Although a doctoral cap still is a quality standard in Life Sciences today, I would like to give natural scientists the courage to give it up - provided they have no major interest in working in the field of research. Only those who really enjoy pure scientific work should consider pursuing doctoral studies.

„Only those who really enjoy pure scientific work should consider pursuing doctoral studies."

All other candidates will most certainly not have any difficulties finding a job in the industry even after normal university studies. This being said: the road is a hard one and the search for a job is quite often rather frustrating. And a doctorate unfortunately does not significantly facilitate the situation.
Therefore you should not invest in a doctorate by career calculation, because it does not make that much of a difference in many fields of activities of the Life Science industry, i.e. in:

• Marketing and Sales,
• Quality management,
• Production,
• Supply Chain, as well as
• Clinical development.

Candidates who graduate either from technical institutes or universities (BSc or MSc) do have very good career prospects in all these areas. Especially practitioners, who often have completed an apprenticeship during the first part of their studies, are increasingly sought after in the market place.

My advice: use apprenticeships or temporary positions to join the industry. Temporary work agency are the ideal partner. Do not hesitate to accept a twelve month assignment under your actual qualification level, for example in a laboratory worker or technical assistant position. The only thing that matters is for you to gain practical experience in an industrial environment - this is the only thing that really counts.

After having completed my chemistry degree, I myself worked in a one-year internship position in an industrial company. After which a motivating teacher, an interesting project and the beautiful city of Lausanne prompted me to start a doctorate. This period was a most precious and independent time of my life during which I gained valuable experience at all levels. In all the positions I have held so far, never was a doctorate a necessity.

Dr. Irmtraud Lang, Chemist and Owner of gloor&lang ag, life science careers