Can they imagine the future? A qualitative study exploring the skills employers seek in pharmaceutical sciences doctoral graduates
McLaughlin, J.E.; Minshew, L.M.; Gonzalez, D.; Lamb, K.; Klus, N.J.; Aubé, J.; Cox, W.; Brouwer, K.L.R.
Plos one 14(9): E0222422
2019
ISSN/ISBN: 1932-6203
PMID: 31498853
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222422
Accession: 069319212
Concerns about the extent to which graduate programs adequately prepare students for the workplace have prompted numerous calls for reform. Understanding what employers look for in doctoral graduates can help schools better align graduate training with workplace needs. Twelve pharmaceutical scientists across diverse specialties and career pathways described the skills considered requisite for success in today's science economy. Depth and breadth of knowledge, communication, collaboration, adaptability, research productivity, experiential training, and motivation and drive were among the themes identified. These results can be used to inform the development of doctoral curricula in the biomedical sciences.