By Sarah Snyder

"Isn't she a little old to be moving into a new role?"

Someone seriously asked me that.

That question stopped me in my tracks – not because it was surprising, but because it reflects an outdated mindset that has no place in today's pharmaceutical industry.

The Reality of Modern Pharma Careers

The pharmaceutical industry is experiencing unprecedented transformation. We're seeing the rise of precision medicine, digital therapeutics, and AI-driven drug discovery. In this landscape, both deep industry knowledge and fresh perspectives are invaluable.

Whether you're a seasoned professional considering a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role or a younger colleague eyeing a leadership role, your unique timeline is an asset, not a liability.

Breaking Down Age-Related Myths

Let's address some common misconceptions head-on:

10 Power Moves to Turn Your Timeline into Your Trademark

The beauty of pharma lies in its blend of deep scientific knowledge and rapid innovation.

Here’s how to make YOUR career stage work for YOU:

1. Position Your Experience Strategically 

• Highlight moments where your combined experience led to unique solutions (e.g., bridging commercial and clinical perspectives to solve market access challenges).

• Show how you varied background helps you connect different stakeholders.

• Use real-world examples of how your career trajectory has given you a unique lens on problem-solving.

Want to communicate your experience powerfully on paper? Our Resume Mastery program helps you transform decades—or just a few years—of work into a resume that gets noticed.

2. Master Digital Transformation

• Keep a "Digital Tools Inventory"—track the systems you've mastered and improvements you’ve made.

• Document specific ways you've used technology to enhance efficiency and patient outcomes.

Need to reflect this transformation online? The LinkedIn Lab shows you how to build a modern digital brand that makes you relevant—regardless of career stage.

3. Build Cross-Generational Relationships 

• Establish a "Dual Mentorship Plan"—mentor someone younger while learning from a more senior colleague.

• Track insights from BOTH sides of the mentorship.

• Maintain a "Cross-Generational Contact List" to ensure connections across all career stages.

4. Leverage Your Career Stage Advantages

• For experienced professionals:

  • Create 'quick-reference guides' for navigating common industry scenarios.

  • Develop a "Lessons Learned" repository from past projects.

  • Build a decision-making framework to help newer colleagues 'figure things out'.

  For early-career professionals:

  • Identify inefficiencies and propose streamlined solutions.

  • Lead modernization projects, such as implementing new collaboration tools.

  • Share tech tips to help integrate digital tools into workflows.

5. Develop Your Professional Brand

• Optimize your LinkedIn presence with a professional photo and consistent branding.

• Craft a "Professional Highlights Reel" showcasing key achievements.

• Use strategic keywords relevant to your target role.
  
  

Your digital presence is your first impression. Master it with the LinkedIn Lab.

6. Commit to Continuous Learning

• Schedule quarterly "skill swap" sessions with colleagues in different departments.

• Take an online course each quarter to expand your expertise.

• Read industry books and share insights with your team.

Considering a transition to MSL? The Aspire MSL Program provides structured learning to help you reskill and break into the field confidently.

7. Drive Innovation Through Collaboration 

• Host monthly virtual coffee chats with professionals from different areas.

• Share knowledge across experience levels.

• Document process improvements through before-and-after case studies.

8. Showcase Adaptability

• Prepare 3-5 examples of how you’ve adapted to change, using clear action-outcome storytelling.

• Highlight new approaches you’ve championed.

• Demonstrate flexibility in adopting new systems and procedures.

9. Build Strategic Networks

• Actively engage in three relevant LinkedIn groups.

• Build relationships with three new industry contacts each month.

• Attend and participate in industry webinars and live events.

10. Lead With Impact, Not Age 

• Focus on results and contributions from the last five years.

• Use detailed examples to showcase your impact.

• Advocate for the value of diverse experience in team settings.

The Power Move: Your Age is Not Your Identity – It's Your Edge

In pharma, success isn't measured in years – it's measured in impact. 

Whether you're drawing on decades of experience watching drug development evolve from blockbusters to precision medicine or bringing fresh insights about digital health and AI-driven discoveries, your timeline is your superpower.

Disease doesn't care how old you are. Neither should your career.

Stop explaining your age. Start leveraging it.