Undergraduate placements
If you’re a university student looking for a 12-month industrial placement offered as part of your degree course then you can #FindItAtPfizer.
If you want to be part of a team that lets you ask questions; share ideas; make discoveries and retain a healthy work-life balance then you can #FindItAtPfizer too.
Whether you join us in our Research & Development; Commercial or Global Operations department, you’ll be part of one global team, working to bring vital breakthroughs to patients. We’ll provide you with a unique set of experiences that will broaden and develop the critical skill sets and competencies you’ll need to be successful in the business environment and excel in your degree.
Placements start at the beginning of September each year, but recruitment starts a full year beforehand. Open positions will be listed on our Undergraduate Vacancies page from August/September each year, with new positions being added through to December. This is an opportunity to work for a company that:
- Values everyone as an individual
- Is passionate about inclusion and wellbeing
- Offers competitive salary and benefits including 25.5 days annual leave
- Has excellent onsite facilities.
What were my highlights? Some of our previous undergraduates tell all:
Patients. They are at the heart of everything we do. You’ll be given a high-level of responsibility as you support, manage and deliver projects in one of the world’s most innovative biopharmaceutical companies. Staying true to our values, we will support you to gain the courage to run with new ideas and to contribute fully to the success of the team in which you work.
We’re big believers in giving back to the community, too. So, you’ll get five paid volunteering days to work for a cause close to your heart. There are opportunities to get involved in our STEM programmes, helping school kids discover the joy of science. Plus, you’ll have the chance to attend a range of high-profile industry events. It’s all part of the range of exciting opportunities you can expect at Pfizer.
Here’s a round up of just some of our departments offering placements:
- Research & Development
- Analytical Research & Development
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Solid Dose Manufacturing
- Synthetic Chemistry
- Global Operations
- Mechanical Engineering
- Environment Health & Safety (EHS)
- Commercial
- Finance
- Marketing
- Human Resources
- Business Technology
- Digital Marketing
- Worldwide Safety
- Global Regulatory Affairs
- Corporate Affairs
Profiles
Our undergraduates are a tight knit bunch. You’ll have lots of opportunities throughout the year to get to know each other (and your other Pfizer workmates) with a wide range of social events and activities.
Coming from a science degree into a marketing role I was nervous that it would be difficult to adjust.
But the colleagues I worked with always took the time to teach me all I needed to know about the therapy area, NHS environment and brand strategy we were working on. Because there’s a real culture here of encouraging everyone to keep learning and developing their skills, I’ve had the opportunity to complete marketing and leadership courses.
Not many placement students can say a project they worked on had a direct impact for the better on patients' lives. But the skills I’ve developed have allowed me to do just that. It’s something I’m very proud of.
Having had such a brilliant year at Pfizer I’m delighted that I’ll be coming back on the Future Leaders Graduate Programme after completing my University Degree. I’m really looking forward to continuing my journey at Pfizer and returning to an amazing company.”
Internal Medicines Marketing Undergraduate
From my very first day supporting the Hospital business unit as a digital undergraduate at Pfizer, I felt valued and supported by my line manager and my team.
They made me feel really comfortable about asking as many questions as I wanted – and about providing my own ideas. Again and again, I was given the chance to be involved in projects that not only increased my digital repertoire but also gave me the chance to build connections with colleagues across Pfizer.
Being given real autonomy early on was brilliant. I was in charge of making impactful decisions, budget planning and managing stakeholders inside and outside of the company.
The culture here was also a massive positive. I was able to sign up to the gym, play in the weekly five-a-side with workmates and get involved in Pfizer’s STEM ambassador programmes.
This year has seen me change from an observer, to an avid contributor of new ideas. It’s an experience I’m proud to take with me on my future career path.”
Digital Marketing Undergraduate
My year at Pfizer has allowed me to develop so many insights – not just about my own department but about other business functions, too.
I’ve worked on multiple executive projects and created numerous fresh ideas for the company.
There’s a real culture here of encouraging people to have the courage to bring new ideas to the table – and then to run with them.
This placement provides you with brilliant support from so many sources. Supervisors, mentors and HR all offer different advice and help that helps you feel at home quickly. This placement year really equips you for your future career. It's certainly not the tea and coffee run! it's a real, professional job.”
Event Management, Communications & Marketing Operations Undergraduate
Locations
Where will I be located? At one of these three sites.
All three sites have state-of-the-art facilities. These vary from location to location, but include restaurants, coffee shops, gyms, meditation rooms, free on-site parking and a free bus service from surrounding towns.
Any questions? Just send us an email at studentprogrammesUK@pfizer.com
Important Notice
Beware of scams from individuals, organisations and Internet sites claiming to represent Pfizer in recruitment activities. A formal Pfizer recruitment process is required for all authorised positions posted by Pfizer prior to issuing an offer of employment. This Pfizer process includes an interview and never requires payment or fees from job applicants. If you receive a suspicious email message or phone call about recruiting on behalf of Pfizer, do not provide any personal information or pay any fees. Interested candidates should apply to current openings through this Pfizer website. Pfizer accepts no responsibility for any costs or charges incurred as a result of fraudulent activity.