Starting a Career in the Life Sciences – When the First Rungs Are Missing

A recent article in NZZ am Sonntag posed the question: “Is business administration becoming a dead end?”

It highlighted how even graduates from traditionally stable fields such as business or law are now struggling to gain a foothold. Artificial intelligence is taking over typical junior-level tasks – depriving entry-level candidates of the opportunity to gain practical experience.

A similar pattern is emerging for graduates in the natural sciences.

From Lab Work to Documentation

For many chemists, biochemists, and biologists, the first step after university is typically a role in the lab. In the early career stages, this is often the only way to gain hands-on experience. Over time, many transition into more documentation-heavy functions such as Regulatory Affairs, Medical Writing, or Quality Management.

But this is where things get tricky: In larger companies, documentation processes are often highly standardized through electronic tools and templates. While this boosts efficiency, it also reduces the need for traditional entry-level roles.

Challenges for Graduates

• Limited entry-level options: Many roles in regulatory or quality functions require prior experience.
• Intense competition: Life science graduates often compete for the same few roles, increasing pressure.
• Technology-driven change: Electronic systems now handle many of the routine tasks that once served as training ground for new professionals.

The result? Much like in business and law, the first rungs of the career ladder are disappearing.

What Graduates Can Do

In a tighter market, life science graduates must take a more proactive and flexible approach:

• Make use of internships and temporary roles - even a fixed-term or part-time role can be a valuable door opener.
• Prioritize experience over salary - ask: “What will I learn?” – not just “What will I earn?”. Experience pays off in the long run.
• Be willing to start small - no task is too simple. Dedication and reliability help build trust and professional reputation.
• Build and maintain your network - personal connections – with managers, colleagues, or industry groups – often open doors that grades alone cannot.
• Consider lateral entry paths - Beyond lab work and documentation, consider roles in clinical trials, medical affairs, or project coordination.
• Expand your skill set - Additional knowledge in systems like Veeva Vault, TrackWise, or understanding of GMP/GCP standards can significantly boost your employability.

Conclusion

Whether in business, law, or the life sciences – traditional entry-level roles are shrinking. Automation and standardization are taking over the tasks that previous generations once used to gain vital early experience.

That makes it all the more important today not to wait for the perfect job, but to seize every opportunity: internships, project-based contracts, lateral entry paths.

Those who remain flexible can gradually build the kind of experience that makes all the difference in the long term.