of the country’s exports. Most of the top pharmaceutical companies in the world have a base in Ireland, with many new companies setting up strategic business units here in recent years.

That continued investment and pharma’s key place in the Irish economy will only lead to further growth in the sector, and growth means jobs. The demand for pharmaceutical talent has never been higher.

It’s not just for scientists

That demand has expanded beyond pure science talent too. Pharma is already a highly skilled industry with the required skill sets becoming more and more varied. Technology is changing the way most businesses operate and Pharma is no different, with increasingly sophisticated processes creating a need for new skills. These businesses are more than manufacturers; they are large, global businesses, meaning they require commercial and business skills to complement the technical side of their businesses.

Upskilling in areas like Pharmaceutical data analytics, business operations or technology will put you in demand.

You could build a career

Having nine of the top ten Pharmaceutical manufacturers in the world in Ireland doesn’t just create opportunities for varied skillsets; it also creates opportunities for career growth. Most of the larger organisations invest heavily in their talent offering opportunities to adapt, upskill, and move up the career ladder. Upskilling to move into the pharmaceutical industry may fit into the modern career template of varied experience, but it could also be the first step on an established career path in the pharmaceutical sector.