The pharmaceutical industry is a tantalizing but often frustratingly elusive career option for students and postdocs moving out of academia. At a Science Alliance webinar on June 3, 2009, Susi Lee of Merck answered the tricky question of how to get a job as a clinical researcher when these jobs require previous experience. A great track record, with evidence of leadership skills, can be enough to get into clinical research. Courses for clinical research certification are also available. In addition to careers in clinical and basic research, Lee also emphasized the importance of regulatory affairs scientists, who communicate with everyone involved in the drug development process. She also emphasized important interpersonal and communication skills that are indispensible in industry.