Enable AccessibilityEnable Accessibility

Graduate and Internship Programmes


Takeda UK offers university students and graduates the opportunity to gain a unique working experience within the pharmaceutical industry:

Why Takeda?

We are a top 15 Global Pharmaceutical company, with over 50,000 employees across the globe – with over 300 colleagues working in the UK. 

Better health and a brighter future for the world is what we all wish for those around us.  This was no different in 1781 when Takeda’s founder, Chobei I, established his principles for our new company.

So much has changed in the last two centuries. The understanding of causes of disease, scientific advancements improving diagnosis and treatment has changed the course of many patients’ lives and eradicated some diseases completely.

But what has not changed is our core principles – to achieve the best outcomes for patients, to build trust and reinforce our reputation which continues today to motivate how we do business.

Our values have been passed down through generations of unwavering support for patients. Integrity, Fairness, Honesty and Perseverance - what we call Takeda-ism - define our role in society and it is these values that we look for in our employees.

Graduate Leadership Development Programme

The Graduate Leadership Development Programme is open to recent STEM graduates who demonstrate real leadership potential and aspire to senior leadership roles within the pharmaceutical industry.

By providing a range of opportunities and experiences gained working across a number of key business areas you will rapidly acquire a rounded understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, as well as gaining both technical and leadership skills. During the programme you will undertake four 9 month long placements in different functional areas within the business including Medical Affairs, Market Access and Marketing. During one of your placements the emphasis will be on interacting with people outside Takeda; this could involve anything from selling medicines to healthcare professionals to working with patient groups or influencing public policymakers. Alongside these placements you will undertake a training programme focused on developing some important business skills which will be relevant regardless of which area of the business you are working in. These will cover topics as diverse as communicating with impact, managing projects and budgets, effective coaching and developing leadership skills.

Throughout the programme you will be supported and mentored by a member of Takeda’s UK Senior Leadership Team. By the time you leave the programme you will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and experience required to successfully take up any one of a range of permanent roles across a number of business functions, allowing you to pursue your future career in your chosen direction.


What we look for in applicants to the Graduate Leadership Development Programme:

  • Individuals in their final year of university or who have graduated within the last two years.
  • Applicants should be on track for or have graduated with a 2:1 or higher, in a STEM degree. Applications are also open to applicants with post-graduate degrees.
  • Able to demonstrate a genuine interest in the pharmaceutical industry and an aptitude for leadership.

Industrial Placement Programme

The Takeda undergraduate 1 year internship is a sandwich year placement and provides students with an introduction to the pharmaceutical industry with a focus on pharmaceutical marketing. Our interns play an important and integral role within our cross-functional brand teams and during the placement will get an opportunity to work alongside an experienced Marketing Manager. By the end of your placement you will understand the principles of pharmaceutical marketing including the regulatory framework we work within, and have had the opportunity to lead your own projects.

Our internship programme will provide you with hands on experience of working within a Top 15 global pharmaceutical company and working in the heart of the cross-functional brand team will give you insights to many functions including Marketing, Medical, Market Access and Patient Advocacy.



What we look for in an industrial placement intern:

  • Motivated and enthusiastic undergraduate ideally studying for a Life Science or Business-related degree with a keen interest in a career in the Pharmaceutical industry
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with others
  • Enjoy the challenges of working in a fast-paced ethical pharmaceutical environment

Application process

If you are interested in joining either Takeda’s Graduate Leadership Development Programme or Industrial Placement Programme, please find below details of our application process. 

Takeda offer a competitive salary + performance related bonus; a modern, central London headquarters located within the vibrant Paddington Basin and a fantastic opportunity to experience life in the pharmaceutical industry.

Please note that Takeda always attracts a high number of applications for these roles, so please do bear with us whilst we review and consider every application we receive.

Our recruitment process:

You can search for our current graduate vacancies here 

You will be required to upload your CV and a covering letter*

Your covering letter must include:

  • Why you? What sets you apart from other candidates? What can you bring to Takeda?
  • Why us? Why would you like to work at Takeda?

You can also include information regarding any relevant experience you may have and some details regarding how you like to spend your leisure time.

*Please note we will only consider applications that are submitted via the on-line portal and have an accompanying covering letter.

An initial interview will be conducted by a member of our recruitment team.
We will conduct a number of activities including a job related exercise, a presentation and an interview.

This stage is designed to showcase your personality and your capabilities, we are looking for individuals who are passionate, energetic and can demonstrate, an innovative spirit, so please let your true self shine!
 

 

EXA/GB/CORP/0208

Date of Preparation: September 2023