Getting started in EU regulatory affairs can feel daunting — especially if you’re a recent graduate with little exposure to the pharmaceutical industry. We spoke with Adriaan, a seasoned regulatory affairs professional and Educo Life Sciences trainer, about how he entered the field, the challenges newcomers face, and his top advice for building a successful career in pharma regulations.

A Career That Began by Accident

Adriaan didn’t set out to work in regulatory affairs. In fact, like many in the field, he discovered it by chance.

“I’m a pharmacist by training, and around the time of my graduation, I saw a notice on the university board — Glaxo was looking for someone for a short-term role to extract relevant data from a registration dossier and make a brochure for hospital pharmacists.”

That temporary role sparked his interest in regulatory documentation.

“I found that registration dossiers were actually very interesting. When the project ended, they offered me a position as Regulatory Affairs Manager. So, completely by coincidence, I entered the field — and found it fascinating.”

A Steep Learning Curve for Newcomers

Adriaan is candid about one of the biggest barriers for entry-level professionals: a lack of exposure during university.

“University does not prepare students for working in regulatory affairs. It was the same with me. I learned very little about the pharmaceutical industry when I was at university.”

This creates a catch-22 for graduates: you need experience to get a role, but roles requiring no experience are rare.

“There are not that many entry roles in industry. So when you apply, you can’t really show experience — but you can demonstrate genuine interest and awareness of what the job involves.”

He encourages aspiring regulatory professionals to seek alternative entry points:

“The European Medicines Agency offers trainee placements. If you’re willing to spend a bit of time in the Netherlands, it’s a fantastic opportunity. You’ll learn things there you won’t get from industry alone — and it will be of great value for your future.”

What Makes a Great Regulatory Professional?

Adriaan believes three core qualities define success in regulatory affairs:

1. Curiosity Across Functions

“Be curious and interested in all aspects of medicines development. That’s the great thing about regulatory affairs — it all comes together. You work with every department to get the product registered.”

2. Diplomacy and Perspective

“You have to put yourself in the shoes of others — whether it’s internal teams or regulatory agencies. Understand what each party is looking for, and where compromises can be made.”

This includes balancing regulatory and commercial objectives:

“Your role is to find a solution that’s scientifically and clinically acceptable to regulators, but also viable commercially. That often means negotiating with multiple stakeholders and finding a middle ground.”

3. Deep Knowledge of Regulations

“Everyone relies on you to understand the regulations and procedures. It’s absolutely critical — without that knowledge, you can’t guide a product through the process.”

Using Training to Build and Advance Your Career

Adriaan now shares his expertise through Educo Life Sciences’ training courses. He teaches three programmes designed to help professionals enter and grow within regulatory roles.

1. EU Regulatory Affairs

“This is the foundational course. It helps you understand the core regulations and procedures you need to work in this space.”

2. Regulatory Strategy During Development

“Once you’ve gained experience, this course focuses on how to get your product approved. It’s all about strategy — what steps you can take during development to improve your chances of success.”

3. Lifecycle Management in the EU

“This course focuses on everything that happens after approval — which is often overlooked but essential, especially in larger companies with dedicated post-approval teams.”

Each course is designed for a specific career stage — whether you’re brand new to regulatory affairs or working on strategic approvals.

Final Thoughts: Focus on Interest and Initiative

Adriaan’s career is proof that regulatory affairs is a rewarding field for those who are curious, collaborative, and committed to learning.

“I didn’t plan this career, but I came to love it. If you’re starting out, focus on showing your interest and learning the basics — from there, opportunities will follow.”

Start Your Journey in EU Regulatory Affairs

Whether you’re launching your career or advancing to a strategic role, Educo Life Sciences offers training to help you succeed in EU regulatory affairs.

👉 Explore Our EU Regulatory Courses

Watch a snippet of the interview here: