Women are nature’s strongest creatures, who can fulfil every role perfectly, whether it be a dedicated homemaker, owner of a well-renowned company, or a magnificent mother; they do it all. But with all these, they do have to sacrifice a lot of their own. In this patriarchal society, making a career for women is not a piece of cake. It requires double the hard work to prove themselves in the world. Many women achieve their dream careers, but a few have no choice but to leave their dream careers to build a family. According to TOI, the employment number of women falls by 25% after marriage, commonly known as “Marriage Penalty”, and 40 % of women do not return to the workforce after maternity leave. This blog is for those women who want to make a comeback in their careers. In this blog, we will discuss the best career options for women in Pharma, the best remote jobs careers and many more.
Top Career Options For Women in the Pharma Industry
Here are a few career options that can be great for women who want to make a comeback in their careers:
1. Medical Writing
A medical writer translates principles of clinical research data or medical data into an accurate and concise document for an audience in various fields such as regulatory affairs, pharma companies, research grants, and educational etc. If you are someone who has a keen interest in science and a passion for writing, Medical writing can be the best fit for you. It offers various job roles such as:
- Medical Writer
- Scientific Medical Writer
- Medical Journalist
- Regulatory Affairs Writer
- Grant Writing Specialist
Why it’s great for women:
- High demand in the pharmaceutical, healthcare industry, and CROs
- Offers great freelancing and remote career opportunities in the healthcare industry
- Offers strong and global career growth opportunities and a stable career
- Better work-life balance
If you have good writing skills and a background in life sciences, medical writing can be your perfect comeback career.
2. Medical Coding
Medical coding involves the process of translating healthcare diagnoses, procedures, services, and equipment into universal alphanumeric medical codes. These codes are derived from various sources within the medical record, such as the physician’s notes, laboratory results, radiology findings, etc. These codes are used by insurance companies and pharma companies. Here are some job roles in the medical coding career.
- Medical Coder
- Medical Billing
- Medical Coding Manager
- Medical Coding Auditor
- Billing Analyst
- Coding Specialist
- Reimbursement Specialist
Why it’s great for women:
- Unlike other courses and career options, Medical coding only needs a short training period to enter the field
- Offers flexible work shifts and hybrid opportunities, and medical coding remote job opportunities
- Medical coding and billing professionals are in high demand in hospitals, outsourcing companies, and insurance firms
This career is ideal for women who are detail-focused, organised, and looking for job stability.
3. Clinical Data Management
Clinical data management involves collecting, organising, and analysing clinical trial data. Clinical Data Management offers various job opportunities in the healthcare industry. Here are a few common clinical data management roles that can be the best career option to make a comeback in the workforce:
- Clinical Data Manager
- Clinical Data Coordinator
- Clinical Data Analyst
- Clinical Data Specialist
Why it’s great for women:
- Offers global career opportunities in CROs and pharma companies
- Offers hybrid and remote career opportunities in healthcare and the Pharma industry
- High in demand with competitive salaries
- Offers better work-life balance and stability
Women with strong analytical thinking and a research interest can thrive in this field.
4. Clinical Research
Clinical Research professionals contribute to the development of new drugs, medical devices or treatment therapies by overseeing the clinical trials and ensuring patient safety and ethical standards are upheld. The clinical research field offers various great career opportunities. Here are a few job roles that can offer Remote jobs in clinical research:
- Medical Reviewer
- Drug Safety Physician
- Medical Advisor
- Clinical Data Reviewer
Why it’s great for women:
- India is a hub for clinical trials, hence clinical research professionals are always in high demand
- Offers great hybrid or work-from-home job roles in clinical research
- Offers a competitive salary in the top MNCs
- Better work-life balance
If you have a keen interest in science and research, clinical research can be a perfect fit for you.
How To Start Your Career Again
Starting a career after a long career break can be scary, confusing and overwhelming, but here is where CareerInPharma steps in. At CareerInPharma, we believe that a career break should never define a woman’s professional journey. Our programs are designed to empower women to confidently re-enter the workforce by equipping them with in-demand skills in areas like medical writing, pharmacovigilance, clinical data management, medical coding and regulatory affairs. CareerInPharma provides flexible, online learning modules that fit into busy schedules, live mentorship sessions to clear doubts, and personalized career guidance. Beyond training, we support women with resume building, interview preparation, and job placement opportunities, ensuring that they are not just job-ready but also future-ready. By creating an inclusive learning environment and even hiring our alumni, CareerInPharma is committed to turning career breaks into successful comebacks, promoting true women’s empowerment in the pharma industry.
Real SuperWomen
Here are a few examples of women who set an example and will help to motivate you to do the same.
Dr Neema Bisht – LinkedIn Profile
Dr Neema is an extraordinary example. From a private dental clinic to a corporate job at IQVIA to being the cofounder of CareerInpharma clinical research training institute, she did it all. She has mentored thousands of healthcare graduates and professionals in building successful non-clinical careers. Known for her practical insights, inspiring talks, and dedication to women’s empowerment, Dr. Neema has become a trusted guide for those looking to transition or restart their careers in pharma.
Dr Sabana A Nazar- LinkedIn Profile
Dr Sabana is an incredible example of a woman in power. From a dentist and Aesthetic Physician to Medical Communication Manager-Regulatory Affairs. Being an exceptional hands-on mother of twins, Dr Sabana is also a dedicated Remote Medical Communication Manager, proving that women can do it all.
Vaishnavi Malvankar- LinkedIn Profile
Being an MSc graduate in cardiac perfusion, Vaishanavi worked as a clinical cardiac perfusionist for 6 years and had to relocate after getting married. She did an advanced diploma in clinical research and medical writing. And after a career gap of 2 years, she is now a dedicated Medical Writer for CareerInPharma and works from home. She proves that a career gap doesn’t affect your will to build a stable life and career.
Dr Shamini Gyatiri Krishnan
Dr Gayatri is an example that age doesn’t matter. After working in Malaysia for about 15 years, she returned to India and settled. She did an advanced diploma course in clinical research and pharmacovigilance from CareerInpharma and landed a work-from-home career opportunity as a Medical Reviewer from TCS with a package of 18.5 LPA at the age of 45 years. She proves that age is just a number!
Overview
Coming back to work after a break may feel daunting, but the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries offer excellent opportunities for women who want to balance career growth with personal responsibilities. Careers in Medical Writing, Medical Coding and Billing, Clinical Research, and Clinical Data Management are not only rewarding but also provide flexibility and global opportunities. At CareerInPharma, we specialise in helping women return to the workforce with confidence. Through training programs, interview preparation, and placement support, we’ve guided many women like Vaishnavi, Dr. Sabana, and Dr. Shamini towards successful comebacks in pharma.
Remember, your career break is just a pause, not the end of your story. With the right skills, determination, and support, you can write a powerful new chapter in your professional journey.
FAQs: Best Career Options for Women
1. What are the best career options for women returning to work after a break?
Women can explore careers in medical writing, medical coding, clinical data management, and clinical research, as these fields offer flexibility, remote jobs, and stable growth.
2. Why is the pharma industry a good choice for women making a career comeback?
The pharma and healthcare industry is high in demand, globally recognized, and offers remote and hybrid roles. It also provides better work-life balance, making it ideal for women re-entering the workforce.
3. Can women restart their careers in pharma without prior experience?
Yes. With proper training in medical writing, pharmacovigilance, medical coding, or clinical research, women can restart their careers even if they had a long career gap.
4. What skills are required for medical writing careers?
Women with a background in life sciences, good writing skills, and interest in research can pursue medical writing. Training programs help build technical and regulatory writing skills.
5. Is medical coding a good remote job option for women?
Yes. Medical coding and billing jobs are highly in demand, require only short training, and offer flexible shifts, hybrid roles, and work-from-home opportunities.
6. How can clinical research help women relaunch their careers?
India is a hub for clinical trials, and clinical research professionals are in demand globally. Women can work as medical reviewers, drug safety physicians, or clinical data reviewers, with many remote opportunities.
7. How does CareerInPharma support women in restarting their careers?
CareerInPharma offers flexible online learning modules, live mentorship, resume building, interview preparation, and job placement support, empowering women to re-enter the workforce confidently.
8. Can women with long career gaps still find good opportunities in pharma?
Absolutely. With the right upskilling and guidance, women with even long gaps can secure remote and high-paying roles in pharma and healthcare.
9. Are there real examples of women who restarted their careers successfully?
Yes. Inspiring women like Dr. Neema Bisht, Dr. Sabana Nazar, Vaishnavi Malvankar, and Dr. Shamini Gyatiri Krishnan have successfully returned to the workforce through pharma career paths.
10. What is the first step for women planning a career comeback?
The first step is to identify your interest area (medical writing, coding, clinical research, etc.), enroll in a structured training program, and build industry-relevant skills to re-enter the workforce confidently.
