by, for, and about women in science, technology, engineering, & math

My advice to anyone who wants to get a job in pharmaceutical research is to get experience in school. Do a co-op or an internship! Or work in one of your professor’s labs. In 2006, when I graduated it was tough to get a job. I can’t imagine how hard it is now. But the one thing they look for is EXPERIENCE. Something, anything. Yes, we all took classes that has some experience but it’s not applied experience. Lab experience is what they are looking for.

I know a few friends who didn’t want to delay their graduation because of taking a semester off to do a co-op. Some of them are having trouble finding a job. I think it is totally worth it. Also, mine was a paid co-op. Awesome!!

For those of you who are out of school and can’t get that experience. I would try to get a temp job at a pharmaceutical company. Yes, it’s not secure but you are at least getting experience. 3 months or 6 months is still something. I know a few friends who actually got hired full time after their temp position was up. I also know some friends who had a temp position for almost 2 years because they kept renewing the position.