Changing Careers to Become a SAS Programmer in the Biotech / Pharmaceutical Industry

The ebb and flow within the technology sector, ranging from the dot com bubble to outsourcing, has programmers searching for job security. Many individuals have considered becoming a SAS programmer within the Biotech and Pharmaceutical industry due to the longer project life cycle of years rather than months. The best path to enter this field can be elusive. There are challenges especially for those starting out since it requires three years of experience to obtain that first job. This paper distills real life stories from SAS programmers within the Biotech and Pharmaceutical industry. It describes many different paths and suggests recommendations based upon these experiences. When starting out on a new career path, sage advice from seasoned professionals in the field can save a lot of time and energy. Armed with the knowledge and shared experiences from the stories told in this paper, you will propel yourself into a more challenging and successful career.