Human capital is fundamental for the proper operating of companies and has special importance in a sector that is as committed as this one, which is continuously growing and evolving, and in which a high level of training is required, along with a certain degree of specialisation and, of course, significant work in the research field, a key to the progress of the sector.

Characteristics

One of the fundamental challenges of this sector is targeted at what is known as the “brain drain”, and so these talents must be managed with efficiency and effectiveness, preventing this drain. This management is not solely based on remuneration, there are many factors that provide incentives to workers to stay in their jobs with the possibility of getting ahead and developing new facts of their profession.

What is required for the selection of pharmaceutical staff?

Taking account of the needs of the sector, recruitment and selection policies have to go beyond the simple fact of making use of a good database full of imposing curriculum of medical visitors, representatives, sales agents, laboratory technicians, etc. Therefore it is necessary to analyse not only the particular skills of the candidate but also his attitudes towards the post. 

What is the current challenge of the sector?

Pharmaceutical organisations have to be capable of incorporating the technological progress through simple and intuitive tools that make the task of the workers easier.

HR supervisors must place the tools necessary for professional development at the disposal of the worker, by means of skills management, continuous training, research into new medications, the extending of knowledge, etc.  

What is required from the professionals from the sector?

To begin with they are required to have advanced training in Biology, Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science and other Life Sciences. Managers are usually required to hold an MBA from a prestigious school, languages and, above all, expertise in the sector. The technical profiles usually require knowledge of the international regulations on the approval of medications (Food and Drug Administration: FDA, etc).