‘’Right blend of qualifications and experience is the need of hour’’

Knowledge-driven industry

The pharmaceutical science is an applied science and therefore obviously is driven by the enhancements in basic sciences. On the consumer interface, the pharma industry constantly endeavours to developments which are patient friendly, as well as meeting the challenges of diseases and ailments emerging out of life style changes, environmental changes which includes the impact and issues from drug induced diseases as well as drug resistance etc.

Thus the pharma industry is essentially knowledge driven and obviously survives on the effectiveness of re-skilling and re-training master plans and protocols.

Building the vision

My initial academic qualification was Masters in Pharmacy, while during the professional span I have completed Ph.D in pharmaceutics. The primary stimulus was to keep myself updated with advances in research in the field of pharmaceutics. Being a regulator, the challenge is to cope up with the readiness of forensic cognizance of new drugs, new drug delivery systems and even supporting the post marketing pharmacovigilance. Thus the higher platform of formal education was an approach to extend the network of regulators with academicians, research scientists apart from building the vision and strategic approach to my tasks.

Experience qualification

Experience provides an insight into the application of basic knowledge which is acquired by qualification and training. It is thus the art of applying the scientific tools and techniques that matters. The right blend of qualifications and experience is the need of hour.

The general view on this is not much different. Beyond the qualification and experience the value of leadership attitudes, initiative and innovative approach, technology friendliness and many such other personality traits are critical for professional success. An added degree does support upward movement of career although it was not primarily a requirement to move up the ladder. Yes, I have added value to my current position more so in terms of recognition for challenging assignments and tasks.

Focus more on why over how

The hunger for knowledge and being a student for life time is the best way to approach towards career challenges. There is always a better, smarter and more efficient way of achieving the task over the way it is being achieved and hence one must have an open mind to learn, as well as de-learn and focus more on why over how.

Support re-skilling ambitions

Pharma companies can support re-skilling ambitions by way of many conventional and modern training tools. Apart from encouraging working professionals for distant learning courses, part time university courses, there are tools like web seminars, memberships to certain industry specific groups etc.

Internal job-specific brain training sessions and group exercises can be of great value to the professionals to show case their hidden abilities and in turn offer higher contributions to the organisations they work for.

Job enrichment by way of enhancing skills and knowledge through formal training is a highly rewarding retention strategy.

Pharma companies have been very agile on the aspect of knowledge updates and have been increasingly spending on this.

– Dr HG Koshia, Commissioner, Food & Drugs Control Administration, Gujarat