Question 49: Would you like to make any other comments?

Other comments included:

• I have considered completing the MSc in RA. However I am based in Ireland and am a qualified pharmacist. My survey of companies adn other senior RA professionals indicated that they would not offer a higher position or salary if I had an MSc than my degree in Pharmacy. My current company would not cover all costs and so through travel/accommodation and courses fees the cost/benefit of the MSc did not balance.
• Two brief comments:
  1) My impression from several companies is that "on-the-job" training is still much preferred to external courses. This may be cover for keeping talented staff in junior roles where they have become indispensable?
  2) There is a glut of scientists leaving academia (poor pay & career structure), but RA managers are often ignorant of their potential. The risk is worthwhile: my fellow PhDs have generally progressed faster than other graduates because they are used to training themselves.
• Interested in getting involved in Topra activities.