5 Step Guide to Becoming a Successful PV Professional

Pharmacovigilance (PV), also known as drug safety, is the study of a drug’s effects. It is a specialized department within clinical research and it has a lot of potential. PV professionals record and analyze a medicine’s adverse effects before and after its clinical development. Much like clinical research, PV is a largely under-explored field with great career prospects. According to reports, the pharmacovigilance market is expected to reach $12.98 Billion worldwide by 2027. The field has opportunities for all kinds of talents, including IT and statisticians. In this article, we will break down the PV field and outline educational requirements and career tips in 5 steps.

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Step One: Undergraduate Degrees

Most positions in PV require some level of higher education. The pharmaceutical industry is highly regulated, and employers need to be sure that you have the necessary interest and knowledge before they make a hire.

Depending on what kind of career you want in your future, an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree can help you get there. If you are interested in clinical positions, a bachelor’s in the life sciences or health-related studies will be highly desirable. If you are interested in non-clinical positions, such as those in IT or statistics, a computer science or mathematics degree will help get you there.

During this time, look for any direct opportunities to work in clinical research. University hospitals are a great place for research assistant or patient recruiter opportunities. The PV field is hard to break into, so building relevant experiences and making connections will help you tremendously in the future. Consider enhancing your resume with a Clinical Trials Assistant Training course.

Step Two: Graduate Degrees

Graduate programs may be of interest to those who want better career opportunities or specific positions, such as a PV physician. Health professionals with degrees such as MDs, DOs, RPhs, PharmDs, RNs, LPNs, DDS/DMDs, and DVMs can easily transfer their degrees and work experience into PV positions.

On the other hand, many pursue a master’s or a PhD because they increase one’s earning potential and open up more career opportunities. If you choose to get your degree, make sure to take advantage of your school’s resources and industry connections while you still have access to them. Advanced roles may benefit from specific certifications like the Advanced Clinical Research Project Manager Certification or the Advanced Principal Investigator Physician Certification.

Step Three: Apply for Jobs

Here comes what many consider the hardest part of a PV career: breaking into the field. PV is a competitive field, and here’s how you stay ahead:

Highlight any direct clinical research experience and get a reference from your supervisor. This will be one of the best ways to grab an employer’s interest.

If you’ve taken a graduate PV program, take advantage of your school’s resources to help with placement and networking.

Join a professional association. Network and find out how practicing professionals landed their first job. Check the association job board for positions that may not be on other job boards.

Stay up to date and informed on field practices and trends. A way to demonstrate your enthusiasm and dedication is to take advantage of online courses. For example, CCRPS offers an affordable PV certification program as well as a free ICH GCP program. Both can help add to your resume.

Before you apply, polish your resume and prepare for questions. We have an in-depth article on how to ace your interview.

Plan your career ahead. We’ve done an article on how where you work can accelerate your career trajectory and help you obtain promoted faster.

Step Four: Work and Learn

PV is an ever-growing and innovative field. When you land your first job, be prepared to transition into the workforce and learn what you were not taught in the classroom.

As you work, take in the environment around you and contemplate your long-term goals. Some factors you should consider are:

What is the work culture like?

Do you have a mentor who can guide you through this career?

Does your work environment support your professional growth?

These questions can be important when you begin to apply for senior roles, especially if you are interested in line management roles. If you find that the company goals don't align with your own, it may be worth looking for a new position somewhere else.

Most importantly, as you settle into your new job, make sure that you continue to network and re-educate yourself on the field. The effort you invest in yourself will help you stand out to the right people. Consider taking a Medical Monitor Certification to further enhance your qualifications.

Step five: Applying for Senior Positions

When PV professionals have around 5-8 years of experience, most will apply for senior positions with better pay and benefits. Although senior positions tend to be very competitive, you will be equipped with years of experience and planning. When you are applying for senior positions, here are some aspects to consider:

Your work experiences and how they fit into the position you want. Consider what sets you apart from other applicants. 

Your references should not only be able tell the employer your strengths, but also your weaknesses. While this might sound counterintuitive, hiring managers know that a reference that can’t speak about your weaknesses probably doesn't know you well enough to speak about your strengths. To them, an honest reference is the sign of a strong working relationship. This will help them infer the strength in your communications skills and work ethnic. 

Your skills and qualifications should not only match the job description, they should demonstrate that you are going to be a valuable member of their team. 

While navigating the PV field can be complicated, the process can be immensely rewarding. If you want to learn more about the PV field, visit CCRPS for more information on our courses and check out some of our other PV articles below.