Claire Farrugia
Operations Executive, gradireland
Degrees in fields such as pharmacy, pharmacology and biological sciences can open many doors. Learn how you can put your best foot forward when applying for a graduate role.
Some jobs in this field can be highly competitive, but your degree sets you up with a number of technical and transferable skills to help you land your first graduate job.
Demonstrate your skills
Transferable skills are often overlooked when applying for more technical roles, but highlighting them in your CV can help you stand out. These skills include collaboration, leadership, communication, commercial awareness, presentation skills, technological aptitude, researching ability, time management, problem-solving and resourcefulness.
Demonstrating an awareness of industry trends can also help you stand out. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries evolve rapidly, so be aware of key trends.
Taking up jobs in other areas
can also help you develop
skills to help you stand out.
Relevant work experience
Getting hands-on practical experience as part of your degree provides you with an excellent foundation for entering the world of work and choosing the right area in which to apply. Work experience will display your enthusiasm and initiative to potential employers and will show them that you can apply the skills acquired in your course to a practical workplace. Internships and placements are a great way to gain experience, but there are more ways to go about it.
Taking up a volunteer role can help you gain valuable practical skills and demonstrate your passion for a cause. Local employers, such as pharmacies, may also offer short job shadowing opportunities. Taking up jobs in other areas can also help you develop skills to help you stand out. Working in a retail environment or healthcare setting gives you the opportunity to develop your customer service and patient care skills, along with enhancing your knowledge of over-the-counter medications, in some cases.
Applying for graduate roles
Once you have written your CV and are ready to start applying, tailor your application to the job you’re applying for. Read the job description thoroughly, and highlight matching skills in your application. If you’re not feeling confident, ask for feedback. The careers services at your college can help you fine-tune your CV.
