Changing Careers in the Medical Field
The recession has hit the medical profession hard, with pharmaceuticals bearing the brunt of the job losses. If things are looking grim in your sector, or you have already been one of the unlucky few to lose their job, you might consider retraining in another medical track as the path to your next job. With a few years training, pharmaceutical reps can expect to find work in such diverse careers as medical research or nursing. Indeed, there are many medical and nursing jobs in London and other major centres; retraining and taking one of these roles might be perfect for you.
Before deciding on changing careers, there are a few things you might want to consider:
1. Is there really a problem with your current career? Although the pharmaceutical industry has taken a bit of a hit in the recent recession, things will improve as the economy recovers and you may find yourself back in a job in less time than it would take you to retrain.
2. If you need to retrain, what do you need to do and how long will it take? Retraining in the nursing field will require you to pick up a nursing diploma – this will take two years while costs will vary depending on where you do your training.
3. Can you afford it? If you have to retrain then the training itself may be a strain on your finances and if you go straight into your job hunt you may find it takes longer to find a new job in a career that you have little experience of.
4. Follow your heart and choose to do something that you will love – if you’re taking the time to retrain for a new career, don’t just do it for the money. This could be the career you stay in for the rest of your working life, so make sure you make the right choice!
5. Figure out which track you want to go down and stay on it. Don’t flip flop – if you decide to retrain as a nurse then don’t change your mind six months down the line and pick something else. You should be really sure that this new career path is right for you. This will save you time, energy, money and a lot of heartache down the line.
Although you have to think long and hard about the pros and cons before deciding to change careers, it can be a rewarding experience and can give you the opportunity to excel in ways you never thought possible.
Until next time...
Good Luck and Good Job Hunting (check out nursing opportunities in London!)
Ed Silverman, who runs the 
