Are you a life science graduate wondering what to do with your degree? Or an experienced recruitment consultant looking for a different challenge in a new industry? Contemplating a career in recruitment within the life sciences industry could be one of the best career decisions you can make for reasons you may not have considered.
There are several well-known perks of jobs in recruitment. If you’re an experienced recruiter, you’ll already know that recruitment jobs offer variety, great career prospects, uncapped earning potential and the lure of exciting rewards and incentives. However, the choice to get into life sciences recruitment can be based on the following points, whether or not you have had previous experience:
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A chance to make a difference
It’s no secret that one of the principle things that drives us is the desire to be happy and fulfilled in the workplace. According to OfficeVibe, a staggering 88% of employees admit that they don’t have a passion for their work. The chance to work in recruitment gives you an opportunity to pursue an engaging and worthwhile career, one that leaves you feeling satisfied at the end of the day.
Working with pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medtech clients to recruit the finest talent is an excellent way to contribute to the development of new drugs and products that will be used to help hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. It’s a chance to use your qualifications, skills and expertise to really make an impact within one of the most successful and important industries in the world. Every exceptional candidate you place at these leading, global companies will bring them a step closer to providing the world with life-saving medicines. You’ll be safe in the knowledge that every day is an opportunity to make a difference.
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Dealing with people who care
If you are coming from a previous job in recruitment, one of the first things you will notice is the high calibre of professionals you will be working with. Clients will range from global pharmaceutical and medical device giants, to medtech and biotech start-ups, and leading contract research organisations (CROs).
Similarly, you will be placing some of the best candidates in the industry into important, high-level positions. These include medical director, clinical project manager and senior manager of regulatory affairs jobs.
Professionalism and good industry knowledge will be required to engage successfully with clients and candidates within this industry.
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An alternative to white coats and laboratories
Many will have completed undergraduate, masters and PhDs in various life science areas, yet a substantial proportion won’t know what to do with their qualifications after graduation. Many studies have shown that, more often than not, graduates are likely to pursue a career that is not directly related to their degree.
In the life sciences industry, this may be because some do not wish to work in a laboratory or pharmacy setting, and instead are better suited to a more people-facing career. If this is the case, life science recruiter jobs can offer the perfect balance. On the one hand, you will be using your degree on a daily basis, and on the other, you will be working in a dynamic, client-focused role.
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A different approach
Leading on from the previous point, several life sciences graduates may not fully understand how pharma, medical devices, and other life sciences sectors operate. When it comes to choosing a career after they graduate, a lack of knowledge about what career paths they can take may be very restrictive on their choices.
Recruitment consultant jobs will give you the chance to get to know the industry inside out. You will learn how clinical trials work, what processes are needed to bring a drug from scientific development to market; you will learn about regulatory bodies and the role of quality control. Most importantly, you will learn what it takes to become a successful candidate within each life science vertical. Understanding what life science companies are driven by and what sort of people they want to hire can really help when it comes to your future career development. Indeed, many life sciences recruitment consultants may go on to be a professional within industry
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Use your existing knowledge and experience
If you have spent time working within the life sciences industry and have decided you want a change, your existing knowledge and experience will give you a head start in the life science recruitment industry, and the direct experience would help you to build rapport more easily with candidates and clients alike. Equally, if you have previous recruitment experience, you can further hone your skills and apply your expertise to make important placements and build strong relationships with clients and candidates. If you have an industry background as well as recruitment experience, you would be in a particularly strong position.
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Become a subject matter expert (SME)
Clients and candidates will expect a certain level of knowledge about the life science industry and the specific vertical that you specialise in. They are high-earning, experienced professionals who will put their trust in you if you can demonstrate that you fully understand the needs of both the client and candidate. In order to do this, you will become an SME of sorts. For example, as a regulatory affairs consultant, you will have to have an in-depth understanding of regulatory bodies, how they operate, and what specific experience a regulatory professional would need to get a drug to market. Using your expertise, you can best gauge what is needed to find the best person for the role.
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Lots of opportunities for European speakers
As the majority of pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies operate globally, especially those in Europe, the demand for life science recruitment consultancies to employ those with language skills is very high. Most global life sciences businesses such as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), for example, will have to conduct clinical trials in several countries in order to test the safety and effectiveness of a drug or treatment. This will require a recruitment consultant with the ability to liaise with client representatives in other countries, as well as regionally located candidates to work on these international projects. Therefore, it is often beneficial for recruiters to be fluent in more than one language.
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A better working environment
Due to the globalisation of clients and the need for multilingual colleagues, recruitment consultant jobs in life sciences will offer a dynamic and culturally diverse working environment. This can create an enriching atmosphere for you to develop your career. Also, as a result of international clients, it is more than likely that the recruitment consultancy will have opportunities for you to work abroad.
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A good choice of industry
Aside from the obvious benefits of working in life sciences, it is wise to acknowledge that the life sciences industry is stable and booming, unlikely to be seriously impacted by political events or cyclical recessions. The life sciences industry is not a luxury and will always be well-invested, affording a certain amount of job security.
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Proclinical is hiring!
There really is no better time to join Proclinical! Currently, we are hiring for life science recruitment consultants of all levels in various countries including the USA, Canada, EU, Switzerland, UK, Australia, China, Singapore, and Japan. We are especially interested in hearing from experienced recruiters from other sectors, but our internal recruiters will be happy to consider those without recruitment experience as we offer a comprehensive development and training programme. Enquire now!
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