In the life sciences industry, specializing in a particular niche is often beneficial, but choosing a specialization that aligns with your interest and skills is potentially tricky. By understanding why specializing is useful, the various options available, and how your career may unfold, making a sound decision is typically easier. If you want to find your niche, here’s what you need to know about specializing in the life science industry.
Benefits of Specializing in Life Sciences
Specializing in the life science industry provides several benefits. Developing and showcasing expertise in a specific niche can help you position yourself as an expert within that field, which can make maintaining upward momentum easier.
Additionally, by focusing on a particular area, you’re typically more likely to develop specialized skills that aren’t widely available, which could strengthen your position further. When you specialize, you may also have more opportunities to contribute to exciting innovations, as your high degree of expertise could prove valuable when creative solutions are necessary.
Types of Life Sciences Specializations
The world of life sciences is vast, and there is a wide array of specializations professionals in the field may want to explore. Some examples include:
- PBM (Pharmacy Benefits Management)
- Pharmacy
- Food/Beverage
- Nutraceutical
- Reference Lab
- Consumer Products
- Pharmaceutical
- CDMOs
- CMOs
- Medical Device
- Biotech
- CROs
Tips for Choosing a Specialization
When it comes to selecting a life science specialization, it’s wise to consider several factors. First, your interest in the niche plays a role, as having a passion for a field often makes a career more satisfying and rewarding. Second, it’s wise to consider your existing skill set, as some specializations may fall within your current wheelhouse while others may require additional education or training to pursue.
However, you also want to explore the job market and assess the long-term viability of the specializations you’re considering. Demand for specific knowledge areas and skill sets vary dramatically, so choosing a field that’s likely to remain relevant and where the number of available professionals is below demand can work in your favor.
Career Paths for Specialized Life Science Professionals
The career paths for specialized life science professionals can vary when it comes to job titles, but how they unfold is typically similar. Initially, life science professionals begin in entry-level roles within their niche, allowing them to gain experience. Next, they usually move into similar but higher-level positions, eventually reaching the senior individual contributor tier or a supervisory role.
For those who become supervisors, the following move is potentially into management. This can include overseeing specific teams, departments, or entire organizations, depending on the size of the company and the associated niche.
After gaining experience in a specific niche, an alternative to shifting into management is to move into the world of consulting. Life science consultants assist organizations with project planning, process improvement, and similar tasks, sharing their expertise to make developing viable strategies simpler.
If you want to launch a life science career or take your current one to the next level, the Staffing Resource Group can give you access to more career-boosting opportunities. Apply Today and SuRGe your career forward.
