The pharmaceutical industry is having a moment – and it’s not just about vaccines or breakthrough treatments. It’s about careers.
According to a new report by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)1, young people are increasingly choosing careers in pharmaceuticals over traditional powerhouses like technology and finance. Why? A powerful combination of competitive salaries, meaningful impact, and a better work-life balance is winning the hearts of Gen Z job seekers.
Salary Still Matters – But It’s Not the Whole Story
It’s no surprise that 50% of young people say good earnings are their top priority when looking for a job. In a cost-of-living crisis, money talks. But the pharma sector goes further – offering secure, stable roles that still pay well, while delivering purpose-led work that genuinely makes a difference to society.
💡 Insight: 78% of young people believe pharma jobs offer good job security, interesting work, and a career they can be proud of.
It’s this combination of tangible benefits and deeper purpose that’s driving graduates and apprentices into life sciences – particularly those interested in leadership development and building high performing teams from day one.
Pharma Wins on Purpose and Work-Life Balance
Here’s where the industry really stands out. When comparing societal impact, pharma outranks tech, finance, and energy hands down:
- Pharma: 54%
- Tech: 23%
- Finance: 25%
- Energy: 20%
Young people are more than twice as likely to say the pharmaceutical industry contributes positively to society than any other competing sector.
Work-life balance also plays a huge role in this shift. Tech roles, while lucrative, are often associated with overwork, burnout, and job insecurity – whereas pharma offers stability and structure that appeal to those prioritising wellbeing and opportunities to grow within pharma emerging leader programmes.
“I Wanted to Make a Difference”
Many early-career professionals in pharma express a strong alignment with the mission of helping people and working alongside systems like the NHS. For young people choosing between sectors, that connection to healthcare and real-world outcomes is a powerful motivator.
As one participant in the ABPI focus group put it:
“The most advantage of pharma over tech was the work-life balance and stability… I think that put me off a little bit from tech.”
This is exactly the kind of mindset that employers can nurture through a well-designed pharma emerging leader programme, one that supports young professionals with coaching, mentoring, and real-world leadership opportunities from the start.
Pharma’s Diversity of Roles: A Well-Kept Secret
Despite the positives, many young people are still unaware of the wide range of careers available in the sector. The stereotype of “lab coats and microscopes” remains stubbornly persistent. In reality, the industry needs talent in:
- Data science
- AI
- Market access
- Commercial strategy
- Communications
- HR and leadership development
At Zestfor, we see this as an incredible opportunity. Soft skills and leadership capabilities are now mission-critical. Building high performing teams isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s a competitive advantage in a sector that thrives on collaboration across science, tech, and business.
How the Industry Can Attract More Young Talent
The ABPI report offers clear, actionable recommendations:
- Be transparent about salary and benefits from the outset.
- Educate candidates about the full range of roles—especially non-lab-based positions.
- Highlight the impact on society and patient outcomes.
- Showcase diversity and different routes into the industry (like apprenticeships).
- Promote growth and job security – the life sciences sector is predicted to grow by 10% annually.
- Invest in emerging leader programmes to cultivate talent early and prepare the next wave of innovators and managers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Attracting Gen Z Talent
The Future is Bright for Pharma Careers
The pharmaceutical industry stands at a pivotal moment, with Gen Z increasingly recognising it as a career destination that combines financial reward with genuine purpose. This shift represents more than just changing job preferences – it reflects a generation’s desire to work for organisations that contribute positively to society whilst providing stability and growth opportunities.
The research clearly demonstrates that young people see pharmaceutical careers as offering the best of both worlds: competitive salaries that address cost-of-living concerns, combined with work that makes a real difference to patients and healthcare outcomes. This powerful combination of tangible benefits and meaningful impact positions the industry perfectly to attract the next generation of talent.
However, success requires action. Companies that invest in emerging leader programmes, clearly communicate their diverse opportunities, and demonstrate their commitment to work-life balance will be best positioned to attract and retain Gen Z talent. The industry’s reputation for innovation, stability, and social contribution provides a strong foundation – now it’s time to build upon it.