What are your next steps?
A background of pharmacology study not only provides you with specialist research skills but a wide set of transferable skills that fit a diverse range of roles.
When considering your next step after completing a pharmacology degree, it is worth considering what you enjoyed about the experience. It can be useful to understand what you enjoy and think about your future ambitions before choosing your next career move.
Self reflection aid
Our self reflection tool (collaboratively created by Stephanie Merrigan, Andrew Smith and Breandán Kennedy – UCD PharmTox & UCD Ocular Pharmacology & Genetics group) provides a framework of questions that may help you think of your next step in progressing your research career.
How do I progress my research career?
Whether you pursue a career in academic or industrial research, there are some important factors that play a role in your progression.
Today, research is more international than ever and it is important to establish a network of collaborators. These contacts can help discuss and review ideas, exchange reagents, tissues and animal models, and they could even be future employers or collaborate with you on a grant.
Expand your network
One of the best ways to meet fellow researchers is to attend conferences and seminars, both inside and outside of your field. However, many people find networking at conferences stressful. If so, you might find the following tips useful:
- Attend the poster sessions and ask questions. People love talking about their work. Make sure you exchange names and email addresses before you move on.
- Try and think of a relevant question to ask after a presentation. This can help get your name known while you are an early career researcher.
- Join in person or digital networking events during the conference; this could include dedicated mentoring or networking sessions, so keep an eye out for opportunities dedicated to expanding your network.
- Ask your supervisor, mentor or another trusted colleague to introduce you to others during the conference.
- Follow up with people you meet on LinkedIn or by email. Perhaps share an article of mutual interest.
- Introduce others. If you take the time to make introductions, people will repay the favour.
- Stop when you’ve had enough! If you find networking stressful, set yourself a limit of speaking to two new people and then take some time out.
Other ways to raise your profile
If you are unable to travel to conferences or join online meetings, there are other ways to raise your profile (in addition to publishing):
- Reach out to other pharmacologists through the online BPS Community - a dedicated online space for members to share, collaborate and build networks globally.
- Try writing a comment article or blog on your research – check out the Society’s blog and Pharmacology Matters magazine for inspiration.
- Embrace press interest in your research – it is important to promote good science! Reach out to your university and funder’s press office for support in sharing your research with the media.
- Sharing articles and news on LinkedIn.
- If you know someone else attending the conference, ask if they could present or reference your work on your behalf at a conference.
- Make the most of new technology – ask if you can present by videolink at conferences.
- Get involved in Society committees and groups - you will gain insight into different areas of Society activity and work with members from around the world.
Publishing and peer review
As you become more independent as a researcher, you are likely to take the lead on writing many more of your own scientific articles. You will also be asked to review scientific papers for others as part of the peer-review process. To make sure you carry out these responsibilities well, it is important to be familiar with the ethics and standards of authorship and peer review.
A good place to learn more about this is the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors.
To communicate your ideas and research results in a clear and compelling way:
- Consider the logic of the information that you are presenting
- Consider your audience - they may be outside of your immediate field of study
- Make your argument clear throughout the paper
- Thoroughly explain your methods - further details can often be added in an appendix
- Consider pre-registering your study design and methods
- Choose an experienced senior colleague to be your main point of contact for help and advice
- Ensure you adhere to Standards and Guidelines for your study design and paper. For example:
- For randomised trials, use the CONSORT guidelines
- For data generated from animals, use the NC3R’s ARRIVE guidelines
For systematic reviews, use the PRISMA guidelines
Publish with BPS journals
Our journals are owned and run by our members. They span a variety of topics relevant to the research and practice of pharmacology. Find out more about our journals and why you should consider publishing with us.
Peer review for BPS journals
Volunteer as a peer reviewer for the British Journal of Pharmacology, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and/or Pharmacology Research & Perspectives.
Graduate schemes
BSc graduates are eligible for graduate schemes in lots of different places, from biomedical research organisations to industry. Graduate career fairs are a great place to find more information from prospective employers about their graduate training schemes.
Graduate roles in industry
Many pharmaceutical companies offer graduate entry roles in areas like drug discovery or medical writing. Dedicated graduate schemes allow you to experience different roles during the scheme, to help you determine what kind of role you are most interested in. They often offer professional development opportunities to help you develop key skills to support you throughout your career.
You can find out more about graduate roles in the pharmacetical industry from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).
Some examples of graduate schemes from the industry sector include:
Biomedical Research organisations
Several biomedical research organisations have graduate training schemes. These are usually two-year schemes where graduates work in different parts of a business to develop their skills before specialising in a certain area. They are paid roles and may lead to full-time permanent employment with the organisation.
Some examples of graduate schemes from the non-profit and industry sectors include:
As a Pharmacology graduate, you are equipped with a number of transferable skills that provide a solid basis for a huge range of possible careers. Take a look at our Where can pharmacology take me? page to explore just some of the career options open to you.
Kick-start your career with BPS membership
Early career professionals are eligible for discounted BPS membership that unlocks a range of benefits. Access opportunities and support to help you get ahead in your career!
Expand your network
Joining in person or digital networking events and asking others questions about their work is a great way to expand your network.
