Abstract
These are turbulent times. For Pharma and Biotech there is the potential of new inventions and discovery tempered by the fact that it now takes an average of 12 to 15 years and up to $1.7 billion for a drug to go from discovery to market. Despite all the time and money invested, only a handful of drugs are approved by the FDA each year. The arduous drug approval process reveals a central fact about the pharmaceutical industry: it's one of the most intensely regulated industries in the world. Job requirements have become more stringent as well due to higher numbers of applicants. Advanced or specialized degrees are terrific, but proven “soft skills” – communication skills, writing skills, interpersonal skills, organizational skills – and a strong commitment to teamwork will contribute to making you a more appealing candidate.