Boehringer Ingelheim

Catharina Seibert had actually planned to study architecture. In the end, however, she chose chemistry at the University of Mainz, setting her on a completely different career path.

Pursuing a Ph.D. was not the route she wanted to take. Instead, she entered the workforce directly after graduation as a pharmaceutical representative in the field.

In 2019, Catharina joined Boehringer Ingelheim, where she gained experience across a wide range of functions, including occupational safety, process management, production and laboratory operations. Many of the skills that are essential in her role today were developed through hands-on experience and continuous learning on the job.

Today, she works in the Reference Substances department. Acting as a bridge between business functions and IT, she supports the implementation of digital solutions that help ensure reliable analyses and maintain the high quality standards required for pharmaceutical products. For Catharina, this variety of tasks and opportunities is what makes the pharmaceutical industry so exciting.

Looking back, she is convinced that choosing not to pursue a Ph.D. was the right decision for her. While there are moments when she wonders what it might have been like to earn a doctorate, especially since many of her colleagues hold one, her own journey has shown her that there is more than one path to a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Her advice to students: take the time to consider whether a Ph.D. truly aligns with your interests and career goals. For those who are passionate about research, it can be an excellent choice. But if you are eager to gain practical experience and develop your skills in an industry setting, there are plenty of rewarding career opportunities available without a doctorate.