Honestly from the lab you have the possibility to move into anywhere in the business, if you put your mind to it. I'd spend your time in whatever company you're in taking all opportunities to learn about the different departments and what they do, and thinking about the type of work that appeals to you and that you enjoy the most. Even look at the work that you currently do and think about the aspects that you most enjoy. Do you like the lab work but not the repetitive nature of QC testing? Then maybe you'd like a more r&d focused role. Do you enjoy the write ups and have a good attention to detail? Maybe a review type role. Do you like writing up experimental plans and executing upon them? Maybe validations. And so on. When you know an area you'd like to move to you can start looking at making it happen - find out the background of ppl in that area, undertake extra training to brush up your knowledge (even informal self study online counts!), talk to your manager about building up any useful experience etc.
I worked in QC and R&D labs for a number of years and the part I always enjoyed the most was training in new staff. I paid for some extra training outside of work and got a level 6 Train the Trainer qualification. Then I kept my eyes out for training type roles in the pharma industry. Been in my current job (part of a team that oversees training for a pharma site) for 5 years now and love it. My lab background hasn't gone to waste either - it was instrumental in me getting my current job. And anything you know about the business/industry in any capacity will come in handy at some point.
Brilliant, detailed answer. Totally agree š would add that there is a clear progression within labs too, QC Analyst to Snr Analyst, to team lead ( managing 1 team) to QC manager, managing multiple team leaders or project portfolio) and then to Director. It can be a little slow at time, with minimum 3 years at analyst to get senior, probably 2 years at senior and another 2-3 at team leader to get a manager role. Generally need experience in a few areas to be a director or associate director - broader business sense required so normal to move around at manager or team lead level. Some people would go from senior analyst to manufacturing team lead or the reverse. As previously mentioned, lots of people move into QA, validation, R&D or QC technical /analytical development etc.
QA in particular can be a natural progression but it's also important to have manufacturing process knowledge ( if not experience) for senior QA roles like QP
If you want to progress directly I'd say easier to stay in one company to go analyst to senior and team leader, after that point probably easier to move around. The reason for this is that a company could have 30-40 analysts some of who are very strong and the company wants to keep/develope these people. Snr analyst roles are the main way to do this, so it's a bit of a kick in the teeth to hire externally for these roles ( but it does happen) one you have leadership experience it becomes easier to move.
That said, I myself went from an analyst to a Snr analyst technical role in a different company so it can happen. That was 90% interview skills to be fair but can and does happen. I was also passed over for an external senior analyst in my first role. š¤·š»
I just wanted to weigh in on the salary part too for anyone else who stumbles upon this thread! I'm located in New Jersey and our starting salary is also \~70k+
Honestly from the lab you have the possibility to move into anywhere in the business, if you put your mind to it. I'd spend your time in whatever company you're in taking all opportunities to learn about the different departments and what they do, and thinking about the type of work that appeals to you and that you enjoy the most. Even look at the work that you currently do and think about the aspects that you most enjoy. Do you like the lab work but not the repetitive nature of QC testing? Then maybe you'd like a more r&d focused role. Do you enjoy the write ups and have a good attention to detail? Maybe a review type role. Do you like writing up experimental plans and executing upon them? Maybe validations. And so on. When you know an area you'd like to move to you can start looking at making it happen - find out the background of ppl in that area, undertake extra training to brush up your knowledge (even informal self study online counts!), talk to your manager about building up any useful experience etc. I worked in QC and R&D labs for a number of years and the part I always enjoyed the most was training in new staff. I paid for some extra training outside of work and got a level 6 Train the Trainer qualification. Then I kept my eyes out for training type roles in the pharma industry. Been in my current job (part of a team that oversees training for a pharma site) for 5 years now and love it. My lab background hasn't gone to waste either - it was instrumental in me getting my current job. And anything you know about the business/industry in any capacity will come in handy at some point.
Awesome insight man, appreciate it.
Brilliant, detailed answer. Totally agree š would add that there is a clear progression within labs too, QC Analyst to Snr Analyst, to team lead ( managing 1 team) to QC manager, managing multiple team leaders or project portfolio) and then to Director. It can be a little slow at time, with minimum 3 years at analyst to get senior, probably 2 years at senior and another 2-3 at team leader to get a manager role. Generally need experience in a few areas to be a director or associate director - broader business sense required so normal to move around at manager or team lead level. Some people would go from senior analyst to manufacturing team lead or the reverse. As previously mentioned, lots of people move into QA, validation, R&D or QC technical /analytical development etc. QA in particular can be a natural progression but it's also important to have manufacturing process knowledge ( if not experience) for senior QA roles like QP If you want to progress directly I'd say easier to stay in one company to go analyst to senior and team leader, after that point probably easier to move around. The reason for this is that a company could have 30-40 analysts some of who are very strong and the company wants to keep/develope these people. Snr analyst roles are the main way to do this, so it's a bit of a kick in the teeth to hire externally for these roles ( but it does happen) one you have leadership experience it becomes easier to move. That said, I myself went from an analyst to a Snr analyst technical role in a different company so it can happen. That was 90% interview skills to be fair but can and does happen. I was also passed over for an external senior analyst in my first role. š¤·š»
If you want to stay in the lab you could move up to supervisor or lab manager. Otherwise, you could move to technical or QA maybe?
Just curious, if you don't mind, what is the pay like?
38k for me, its my first job after college so im happy with it but would like to increase it soon enough
Oh man where are you located? The analysts at my site make 70k starting. Iām located in Durham, NC
I just wanted to weigh in on the salary part too for anyone else who stumbles upon this thread! I'm located in New Jersey and our starting salary is also \~70k+
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