blue shape

Starting your career in Healthcare Communications

Looking to start a career in healthcare communications? Here are some practical steps to help you get started:

 

Research the industry
  • Healthcare communications is a broad field, covering PR, medical writing, digital campaigns, market access and many other specialisms. Research agencies and pharmaceutical companies via our organisations page. Visit their websites to explore their areas of expertise and start to discover what aligns with your interests.  

 

Gain experience
  • Securing an internship or work experience placement is a great way to gain valuable experience. These opportunities are often available during academic holidays and can last from one week to six months and are open to students, graduates and career changers.
  • If this isn’t an option, create your own opportunities. Start a blog or write LinkedIn posts on healthcare topics to showcase your skills. This helps build a portfolio, demonstrating your passion and providing examples to reference in job applications.
  • You could also volunteer to write content for university clubs, societies and local charities. Your experience doesn’t have to be healthcare-specific to be valuable.

 

Jonathan Neasham, a medical writer at Weave Health, shares his journey into healthcare communications and offers advice for those starting their careers

 

Build your network
  • Connect with professionals working in the industry on LinkedIn.  Don’t be afraid to reach out, people are happy to provide advice and help to those looking to enter the sector.
  • Follow healthcare communications agencies and pharmaceutical companies on LinkedIn to stay up to date with industry trends.
  • Contact recruiters for advice and to introduce yourself. Building relationships with them can help you become a familiar name when job opportunities arise. 
  • Many organisations also share vacancies and career tips on LinkedIn, follow and interact with them to stay on their radar.
  • Attend industry events - if you're a student at a UK university, ask your course leader or careers team to contact us about running our Discover Healthcare Communications online session, or look out for healthcare communications stands and talks at careers fairs.

 

Use the STARIL method for your applications and interviews

When demonstrating your experience, structure your answers using:​

  • Situation – set the scene
  • Task – what was your responsibility?
  • Action – what did you do?
  • Result – what was the outcome?
  • Impact – how did your actions contribute to the bigger picture?
  • Learning – what did you take away from the experience

Referencing the impact you had will highlight the value you can bring to a role and reflecting on what you've learned will demonstrate your growth mindset approach to work.

 

Felix Jackson, Founder of medDigital, shares his insights on what employers look for in candidates


Tailor your applications
  • Create a document featuring a bank of STARIL examples to assist you in writing a strong, tailored application. Having pre-prepared examples of your skills and achievements will make it easier to personalise your applications for each role, ensuring you highlight the most relevant experience.
  • These examples can also be invaluable for interview preparation, helping you demonstrate your value in a structured and impactful way.
  • If you are using AI to assist with applications, ensure that you rewrite the content to reflect your tone and voice.

 

Claude Cheta shares his tips on standing out from the crowd when applying for roles in healthcare communciations

 

Showcase your passion 
  • Explain your personal 'why'- employers value authenticity, so sharing your reasons behind your interest in healthcare communications can make you stand out. Whether it’s a passion for healthcare stemming from your own health experiences, an interest in science communication, or a drive to make a positive impact on society, demonstrating your personal motivation can be the key to making a lasting impression. 

 

Interviews are a two-way process
  • It's not just an opportunity for you to demonstrate how your skills and experience make you the right for the job; it’s also your chance to ask questions and determine if the organisation and role align with your values and career goals.
  • Prepare questions to ask during the interview to gain insight into the company culture, team dynamics, and development opportunities to help you determine if the role is the right fit for you.

 

Follow up after interviews
  • Sending a short thank-you email after an interview shows professionalism and reinforces your enthusiasm for the role. It’s also a great opportunity to highlight anything you forgot to mention or expand on a key point from the conversation.
  • If you don’t hear back within the expected timeframe, don’t hesitate to follow up to check on the progress of your application.

 

Feedback
  • Ask for feedback from recruiters and interview panellists to help you improve your applications and interview skills. 

 

Patience, positivity and perseverance 
  • Job hunting can feel like a full-time job. Try not to feel despondent if it’s taking longer than expected to find a role. Stay patient and positive, and keep persevering; the right opportunity will come your way.