Pharmaceutical Industry Workers

To prepare for a pharmaceutical sales career, you might be able to find part-time work in a pharmacy or a related sales position. Working for a pharmacy, you can learn about the drug manufacturers, the most-prescribed drugs, and other information about the industry. You may also meet sales representatives, and have the opportunity to read the promotional materials distributed by drug companies.

Some pharmaceutical manufacturers offer virtual tours of their facilities at their Web sites. For example, UPM Pharmaceuticals offers tours of its analytical laboratory, commercial warehouse, and other facilities at https://www.upm-inc.com/en-us/virtual-tour-of-upm-pharmaceuticals. You can view more tours on YouTube and by visiting the Web sites of major pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Talk with several types of pharmaceutical industry workers about their careers. Ask your school counselor to help arrange an interview. Suggested interview questions include: What made you want to enter this career? What do you like most and least about your job? How did you train for this field? What are some key skills for success? What advice would you give to young people about preparing for the field and being successful on the job? How will advances in technology change the field?