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Training Instructor

The pharmaceutical industry offered me everything that I was looking for in a career.

Tim, Training Instructor

So, what do you do?

I am currently employed as a Sales Trainer for a pharmaceutical company based in Southampton. My responsibilities include the Training & Development of both Head Office and field based employees. I plan and deliver a variety of training from pharmaceutical products right through to communication skills based courses. I also work closely with field based employees in order to develop interpersonal skills with customers.

What does your typical day involve?

I have no typical day in my current role! If I am not planning or delivering a training course then I am working on a project or coaching a representative out in the field.

Do you work mostly on your own or as part of team?

I am part of a four person Training & Development Department. We work on departmental projects together whenever we can. We tend to work individually when it comes to our own responsibilities.

How has your career developed since you entered the industry?

I joined the pharmaceutical industry in 2004 as a Medical Representative covering both primary and secondary care. In 2006 I relocated to the south of England and took on this role.

Why did you decide on a career in the pharmaceutical industry?

I conducted a lot of research after leaving university and found that the pharmaceutical industry offered me everything that I was looking for in a career. The industry allowed me to apply previous skills and knowledge that I had gained and there are lots of different career paths that can be taken. The industry has a good reputation and the salaries and benefits are excellent.

When did you make this decision?

Getting into the pharmaceutical industry is not easy, I was fortunate enough to secure a place within two months of searching for a role as a medical representative. I managed to do this as I researched the industry extensively and also set up a number of shadow days with experienced medical representatives.

What qualifications and experience did you have when you joined the industry?

I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a BSc degree in Sport Science & Psychology. I worked for a short time as a trainee Physical Education teacher but soon realised that what I really wanted was a role within a sales environment. I initially worked as a recruitment consultant, this gave me excellent exposure to the sales environment and enabled me to gain the experience I desperately needed in order to join the pharmaceutical industry.

Do you think additional qualifications or experience would be an advantage? What might be valuable?

A degree of any sort is always useful. A science background is advantageous but not essential. Some form of successful sales experience is also helpful. The industry is constantly changing so I would encourage individuals looking to join the industry to gain a basic level of understanding surrounding the NHS. This will stand you in good stead during the application process.

What are you most proud of in your career?

I have pushed myself since leaving University; this enabled me to move on in my career quickly. Relocating and leaving friends & family to undertake my current role has been hard, but my ambition is carrying me through. I am a firm believer in ‘taking opportunities’.

What possibilities are there for your career in the future?

Marketing or Regional Management will be my next move. The pharmaceutical industry is almost unique in that it offers so many different career paths and it is up to the individual to decide which one to follow.

What do you think are the most important skills for someone in your role to have?

Time management and organisation skills are essential. Good interpersonal skills are important as is the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone seeking a career in the pharmaceutical industry?

Do your homework! Research as many different companies and roles as you can, and gain a basic understanding of the NHS and the issues that surround it. The industry is highly competitive so it is important to get into this mindset early on and get ahead of the game by beginning your application process today!

Case studies

  • Analytical Chemist
  • Analytical Chemist (Discovery)
  • Animal Technologist
  • Apprentice - Higher Laboratory Scientist
  • Biologist (biomarkers)
  • Biologist (DPMK)
  • Biologist (imaging)
  • BioPharmaceutical Scientist
  • Biostatistics Manager
  • Business Engagement Director
  • Chemical Biologist
  • Chemical Engineer
  • Chemist (manufacturing)
  • Chemist (process)
  • Chemistry (discovery)
  • Chemistry Outsourcing Manager and Synthetic Chemist
  • Clinical Data Manager
  • Clinical Quality Assurance Advisor
  • Clinical Research Analyst
  • Clinical Research Associate
  • Clinical Research Manager
  • Clinical Research Project Manager
  • Clinical Safety Scientist
  • Clinical Safety Scientist 2
  • Clinical Scientist
  • Clinical trials supplies
  • Commercial Account Manager
  • Commercial Director
  • Compliance Director
  • Contract Manager
  • Data Sciences Manager
  • Director Medical Affairs
  • Drug Safety Associate – Video
  • Drug Safety Officer
  • Epidemiologist
  • Executive Sales Representative
  • Geneticist
  • Graduate Trainee Biologist
  • Graduate Trainee Chemist
  • Graduate Trainee In Vivo Scientist
  • Head of Drug Safety and Local Safety Officer
  • Head of Health Economics
  • Head of Market Access
  • Healthcare Manager
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Industrial Placement (Medicinal Chemist)
  • Industrial Placement (Medicinal Chemistry)
  • Industrial Placement (Regulatory Policy)
  • Industrial Placement Biologist
  • Industrial Placement Chemist
  • Industrial Placement Pharmacologist
  • Industrial Placement Pharmacologist - Respiratory
  • Industrial placement student – biologist
  • Industry Accountant
  • IT Project Manager
  • Laboratory Technician (biology)
  • Laboratory Technician (chemistry)
  • Lean Coach
  • Learning and Development Business Practice Lead
  • Legal Coordinator
  • Manufacturing Operative
  • Market Access Director
  • Mathematical Modeller
  • Medical department intern
  • Medical Director and Managing Director UK & Ireland
  • Medical Director UK and Ireland
  • Medical Director UK and Republic of Ireland
  • Medical Information Scientist
  • Medical Physicist
  • Medical Writer
  • Medical writer (freelance)
  • Medicinal Chemist
  • Medicinal Chemist – Video
  • Medicinal Chemistry Director
  • Occupational Health Manager
  • Patent Attorney
  • Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist
  • Pharmaceutical Technologist
  • Pharmacist (formulation)
  • Pharmacist (pre-registration)
  • Pharmacokineticist (DMPK) – Video
  • Pharmacologist
  • Pharmacovigilance Scientist
  • Policy and Public Affairs Manager
  • Product Manager
  • Production Coordinator
  • Project Manager / Director
  • Public Relations Executive
  • Public Relations Officer
  • Quality and Compliance Vice President
  • Regulatory Affairs and Qualified Person
  • Regulatory Affairs Associate
  • Regulatory Affairs Consultant (Freelance)
  • Regulatory Affairs Executive
  • Regulatory Associate
  • Research Project Leader
  • Research Scientist – Video
  • Sales Representative
  • Scientific Affairs Manager (Nutrition)
  • Senior statistician
  • Specialist Medical Representative
  • Statistician
  • Summer placement student
  • Synthetic Medicinal Chemist – Video
  • Toxicologist
  • Toxicologist (Contract Research)
  • Toxicology Study Director
  • Training Director
  • Training Instructor
  • UK and Ireland Medical Director
  • Veterinary Surgeon

ABPI

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales 
(registered number 09826787) and its registered office is at 7th Floor Southside,105 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QT.
Telephone +44 (0) 207 9303477

© ABPI 2021
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Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA)

The Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA) was established by The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry to operate the ABPI Code of Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry independently of the ABPI. The PMCPA is a division of ABPI which is a company registered in England and Wales (registered number 09826787) with its registered office at 7th Floor, Southside, 105 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QT.

Office of Health Economics (OHE)

The Office of Health Economics (OHE) is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (registered number 09848965) and its registered office is at 7th Floor Southside, 105 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QT. OHE provides independent research, advisory and consultancy services on policy implications and economic issues within the pharmaceutical, health care and biotechnology sectors.