Pfizer

Science, Technology & Analytics

Hear from Monica about the Application and Interview Process

What did you think of the application process?  

I found the application process well-organised; it gave me a clear insight into what it’s like to work within a global, industry-leading organisation like Pfizer. The first stage was a virtual interview, which took place a couple of weeks before the assessment day. It was my first experience interviewing with such a well-established company, and it gave me a real sense of professionalism and high standards that come with working in a global business environment. Once I progressed to the assessment day, I took part in group activities as well as a face-to-face panel interview. Although it was challenging, the process gave me a really positive impression of Pfizer’s culture and values.   

What do you wish you had known about the application process prior?  

Given that I had just returned from a gap year, I wasn’t entirely familiar with the structure of a corporate application process, so I wish I had known more about how much emphasis would be on soft skills such as communication and problem-solving, especially during the assessment day. Initially, I thought the focus would be more on qualifications with questions like “What did you achieve in your GCSE’s/ A-Levels?” but I quickly realised that the process was much more about showcasing your potential to work in a team, your ability to communicate, adapt. The process also gave the interviewers an opportunity to find out more about you as a person as well as a potential employee. I think it would’ve been helpful to know that earlier on, for those that were struggling with nerves and feeling apprehensive on the day.

Can you talk a bit about the interview process?  

The interview process was split into two main stages. The first was a virtual interview, which was focused more on motivation-based questions like “Why do you want to work at Pfizer?” as well as questions like “What do you feel is your most valuable skill?”. This step of the application process allowed candidates to prepare their answers before they hit the record button, which was great because it really helped me to organise my thoughts and present myself confidently. It was also a great introduction to the overall structure and tone of the application process – professional yet fair – and gave me an insight into the kinds of qualities Pfizer is looking for.  

After being successful in the virtual interview, I was invited to an in-person assessment day that included group activities testing our communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills as well as a panel interview with members of the team. One of the highlights of the day was having the opportunity to walk around the Pfizer site, which gave me a real feel for the working environment. It was great to see the facilities and experience what day-to-day life might be like here. It also gave a glimpse into some of the perks of working at Pfizer – from the modern workspaces to the overall atmosphere on site – which made me more excited about the possibility of joining the company. 

How did you prepare for the interview process? Is there anything you would have done differently if you were to do it again?  

To prepare for the interview process, I dedicated some time to understanding the role and thinking about how my experiences aligned with the skills it required. I also familiarised myself with the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), which helped me structure my answers clearly and confidently during the panel interview.  

One of the most important things I did was make a conscious effort to stay relaxed. I found that being calm really helped me to be the best version of myself which I think allowed the interviewers to gain a more genuine insight into how I would fit into the team.  

What kinds of questions do you wish you had asked? 

If I were to do it again, I would ask more questions about the progression paths available both inside and outside of Pfizer after completing the degree apprenticeship, as Pfizer offers a range of opportunities for development and long-term career growth, such as graduate schemes/ internships and other career progression programmes, etc. Having that perspective early on would have helped me see the bigger picture of where this role could take me.  

Can you speak a bit about your Day 1 experience?  

On my first day at Pfizer, the team were incredibly welcoming and made me feel at ease straight away. I was introduced to my immediate team as well as other colleagues around the office, which helped create a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. One of the highlights was having a coffee with my manager, where we had a catch-up about how I was settling in – this really reinforced the supportive environment within the team.  

I also completed some initial training and was given a brief tour of the office to remind me where everything was. It was a great way to ease into the role (especially after coming back from my gap year), and by the end of the day, I already felt like part of the team and excited for what was ahead.  

Is there anything else you think someone should know as they consider applying for an apprenticeship with Pfizer? 

I’d say the most important thing to know is that you don’t need to have everything figured out to apply. Pfizer is really looking for problem solvers, communicators and people who can adapt. Even if you’re coming from a slightly different set of circumstances, like me returning from my gap year, what matters most is how you apply your experiences and show that you’re ready to grow. I could’ve easily doubted myself and not applied, but if I had done that, I wouldn’t have the opportunity I do today.  

It’s also worth knowing that the Degree Apprenticeship programme is genuinely supportive. You’re given real responsibility, but you’re never on your own – there’s always someone to guide you, and the culture encourages asking questions to allow you to continually learn. If you’re someone who’s curious, motivated and open to stepping outside your comfort zone, it’s a fantastic opportunity.   

Nurturing Future Talent

Early Careers

You’re the future. Your ambition, talents, ideas and unique way of looking at the world will help us drive innovation in every part of our business.

Here at Pfizer, we offer a range of opportunities to gain experience, perform and practice new skills during our Early Careers programmes which include:

• Undergraduate Placements
• Graduate Rotation Programmes
• Apprenticeships
• Summer Student Programmes

Read more about our Early Careers programmes by clicking here.

Virtual Work Experience Programme

Embark on a captivating journey through the biopharmaceutical world with our engaging virtual work experience programme, free of charge! 

This immersive ‘Molecule to Market’ expedition, hosted by Forage, offers a comprehensive understanding of the medicine development process and its path to market.

Dive into the demanding stages of research and development, navigate health economics complexities, strategise practical marketing approaches, and comprehend the meticulous steps involved in crafting a successful go-to-market strategy—all vital in transforming medical concepts into tangible solutions for patients.

Register now for the ‘Molecule to Market’ Virtual Work Experience Programme

Career Talks

We have two exciting opportunities available in the UK to learn more about STEM and where careers in these exciting industries could take you:

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Ambassadors

These volunteers visit schools, attend science fairs and host students for dedicated STEM events. The programme brings STEM subjects to life and demonstrates their value in career education.

SIP (Science Industry Partnership) Ambassadors

SIP ambassadors are industry professionals who share their knowledge and experience to inspire and enthuse young people into careers within STEM. They engage with young people, teachers, career advisors and parents to provide advice and guidance about the various opportunities available when pursuing a science-based career.

Want us to visit your school?

Request a career talk from one of our STEM or SIP ambassadors, who will outline the range of careers available within the pharmaceutical industry.

Discover the full range of opportunities we have available on our website here.

Interested in more resources?

Our schools/college STEM education programme – ready-made science lessons for your teachers and students: Breakthrough Science School Programme | Pfizer UK

Our Pfizer Science Stories – YouTube STEM careers video series – 10 colleagues talk about their career and education journeys.

An Apprenticeship at Pfizer means doing work that helps millions of people worldwide benefit from life-changing treatment. It means working for a company that believes in equity, excellence and protecting your work-life balance.

We need people with a hugely diverse range of talents. Get stuck into an Apprenticeship at Pfizer to launch your career.  As a UK Top Employer for the 9^th year Learn More about what this means for us.

Here are just some examples of Apprenticeships available here:

• Marketing
• Project Management
• Business Administration
• Finance
• Data Scientist

Marketing Manager

As a level 6 Marketing Manager, your primary responsibility is to drive revenue growth by both retaining existing patients and recruiting new ones. You will play a vital role in supporting projects and initiatives aimed at achieving revenue targets. This involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, fostering relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and managing budgets effectively. Your work will contribute to the development and execution of marketing and business strategies, ensuring alignment with brand strategies and gathering valuable customer insights. Moreover, you’ll need to adhere to company policies, uphold Pfizer’s values, and comply with global regulatory guidelines.

How this Role Unlocks Your Potential

• In this dynamic role, you will gain valuable experience in pharmaceutical marketing. You’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership by coordinating cross-functional teams and driving projects towards success.
• Managing budgets and financial planning will enhance your financial acumen.
• Collaboration with customer-facing teams will improve your customer engagement and relationship-building skills. Moreover, your contribution to gathering customer and patient insights will sharpen your market analysis abilities.
• This role allows you to work independently and as part of a team, develop exceptional attention to detail, and refine your presentation skills for both verbal and written communication. It’s a chance to make a meaningful impact in a challenging and rewarding environment.

Project Manager

As a degree level Project Manager Apprentice, you have responsibility for delivering a project in line with defined objectives, taking decisions to manage stakeholder expectations by leading a multi-skilled, cross-disciplinary team.  You will be expected to deliver the project to time, cost and quality requirements. Your responsibilities include driving coordination, project management, and collaboration with cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance, and optimizing processes.

How this Role Unlocks Your Potential?

• Project Management Proficiency: Gain valuable project management skills by spearheading coordination activities and supporting project-specific work.
• Global Collaboration: Collaborate with a diverse, global team, fostering a deeper understanding of standards, enhancing your cross-cultural communication skills.
• Strategic Problem Solving: Develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities while addressing unique requirements for different markets and ensuring the timely delivery of agreed outcomes.

• Compliance and Quality Assurance: Cultivate a strong commitment to compliance and quality control practices, ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines and internal standards, which can be applied in various professional settings.
• Effective Communication: Hone your communication skills by liaising with country representatives, ensuring agreed requirements and deadlines, a valuable skill applicable in both medical and business contexts.

Data Scientist

As a degree level Data Scientist Apprentice your role will be pivotal in shaping the future of healthcare in the UK. You will be immersed in an environment where you’ll master the art of creating and managing datasets for in-depth analysis, develop cutting-edge online tools and data transformation techniques, and establish robust data storage solutions. Additionally, you’ll provide vital operational and technical support to our team of patient-focused, data-driven experts.

How this Role Unlocks Your Potential

• This apprenticeship empowers you to boost operational efficiency, mastering the art of maintaining dashboards and databases. Your impact is immediate, and your growth is tangible.
• In this role, you’ll unravel the secrets of data, harnessing it to influence meaningful decisions. The future is programming languages and online tools; you’ll learn to wield them with finesse, supporting colleagues in managing and storing data, implementing governance processes, and ensuring unwavering compliance.
• This apprenticeship isn’t just about maintaining the status quo; it’s about propelling innovation. You’ll venture into the realms of machine learning and artificial intelligence, exploring ground-breaking ways to enhance your work practices. Beyond that, you’ll delve into project management, sharpening your ability to improve processes. Your toolkit will be brimming with skills that can drive change.

Finance & Accounting Apprentice

As an apprentice in our Finance teams, your responsibilities encompass creating and verifying financial data crucial for informed decision-making across commercial operations. You will collaborate with various financial departments, contributing to both internal and external reporting needs. This apprenticeship offers a pathway towards professional accountancy qualifications such as CIMA or ACCA.

You will gain a deep understanding of core business accounting principles, develop business acumen, and grasp the intricacies of the pharmaceutical industry. Upholding ethical standards and legal regulations is paramount, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality of Pfizer’s financial information.

How this Role Unlocks Your Potential: 

• Enhanced Analytical Skills: You will learn to analyse and interpret data to drive value-added insights.
• Effective Communication: Develop your ability to convey information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Proactive Leadership: Take charge of your professional growth, committing to excellence in your role.
• Mastering Prioritization: Learn to work under pressure, efficiently managing deadlines and changing priorities.
• High-Quality Output: Apply your accounting knowledge to consistently deliver accurate and timely financial information, honing your skills for a successful career.

Business Support Associate

The Business Support Associate plays a pivotal role by handling a diverse range of administrative tasks. This position involves organizing meetings, managing calendars, coordinating travel, and maintaining vital data systems. It requires keen organizational skills, adept use of Microsoft Office tools, and the ability to handle sensitive information discreetly. The role also extends to facilitating team events, supporting recruitment efforts, and contributing to process enhancements. Collaborating closely with colleagues, this role ensures efficient departmental operations.

How this Role Unlocks Your Potential:

• By stepping into the shoes of a Business Support Associate on this level 3 Apprenticeship, you embark on a journey of growth and development. This role nurtures your administrative competence, hones your organizational prowess, and polishes your communication finesse. You will be at the heart of department efficiency, actively shaping our collaborative culture. With the opportunity to manage complex tasks and contribute to process improvements, you’ll gain valuable experience and build a foundation for a successful career within the pharmaceutical industry. This role empowers you to handle challenges, make impactful decisions, and become a vital asset in our Pfizer family.

What does an Apprenticeship look like?

My apprenticeship has taught me so much and filled me with many great opportunities! Throughout my time here, Pfizer has helped ensure my work aligns with my learning, giving me a better understanding and allowing me to take it from textbook to practice. I’ve experienced working for a global company at the beginning of my career – not many people get to say that.”

Elle Guard, Dossier Excellence Apprentice, WSR Regulatory Operations, Pfizer UK

Meet Alice Bardgett

Meet Jack Lavery

Project Manager Apprentice, Clinical Trials Regulatory Operations, Pfizer UK

“Applying for a degree apprenticeship with Pfizer was one of the best decisions I have made, it has given me the possibility to progress my understanding of my course by putting it into practice in a supportive workplace, which has also allowed me to develop my professional skills at the same time.

On top of that, I will be able to gain 4 years of experience in an industry I am passionate about whilst allowing me to work with some incredibly talented individuals.”

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Our Colleague Resource Groups (CRGs)

Diverse teams are more collaborative, more accepting of different perspectives and more representative of the world we all share.

Our CRGs play a major role in raising awareness and understanding of the challenges facing colleagues. All colleagues at Pfizer are given the opportunity to join a CRG that they are passionate about. Our CRGs run events, host workshops, participate in local volunteer initiatives, and raise awareness, understanding and empathy amongst Pfizer colleagues. Each CRG is employee-led and driven, and has an Executive Leader sponsor.

In the UK, our CRGs are:

• Ethnicity
• disAbility
• Pfizer Women’s Resource Group
• OPEN (LGBTQ+ Network)
• Intergenerational Mobility (Social Mobility and Age)

Awards

Top Employer

2023

NUE Awards, Top Undergraduate Employer

2021

Top Employer

2021

Events

Resources