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24 Jan 2025 by LBG Career Center

Expert Talk: Careers Beyond Academia – Insights into Global Pharma

The Expert Talk on January 19, 2025 by Mag. Sylvia Felzmann MBA MSc, an accomplished professional in global pharma marketing, aimed to provide comprehensive insights into the pharmaceutical industry. Drawing from her extensive experience, Sylvia shared practical advice on building a career in pharma, navigating organizational structures, and succeeding in global marketing roles. Hosted by the LBG Career Center in cooperation with Euraxess REBECA Hub (Researchers Beyond Academia) the event was particularly tailored for researchers considering a career transition and covered crucial aspects such as entry-level opportunities, skills development, and career growth in the pharma sector.

Key Highlights

1. Career Path Insights: Transitioning from academia to the pharmaceutical industry demands preparation, flexibility, and a proactive mindset. Sylvia emphasized the importance of assessing job prerequisites and being ready to adapt. Her advice included:

  • Preparation: Obtain relevant certifications (e.g., pharma sales rep certification) and language skills.
  • Flexibility: Be open to roles that may not initially align with your ideal career path.
  • Seizing Opportunities: Act swiftly when promising roles appear, even if you lack all the desired qualifications.

2. Entry-Level Roles in Pharma: The pharmaceutical industry offers a range of entry-level opportunities tailored to various skillsets and interests:

  • Manufacturing and Quality Roles:
    Positions include analytical development, quality assurance (QA), and quality control (QC). Required skills are GXP certifications, technical expertise, project management, and attention to detail.
  • Sales and Key Account Management:
    Roles such as pharma sales representatives and product specialists focus on customer engagement. Desired skills and prerequisites are a Pharma sales certification, excellent communication skills, and the ability to travel.
  • Medical and Clinical Positions:
    Opportunities include Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) and Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs). Required expertise includes scientific knowledge, clinical trial experience, and certification in pharmaceutical sales.
  • Marketing/Digital Marketing:
    Roles such as Product Manager and Digital Marketing Manager focus on product launches, omnichannel strategies, and supporting sales. Requirements include a life science background, marketing knowledge, German/English proficiency; recommended courses in Pharma Sales Rep and digital marketing basics.
  • Regulatory Affairs:
    Roles such as Regulatory Affairs Specialist or Manager handle clinical trial submissions, product updates (SmPC), and liaising with authorities. Requirements are pharmacy/life science degree, Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC), knowledge of AMG/EMA processes and courses in GXP (Good Practices) and regulatory basics – glossary of regulatory terms

3. Organizational Structure and Global Collaboration: Pharmaceutical companies are typically structured as matrix organizations, involving dual responsibilities across functions and product groups. Key elements of this structure include:

  • Collaboration across global, regional, and country functions.
  • Cross-functional teams managing a product’s life cycle journey, from development to post-market monitoring.
  • Shared accountability for the success of projects across different managerial chains.

4. Global Marketing Role: Marketing in the pharmaceutical sector is a dynamic and impactful career path that involves:

  • Responsibilities:
    – Creating and executing global strategies, branding, and customer engagement campaigns.
    – Overseeing market research and competitive positioning.
    – Representing the organization at industry events and conferences.
  • Emerging Trends: Increasing focus on digital marketing, big data, and multichannel campaigns.
  • Challenges: Adhering to strict regulatory frameworks like the PHARMIG Code of Conduct and IFPMA Code of Practice.

5. Personal Insights for Success: Sylvia shared her learnings from years in the industry, offering actionable advice:

  • Networking: Utilize LinkedIn, attend trade shows, and build relationships with industry professionals.
  • Continuous Learning: Stay updated with industry-specific vocabulary, certifications, and digital trends.
  • Self-Assessment: Reflect on personal strengths and interests to align career choices with your goals.
  • Persistence: Understand that the first job might not be perfect but serves as a stepping stone for career growth.

By sharing her personal journey and actionable strategies, Sylvia encouraged participants to explore diverse opportunities in pharma, leverage their unique skills, and embrace lifelong learning.

About the Expert

Sylvia Felzmann studied molecular biology and worked in medical research at the AKH, Vienna and at the NIH, USA. After moving into the pharmaceutical industry, she worked in various companies and functions in medical, marketing and various therapeutic areas. After further training in business and a position as head of start-up financing at the AWS, she was responsible for the global business and the life cycle management of a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine and a meningococcal vaccine at Baxter and later at Pfizer for more than 10 years. Today she is a consultant and interim manager for life science companies and a certified systemic coach supporting scientists in their career development.

RESEARCHERS BEYOND ACADEMIA by Euraxess

Created in collaboration with the Researchers Beyond Academia (REBECA) Hub by EURAXESS.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme within the framework of the ERA TALENT Project funded under grant agreement No 10110347.

a. LBG Career Center