Top 9 Soft Skills Every Pharma Professional Needs

When it comes to career, people often talk about degrees, marks and technical knowledge. But in today’s time, only technical knowledge is not enough. Soft skills i.e. behavioral and social skills have become very important for a successful career – especially in the pharmaceutical industry.

Whether you are in drug research, marketing, manufacturing or clinical research – everywhere you have to work closely with the team, explain things well and adapt yourself according to constantly changing circumstances. Let us now understand in detail which soft skills play an important role in the pharma industry.

1. Strategic Thinking

Strategic thinking means thinking ahead, making a plan to solve problems and looking at things from a broader perspective. In the pharma industry, many times you have to manage complex projects, such as – discovery of a new drug or manufacturing of a device. In such a situation, it is important that you understand not only today’s but also future needs and take decisions that will be beneficial in the long run.

For example, if you are working on a new medicine and there is a hitch in the research, then a person with strategic thinking will not only look at that problem but will also think about the reason behind that problem, what could be its solution, and whether this solution will be effective in the long run.

2. Project planning skills

Pharmaceutical companies work on many projects simultaneously. These include research, manufacturing, marketing and clinical trials. It is very important to keep track of time and budget for every project.

Therefore, a good professional should have the skill to plan the work properly, use time properly and take all the team members along well. This skill is most useful to avoid project delays, budget overshoot and quality issues.

3. Attention to Detail

In the pharma industry, even a slight mistake can put a patient’s life at risk. Extreme caution is required at every step – the dosage of the medicine, the method of use, the manufacturing process.

For example, if you are working in the packaging of a medicine and the dosage information is wrongly written on the label, it can cause a huge loss. Therefore, people working in this field have to be extremely cautious and careful.

4. Judgment and Decision Making

When scientists trial a drug, they have a lot of data. In such a situation, the ability to make decisions is important – which data is important, which result can lead in the right direction, and whether taking a decision will be safe and effective.

This skill is important not only for scientists, but also for people in management. The right decision at the right time determines the success of a project.

5. Teamwork

No single person can make a medicine. Researchers, engineers, manufacturing team, marketing experts, doctors – all contribute to it. That is why teamwork is most important in the pharma industry.

You should have the habit of listening to others’ ideas, collaborating and working together with the team.

6. Creative Problem Solving

New challenges come up every day in the pharma industry. Sometimes a formula does not work, sometimes a new government policy comes, sometimes a technical fault occurs in an equipment. In such a situation, it is important that you have creative thinking and find new ways.

For example, if the effect of a medicine is less than expected, then you should have the ability to make changes in it or find new options.

7. Adaptability

Covid-19 taught us how quickly things can change. Offices were closed, work from home started, new technology had to be used. In such a situation, only those who could accept the change quickly were able to survive.

Pharma companies also want similar flexibility – employees who can adapt themselves according to new policies, technology and situations.

8. Effective communication

Communication in the pharma industry happens at many levels – with the patient, with the doctor, with government officials, with the team within the company. The way of communicating with each person is different.

That is why it is important that you know how to speak clearly, concisely and purposefully. From interviews to team meetings, the way you talk reflects your impact.

9. Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills mean the art of connecting with people. It includes – listening well, having empathy, building trust, giving support.

Especially when you are in contact with patients or leading a team, these skills become even more important.

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Conclusion

In today’s competitive world, only a degree is not enough. If you want to succeed in the pharma industry, then learning soft skills is as important as technical knowledge. And if you want to get a platform where you get both kinds of skills – then Shoolini University can be a great option.