While studying at university or looking for a new position, you need to have an idea of what you want to do once you graduate or leave your current job – this is where research plays an important role. Knowing what you have to look into and where to do it are your starting blocks.

Firstly, you need to identify your strengths, weaknesses and ambitions. What skills and experience do you have and what type of career are you seeking?

Secondly, narrow down the specific role you are looking for. There's a vast range of healthcare-related jobs, from IT through to regulatory affairs, offered by a diverse group of companies. Chances are that you will have some idea which ones would suit you. Filtering these out will save you time and energy when it comes to your research but be careful not to overlook any golden opportunities. Pharma is a growing industry and, contrary to the stereotype, many positions do not require a strong scientific background.

What sector?
"Do your research on the job roles that would most suit you," says Michael Craig, the associate brand manager at Actelion Pharmaceuticals. For most of us, career options are determined by our skill set. It is only once we have sifted through the vacancies that fit our capabilities that we can afford to pick and choose. But pharma is full of surprises and candidates are constantly surprised by the variety of jobs on offer. "I thought my career options were limited to academic or industrial laboratory research," says Kim Lawden, the programme director for Avenue. "I wasn't aware that I could use science in a more exciting way."

To find the most appropriate position for you, delve deep. BreakthroughLiVE provides a comprehensive list of job descriptions within the pharmaceutical industry and its service sector and Pharmaceutical Marketing magazine and Pharmaceutical Marketing Europe have an entire section devoted to new appointments and recruitment. Take a look at the related links for idetails on how to subscribe. National newspapers, specialised books and other industry websites are also great sources of information. "To get current insights into jobs, it's worth doing some research on the internet and searching for general careers advice," says Teva Dawson, senior PR executive at Roche. If you are a student, a visit to your university careers library and careers fairs would also push you in the right direction.

Career guidance is vital if you're having trouble deciding what sector is best for you. Talk to your careers advisor about what you want to achieve and how you want to achieve it. They are trained professionals who can help you in every stage of your career choice. You will be asked a series of questions about your personality, ambitions, skills and experience and they will highlight what options are available to candidates with your qualifications. They can also offer you extensive practical advice including CV workshops, interview techniques and assistance with job applications.

If you would prefer to do the research alone, or aren't fortunate enough to have a careers advisor at hand, head for the research section in your local library. Scan the recruitment directories and jot down the bits of practical advice that are useful to you. Librarians are also a great source of information and should be able to steer you in the right direction if you can't find what you are looking for. "Pharma is about co-operation, so applicants should use a variety of sources to do their research," suggests John Metcalf, HR director at Solvay.

Attend careers fairs and employer presentations – even if you aren't offered a placement, you're certainly moving closer to your perfect job. Here you can meet potential employers, fish for interview tips and create important contacts. Gather as much information as you can about the companies and investigate what they can offer you. Careers fairs will open your eyes to a magnitude of opportunities.

What company?
Once you have an idea of what job you would like to pursue, the next step is to find out which companies offer this role. A big organisation may possess more of a 'wow factor' but it won't always offer you the best development programme.

Helen Hodgson, operations and recruitment director at Inventive Solutions, says, "Thorough research will give you the best opportunity for success. It's a competitive marketplace, so you need to stand out – an interviewer will appreciate the research you have done on their company and products."
Look at what each firm can offer you in terms of career development, training and salary. "If you are a student, look for companies that have junior openings and offer graduate recruitment programmes – these usually start early on in the year," advises Daniel Clifton, a director at Paramount Recruitment.
Once you have found an organisation that fits the bill, assess whether you are as attractive to them, Do you have the relevant skills and knowledge? Do you share the same ethos? "Think about the culture of a company – what do they value?" says John Metcalf. "Does this fit with your values?" Different companies look for different characteristics in employees. For a comprehensive cross section, take a look at the Employer Profiles.

Most healthcare companies have their own website, which can be a useful source of information. Brush up on their company 'vision' and make a note of their specialised products and services. For a more in-depth insight, take a look at PMLiVEto see if your chosen organisation has a 'Company Profile' available. This 20-page document will tell you everything you need to know about the organisation and, for a small cost, you will stand out among the other interviewees with your new-found knowledge.

After the research
After you have decided on the sector and company you would like to work for, the next step is to demonstrate your relevant skills. It is rarely enough to impress with qualifications alone – today's employers will be looking for evidence that you can apply what you have learnt.

If you can, get involved with some extra-curricular activities, either at university or in your spare time. Involvement in sports teams, charity organisations, political and student societies, debate teams, and even part-time work could stand you in good stead. "Taking on a position of authority or responsibility is also a good idea, because it shows you have courage," says John Metcalf.

Industrial placements and work experience are excellent ways to develop the skills valued by employers and will substantially increase your chances of being offered a permanent job. They can also confirm if the industry is for you. "Before I began applying for jobs, I shadowed some medical representatives, to make sure that the pharmaceutical industry was right for me," says Georgina Smith, a junior medical representative at AstraZeneca. "It was a good way to see how individuals work and how different companies operate. It also allowed me to see and experience an average working day."
Some companies won't have formal internships, but make as many contacts as possible and enquire about informal work experience – the more of it you have, the better. "You've got to be prepared to make an investment in yourself," says Chris Pickard, a public affairs manager at Novo Nordisk. "And work hard to achieve your ideal job."

Helen Hodgson agrees. "Visit your local health centre and speak to the GPs, practice nurses and managers – they might put you in contact with the right people."

The next step is to start looking for jobs. Keep tabs on job ads and sign up for job alerts at BreakthroughLiVE and with recruitment agencies – they can keep you posted of suitable vacancies and forward your details to their clients. "When I graduated, it was quite difficult to find vacancies in the area I wanted to work in, because it is such a small and specialist area," says Eleanor Craven, an employee at CCA, a healthcare PR agency. "So I contacted a recruitment consultant who specialised in healthcare PR. He was very helpful, because he knew which companies were looking to recruit and what kind of candidate they wanted."

So, what next?
After conducting your research, gaining experience, developing those important skills and choosing which jobs you want to apply for, your next step is to create the perfect CV. You want to make an excellent impression on paper so that you can impress in person. "If your CV shows that you have the right skills and qualifications, then it's down to your preparation and personality during the interview," says Daniel Clifton. Don't let all your research go to waste – now you've identified your ambitions and the company's need, don't hesitate in going for your dream job! 

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