As a Senior Medical Writer (SMW), you’ve already hit some major milestones in your medical writing career.
You’ve gained deep expertise in therapeutic areas, become proficient at delivering a variety of documents, and built a reputation as a key player in the medical writing field. Congratultions.
But at this advanced stage, many SMWs find themselves facing a new question: ‘What next?’
To move beyond the early stage trajectory of less experienced medical writing roles (Associate Medical Writer and Junior Medical Writer), SMWs need to take control of their careers and decide where they want to go next.
Once you’ve proved yourself as someone who can handle complex projects indpendently and competently, new options start to open at the SMW level. Perhaps you want to:
- Stay as a writer in your field and specialise more as a Principal Medical Writer
- Transition into medical or commerial affairs (or indeed other arms of the pharma industry)
- Transition into other areas of medical writing that you’ve not yet explored
- Start to lead teams and move into management roles
- Or maybe even start your own business as an idependent consultant (this is a whole different topic, which we’ll cover another time)
Whatever that next step is, the SMW level is the time to take control.
When I decided to move from my role as a SMW to a Team Lead position, it was a significant shift in my career. I had always enjoyed the innovative aspects of medical communications writing, but stepping into a leadership role came with entirely new challenges.
Suddenly, I found myself managing productivity metrics, handling budgets, and overseeing resourcing, all whilst juggling hiring decisions and addressing client issues. And I loved it!
Okay, it was certainly a steep learning curve, but it also gave me the opportunity to grow as a leader and gain a broader understanding of the pharma industry.
But how do you decide (and prepare for) the challenges you’re keen to take on next?
Here are four key points to consider:
1. Reflect on Your Goals
The first step to advancing your senior medical writing career is to take a good look at where you are now and where you want to go. You have the experience, but what do you want to achieve next?
Think about your strengths and how you can apply them to bigger challenges. Ask yourself, what problems do I enjoy solving on a daily basis? Think about the aspects of your current role that you love and those you find less enjoyable. What tasks would you be willing to let go of, and which tasks would you prefer to continue doing?
For example, you might enjoy the creative side of writing but find it challenging to navigate difficult conversations with clients or colleagues about their expectations. If that’s the case, it could be a sign that a role focused on people management or client services might not be as fulfilling for you. Instead, you might thrive in roles where you get to handle strategic ideas or focus on the design elements of a project.
Then consider what skills will drive you forward. These could be anything from mastering a new therapeutic area to learning key leadership skills (decision making, budget handling, communications and influence etc).
The key here is to stay open to new opportunities to help you grow. Whether it’s taking on a new project, investing in learning a new skill, or volunteering for a cross-functional team, staying open to opportunites will help you develop towards that next step.
2. Make Yourself Visible
Visibility is essential for career progression at all stages. You want to be noticed by the right people. Make sure you’re speaking up in meetings, contributing to initiatives, and sharing your knowledge through forums and discussions in the workplace.
The more visible you are within your company and in the wider medical writing community, the more opportunities will come your way.
Don’t shy away from showcasing your achievements either. Whilst the idea of self-promotion may feel uncomfortable, when approached thoughtfully and with humility, it becomes a powerful tool to gain recognition and advance your career.
There’s no need to be pretentious or pushy when it comes to self-promotion. Rather, a genuine, confident approach will allow you to gain the recognition you deserve for your hard work as a medical writer.
Keep networking (inside and outside your company). As a SMW, you’ve built relationships in your field, but continuing to expand your professional network will open doors.
Seek out mentors and colleagues who can offer guidance and help you sharpen your career strategy. Reach out to peers in the industry, attend conferences, and be active on LinkedIn. By staying connected, you’ll not only learn about trends in your field, but also be top-of-mind when new opportunities arise.
3. Invest in Your Development
Even at a senior level, there’s always room for growth. The biopharma industry is constantly changing, and staying updated on new trends and developments is critical. Take the time to enroll in relevant courses, pursue certifications and enhance both your hard and soft skills.
Therapeutic area expertise, handling specific project / document types and keeping up-to-date with compliance training is all important, but don’t overlook the value of soft skills either. It’s is easy-to-do this when you’re juggling multiple projects on a day-to-day basis and your time is being sucked up by deliverable deadlines.
If for example, if a managment role is what you’re looking for next, strong leadership and team-building skills will set you apart when opportunities for such roles arise. Make the time to develop leadership skills where you can.
Never underestimate the importance of continuous learning. It sets you apart and makes you a more valuable asset to your organisation. In the competitive world of medical writing, those who invest in their development stay ahead of the curve.
4. Career progression is your responsibility
Here’s a trap that’s really easy to fall into: Assuming your line manager will take control of your career.
Sure, your line manager is an important resource and often a crucial mentor, but don’t expect them to be the driver of your career.
Why should they? After all it’s your career (and they’re already driving their own). Plus if you’re great at your job, having you in their team is making them shine! What’s their incentive to move you on and out in this situation?
This may sound cynical and for sure not all managers take this approach. Many are hugely supportive and will try their very best to help you progress. But don’t assume this is all managers.
Therefore, it’s up to you to be proactive, communicate your goals, and seek support. And whilst good managers will always offer feedback and guidance, the path to success is your own responsibility.
Initiate conversations about your career goals, set regular check-ins, and most importantly, take ownership of your professional development. The most successful SMWs are those who actively seek new opportunities and constantly invest in their personal growth.
Waiting for your manager to decide your next step is a passive approach that can hinder your long-term success.
In summary
Taking control of your career as a SMW requires reflection, visibility, and continuous development. Be the first to propose new ideas, seek out challenges, and engage with other leaders in your organisation and field.
By setting clear goals, building strong networks, and proactively seeking new opportunities, you can steer your career in the direction that aligns with your ambitions. Remember, your line manager may support you, but ultimately, career progression is in your hands.
If you’re ready to take your medical writing career to the next level? Subscribe to the BB blog mailing list to obtain tips, resources, and insights that will help you continue to grow and thrive in the field of medical writing: www.biomedbadass.com/subscribe