| There are newer evolving paradigms for undertaking research and development within pharmaceutical and chemical industries. This includes a trend towards multi-disciplinary environments, virtual teams and working with partners across the globe. The latter is an area of particular growth, from identifying strategic partner(s) to managing those relationships and alliances. Often new skills in global project management are required beyond the traditional technical training received in undergraduate studies (and perhaps graduate). Career transition may require identifying gaps in your skill sets and re-training, such as on-the-job or even graduate certification to degrees. The opportunity to purse non-scientific tracks as a scientist is being becoming more common within organizations, especially in an effort to retain talent. Thus, career development and progression is not always a linear track. Here I will be briefly reference a few alternative careers paths, including project and alliance management and, technology outsourcing. |