Official: How to break into industry?

[Sparda29]

Just creating a thread that hopefully can be stickied that would have information on how Average Joe, PharmD (only retail and hospital experience) can break into industry jobs.

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[beautifulrobot]

Depends on what you want to do in industry. But in general, there is nothing magical about getting a job in industry. As with most jobs, you have to have some combination of personality, connections, and skill/knowledge:
1. You know people on the inside who like you enough to connect you with a job
2. You train in a reputable residency or fellowship program and develop a desireable skillset that makes you an attractive job applicant
3. You have the charisma and know-how to market yourself and build an effective professional network

One specific pathway that seems fairly accessible to most retail pharmacists is becoming a project manager at FDA, and then trying to transition over to a project manager in industry. As long as youre willing to move to Silver Spring, MD and have the patience to deal with the fed government's job application process (requires lots of persistence and patience), a PharmD with hospital/retail experience only has a decent chance at successfully applying for PM jobs at FDA.

 

[spacecowgirl]

Do you mean field based (MSL) or more like HQ jobs?

 

[DOOM N GLOOM]

Just creating a thread that hopefully can be stickied that would have information on how Average Joe, PharmD (only retail and hospital experience) can break into industry jobs.

While we’re at it, I’d also appreciate some tips on how I, an average blue-collar citizen, can become a millionaire. Please help.

 

[Sparda29]

Do you mean field based (MSL) or more like HQ jobs?

Just in general, jobs at pharmaceutical companies. Example: I went to Pfizer's job board and there are thousands of jobs but unless you're going to sit there and click on each single one, there is no way to know what you are actually qualified for. What is the usual starting job title for someone who only has a PharmD no-fellowship?

 

[JamesL1585]

Serious proposition: Anyone interested in starting their own “industry" company? Shoot me a message!

 

[JamesL1585]

Just in general, jobs at pharmaceutical companies. Example: I went to Pfizer's job board and there are thousands of jobs but unless you're going to sit there and click on each single one, there is no way to know what you are actually qualified for. What is the usual starting job title for someone who only has a PharmD no-fellowship?

Sales, unless you know someone, or had 1-3 residencies (from my prior knowledge) this could have changed.

I did the whole fellowship route, at ASHP, what a crazy circus. Woke up at 4am to stand in line to be interviewed, was #5 in line even though I came at 4am. haha. It was intense, and fun though. I ended up making it to the final round for 2 companies, but didnt ultimately get the fellowship. I never wanted something so bad, that I didn't get, but boy, I'm happy I didn't get it! But, great route for any phamacy student to take who's interested, or some recent graduating pharmacist 1-3 years I believe.

 

[Jbrl]

Just in general, jobs at pharmaceutical companies. Example: I went to Pfizer's job board and there are thousands of jobs but unless you're going to sit there and click on each single one, there is no way to know what you are actually qualified for. What is the usual starting job title for someone who only has a PharmD no-fellowship?

The typical roles for PharmD no fellowship are Medical Information or Drug Safety/Pharmacovigilance, usually at Manager or a step below (e.g. Sr Specialist).

 

[samven582]

Depends on what you want to do in industry. But in general, there is nothing magical about getting a job in industry. As with most jobs, you have to have some combination of personality, connections, and skill/knowledge:
1. You know people on the inside who like you enough to connect you with a job
2. You train in a reputable residency or fellowship program and develop a desireable skillset that makes you an attractive job applicant
3. You have the charisma and know-how to market yourself and build an effective professional network

One specific pathway that seems fairly accessible to most retail pharmacists is becoming a project manager at FDA, and then trying to transition over to a project manager in industry. As long as youre willing to move to Silver Spring, MD and have the patience to deal with the fed government's job application process (requires lots of persistence and patience), a PharmD with hospital/retail experience only has a decent chance at successfully applying for PM jobs at FDA.

Been trying for 3 years and no luck. I recently had a conversation with a manager with GADIS who said I was unqualified. Most pharmacists I see on LinkedIn who work at the FDA have done a rotation there or PGY-1 residency

 

[beautifulrobot]

Been trying for 3 years and no luck. I recently had a conversation with a manager with GADIS who said I was unqualified. Most pharmacists I see on LinkedIn who work at the FDA have done a rotation there or PGY-1 residency

Yes, there are many pharmacist jobs in FDA where they wont look at you if you dont have residency training or extensive clinical experience under your belt, but those are mostly reviewer-type jobs, and doens't apply to project manager jobs. Off the top of my head I can think of at least 5 PharmDs who work as project managers who were hired as new grads or from retail pharmacy.

 

[DOOM N GLOOM]

Been trying for 3 years and no luck. I recently had a conversation with a manager with GADIS who said I was unqualified. Most pharmacists I see on LinkedIn who work at the FDA have done a rotation there or PGY-1 residency

This right here is a good example why folks should not be so short-sighted in school to not do a residency or fellowship afterwards— it’s almost a no brainer as a necessary credential these days.

Please stop using excuses like “I don’t learn anything that I can’t already do from my schooling” or “residency is a scam” (the concept is, but the credential isn’t) and just do a residency/fellowship so you don’t find yourself in a pickle. The ship has sailed for most that are already out in practice... but if you’re still in school you can still turn the course...

 

[beautifulrobot]

I will say that if you are applying just by submitting apps to usajobs.gov and not through a special hiring initiative, and you dont have any good connections with someone who already works at FDA, it will be more of a challenge to land any job, PM or otherwise.

 

[spacecowgirl]

Just in general, jobs at pharmaceutical companies. Example: I went to Pfizer's job board and there are thousands of jobs but unless you're going to sit there and click on each single one, there is no way to know what you are actually qualified for. What is the usual starting job title for someone who only has a PharmD no-fellowship?

For someone new to industry, probably looking at MSL. But these jobs aren't new grad, no experience jobs. As giga said, there are a few pathways and all of them have to do with experience which thus brings you a network. I know there is occasional debate on here about whether pharmacy is a small world or not; I am on the side that it is a very small world. My network, coupled with the fact that I'm resourceful and curious has brought me the unicorn positions I have had. I'm an introvert and not particularly good at schmoozing or small talk but I network like crazy and it has paid off. And don't forget connecting people with other people that have mutual interests (that might be outside of mine) - that is part of networking. If I lost my job tomorrow, I can think of at least 2 jobs I could have thanks to my network.

 

[samven582]

For someone new to industry, probably looking at MSL. But these jobs aren't new grad, no experience jobs. As giga said, there are a few pathways and all of them have to do with experience which thus brings you a network. I know there is occasional debate on here about whether pharmacy is a small world or not; I am on the side that it is a very small world. My network, coupled with the fact that I'm resourceful and curious has brought me the unicorn positions I have had. I'm an introvert and not particularly good at schmoozing or small talk but I network like crazy and it has paid off. And don't forget connecting people with other people that have mutual interests (that might be outside of mine) - that is part of networking. If I lost my job tomorrow, I can think of at least 2 jobs I could have thanks to my network.

MSL? I doubt it. You need to be an expert in a specific therapeutic area to get one of those jobs.

 

[spacecowgirl]

MSL? I doubt it. You need to be an expert in a specific therapeutic area to get one of those jobs.

I'm an MSL.

 

[Klueril]

I'm an MSL.

You are an MSL but also introverted? How does that work? I thought MSLs have to be somewhat social when presenting/ talking to providers/ presentations/ ect?

 

[bacillus1]

I know a guy who is an MSL now and does not have residency/fellowship. He started with retail, then took a big pay cut for a bit to work for a pharm marketing company. Then he worked for a hospice consulting company, followed by a position with a company that contracts for industry, then a PBM. The sum of these experiences (and switching jobs every year or so) qualified him for an industry job.

 

[DOOM N GLOOM]

You are an MSL but also introverted? How does that work? I thought MSLs have to be somewhat social when presenting/ talking to providers/ presentations/ ect?

If she’s introverted then she’s probably really hot.

 

[samven582]

Yes, there are many pharmacist jobs in FDA where they wont look at you if you dont have residency training or extensive clinical experience under your belt, but those are mostly reviewer-type jobs, and doens't apply to project manager jobs. Off the top of my head I can think of at least 5 PharmDs who work as project managers who were hired as new grads or from retail pharmacy.

Interesting, because I had applied for a regulatory health project manager position this past spring with hospital experience and got an instant rejection. I think it's my CV

 

[Sparda29]

You are an MSL but also introverted? How does that work? I thought MSLs have to be somewhat social when presenting/ talking to providers/ presentations/ ect?

That's not how introvert/extrovert works.

I'm an introvert. At work I have no problem talking to people but I don't find it enjoying to talk to them. The more people I talk to, the more I feel drained of energy by the end of the day. I'd rather verify 500 scripts and talk to no one than verify no scripts and talk to 500 people. I "recharge" via isolation.

The only time I enjoy talking to people is when talking to women who I'm interested in.


Extroverts on the other hand, they love talking to people, more than that they NEED it. Being alone bothers them.

 

[samven582]

This right here is a good example why folks should not be so short-sighted in school to not do a residency or fellowship afterwards— it’s almost a no brainer as a necessary credential these days.

Please stop using excuses like “I don’t learn anything that I can’t already do from my schooling” or “residency is a scam” (the concept is, but the credential isn’t) and just do a residency/fellowship so you don’t find yourself in a pickle. The ship has sailed for most that are already out in practice... but if you’re still in school you can still turn the course...

Yea I really regret not aiming for a fellowship/residency while in school. Residency may be possible but a Pharma fellowship may be out of reach for me at this point.

 

[beautifulrobot]

Interesting, because I had applied for a regulatory health project manager position this past spring with hospital experience and got an instant rejection. I think it's my CV

There really are a lot of unknowns - could be they just had a lot of qualified applicants with veterans preference apply to the position. It could also be something is amiss with your CV and/or how you answer the assessment questionnaires (I'm assuming you applied via usajobs.gov).

ETA:
It might be worth checking out some of the resources FDA has on the hiring process if you haven't already: Jobs and Training at FDA

 

[spacecowgirl]

And being blonde seems to help

I'm not blonde. Very few people on my team are.

If she’s introverted then she’s probably really hot.

This part is def true.

That's not how introvert/extrovert works.

I'm an introvert. At work I have no problem talking to people but I don't find it enjoying to talk to them. The more people I talk to, the more I feel drained of energy by the end of the day. I'd rather verify 500 scripts and talk to no one than verify no scripts and talk to 500 people. I "recharge" via isolation.

The only time I enjoy talking to people is when talking to women who I'm interested in.


Extroverts on the other hand, they love talking to people, more than that they NEED it. Being alone bothers them.

Exactly this (wow, I'm agreeing with Sparda). I'm outgoing, very comfortable presenting, networking... Feedback is that I'm in fact pretty good at it. But it exhausts the hell out of me. Give me wine and a book over going to a party, or God forbid a crowded place like a concert, any day of the week.

 

[spacecowgirl]

Back to the original question, transferable skills are huge. Some people have post grad experience, board certification, some don't. I don't know that there is a magic formula but business acumen, problem solving, good people skills, networking skills, independence and transferable skills seem to be common amongst the MSLs I know.

 

[DOOM N GLOOM]

Back to the original question, transferable skills are huge. Some people have post grad experience, board certification, some don't. I don't know that there is a magic formula but business acumen, problem solving, good people skills, networking skills, independence and transferable skills seem to be common amongst the MSLs I know.

One key transferrable skill you missed is looks, because sex sells. A doc will still be more willing to listen/excuse a young, hot chick who doesn’t know what she is talking about than someone average to below-average looking.

Whether people explicitly say it or not, this is what fellowship programs are looking for too... candidates with a certain kind of image (in the way they look, dress, etc.).

 

[Sabril]

For someone new to industry, probably looking at MSL. But these jobs aren't new grad, no experience jobs. As giga said, there are a few pathways and all of them have to do with experience which thus brings you a network. I know there is occasional debate on here about whether pharmacy is a small world or not; I am on the side that it is a very small world. My network, coupled with the fact that I'm resourceful and curious has brought me the unicorn positions I have had. I'm an introvert and not particularly good at schmoozing or small talk but I network like crazy and it has paid off. And don't forget connecting people with other people that have mutual interests (that might be outside of mine) - that is part of networking. If I lost my job tomorrow, I can think of at least 2 jobs I could have thanks to my network.

Can you share some of your tips in networking? Do you have special networking events that you have access to because of your job? Are there certain kinds of meetings that are more productive than others? Thanks. I don't think there are a lot of networking opportunities for people with just retail backgrounds but I'm probably wrong.

 

[Klueril]

Back to the original question, transferable skills are huge. Some people have post grad experience, board certification, some don't. I don't know that there is a magic formula but business acumen, problem solving, good people skills, networking skills, independence and transferable skills seem to be common amongst the MSLs I know.

What was your path after school?

 

[samven582]

I'm an MSL.

without a fellowship? That's rare

 

[spacecowgirl]

One key transferrable skill you missed is looks, because sex sells.

I'm not a troll, but I'm certainly no beauty. Sales is a different world than medical, although most of the salespeople I see are average folks.

Can you share some of your tips in networking? Do you have special networking events that you have access to because of your job? Are there certain kinds of meetings that are more productive than others? Thanks. I don't think there are a lot of networking opportunities for people with just retail backgrounds but I'm probably wrong.

I'm not active in organizations but I attend meetings and talk to the same people and am involved with several COPs. I did a ton of projects that were outside my job description but involved a lot of collaboration across departments, across facilities, etc. And as I mentioned connect people with other people - then they will do the same for you. My memory is pretty crappy but I try to remember who is working on what, where and when I hear about a similar concept, I connect those people.

What was your path after school?

PGY1, then into a clinical role. Not an "everyone is clinical" role (not saying that isn't true, but I was definitely considered clinical), board certified. Very much a self-starter, which you need in this role because it is highly independent.

without a fellowship? That's rare

On my team, I think there are 2 who completed a fellowship. Most have a residency, but not all. there are skills sets but there is also luck. And once you get in, you get recruited constantly. But it's not a job for everyone - there are sacrifices to be sure.

 

[Rouelle]

Many here will remember this thread that was once stickied. For those who do not:

Pharmaceutical Industry 101

 

[Jbrl]

I'm not a troll, but I'm certainly no beauty. Sales is a different world than medical, although most of the salespeople I see are average folks.


I'm not active in organizations but I attend meetings and talk to the same people and am involved with several COPs. I did a ton of projects that were outside my job description but involved a lot of collaboration across departments, across facilities, etc. And as I mentioned connect people with other people - then they will do the same for you. My memory is pretty crappy but I try to remember who is working on what, where and when I hear about a similar concept, I connect those people.

PGY1, then into a clinical role. Not an "everyone is clinical" role (not saying that isn't true, but I was definitely considered clinical), board certified. Very much a self-starter, which you need in this role because it is highly independent.

On my team, I think there are 2 who completed a fellowship. Most have a residency, but not all. there are skills sets but there is also luck. And once you get in, you get recruited constantly. But it's not a job for everyone - there are sacrifices to be sure.

How often do you see young MSLs without fellowships or residencies? It seems to be the norm instead of the exception nowadays.

Can you share some of your tips in networking? Do you have special networking events that you have access to because of your job? Are there certain kinds of meetings that are more productive than others? Thanks. I don't think there are a lot of networking opportunities for people with just retail backgrounds but I'm probably wrong.

Just my 2c, but if you don’t have the opportunities that spacecowgirl does (which is still possible but more of a long game for you at this point), you can try a few methods:

Social media: LinkedIn, MSL Reddit, etc
Orgs: DIA, etc
Proximity: NJ, MA, CA, NC, IL

For example I’ve had a couple people message me on LinkedIn about my job and I was happy to pay back the favor that was afforded to me back when I was looking to branch out.

Just start and learn as you go.

 

[wazoodog]

I would have to say the majority of pharmacists I see in the industry got in without a fellowship or residency. With newer incoming pharmacists that is slowly changing (more that did industry fellowships), but we still see PharmDs get industry jobs with only an industry rotation under their belt. Aside from the said networking and personality fit, other factors that greatly increase your chances are location (industry hotbeds) and willingness to take a 6 month to 1 year contract position. A lot of retail pharmacists face a tough decision if they get an offer for an industry job that's 1 year contract because they're worried about the uncertainty after the contract is over. Frankly, the difference between a 1 year contract experience (or even 6 months) versus having no experience is night and day in terms of getting an industry job. A 1 year contract experience is a legitimate foot in the door, and I would say the chances of landing your next industry job is way easier than going from floater to full-time store at CVS.

 

[samven582]

Many here will remember this thread that was once stickied. For those who do not:

Pharmaceutical Industry 101

what a depressing thread

 

[BidingMyTime]

If anybody can make this transition, I have faith that it will be you, Sparda. You have an uncanny ability to job-hop in one of the most saturated cities in the country.

 

[Sabril]

If anybody can make this transition, I have faith that it will be you, Sparda. You have an uncanny ability to job-hop in one of the most saturated cities in the country.

If what he posted earlier was true, he insulted his boss straight up and is still breathing and kicking. If that is not invincibility, I don't know what is. Some guys are just born to survive and thrive.

 

[CynicalIntern]

One key transferrable skill you missed is looks, because sex sells. A doc will still be more willing to listen/excuse a young, hot chick who doesn’t know what she is talking about than someone average to below-average looking.

Whether people explicitly say it or not, this is what fellowship programs are looking for too... candidates with a certain kind of image (in the way they look, dress, etc.).

This is quite possibly the most insulting, internet neckbeard thing I've ever read on these forums - and I graduated with SHC.

 

[Sparda29]

If what he posted earlier was true, he insulted his boss straight up and is still breathing and kicking. If that is not invincibility, I don't know what is. Some guys are just born to survive and thrive.

I'd rather be debt free and have a job as a travelling bartender though.

 

[beautifulrobot]

What does a project manager do?

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Regulatory Health Project Manager Jobs in CDER

 

[Hels2007]

how Average Joe, PharmD (only retail and hospital experience) can break into industry jobs.

On the medical side (medical information/medical communications, MSL, outcomes research, even maybe clinical research/research operations) it is actually doable. Maybe market access, depending on what you did at the hospital. On the commercial side, the only pharmacists I know are either those who did a fellowship or those who started in industry back in the 80s/90s.

To prepare, I would definitely get out of retail and get into a position that gives you skills that are more readily transferable to industry. Drug information at the hospital is an obvious one, but not the only one. Being part of the P&T committee, making formulary and purchasing decisions are helpful - if you can't get into a hospital, working for an independent can at least expose you to some of it. Consider getting certified in a particular therapy area to beef up your knowledge and credentials. Do clinical research at your hospital, doesn't have to be your own project, just get involved in it.

When you feel you actually have skills to sell to your industry interviewer, start looking. LinkedIn is a good way to get connected to headhunters, as those positions are often not posted on "big" job boards. Besides the top-25/top-50 pharma and biotechs, start looking at small companies you never even heard of before - they may be more willing to take a chance on someone without industry experience and likely won't have 1000 people applying because no one else has heard of them either. On the other hand, that would only work for a position like medical information where you can hit the ground running, as they don't have time and resources to afford you to take time learning your new job. And it will be a junior position with a significant pay cut vs. retail because for senior positions they need experienced people. Start looking at contract organizations too - that can be the best way to get MSL experience which will let you get into industry later. Consider working for agencies (there are a billion of different ones) - they will also mean a significant pay cut, but they can provide a really good experience for your future career.

And industry has its downsides too. You are perpetually in danger of a layoff, and most likely will be laid off more than once in the course of your career. You can have crazy hours when it's crunch time - think 6am-11pm or answering e-mail at 2am on Saturday or being on a conference call on your birthday while on vacation out of state. You can sit there wondering what the hell you are supposed to do because you were given extremely vague directions and you have no clue whether what you are doing is in any way related to what they expect of you. Your project which you spent months working on and poured your heart and soul into can be cancelled by managerial decision at the last moment.

The big one is layoffs. I personally have no idea whether I will still have a job next year. I hope I will, but we had several setbacks with our pipeline, and should this last project fail too, we are all toast.

 

[bacillus1]

Been looking at MSL postings lately. Pretty much all of them say "MSL experience required". How can you get MSL experience if no one will hire you without the experience.

 

[DOOM N GLOOM]

Been looking at MSL postings lately. Pretty much all of them say "MSL experience required". How can you get MSL experience if no one will hire you without the experience.

You do a fellowship or work in a client-facing role such that you can speak to it. And by client-facing I don’t mean patients. I mean payers, vendors, other pharma, regulatory etc.

 

[greenteapanacea]

I feel bad reviving a somewhat-dead thread, but here's my personal experience:
I'm a 2018 grad currently working as a staff pharmacist at the hospital I interned at. I actually took this job over two sweet job offers from industry.

I completed an FDA rotation w/ CDER in P4 year. It's somewhat difficult to find an FDA job without connections, but nearly impossible without a several years of experience as a pharmacist/industry professional. Some people enter FDA through the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, some from industry, and a few from retail/hospital. Again, it's hard but not improbable.

I also completed an industry rotation. While the vast majority of pharmacists I met did not complete fellowships, I can say without a doubt that fellowship gives a leg up in terms of hiring and promotions, at least for the first job. Some pharmacists enter through the Med Info/ Med Safety functions. Most have experience working at smaller companies, CROs or as contractors.

If you don't like talking to people, I'd stay away from these jobs. A significant amount of your schedule will be dedicated to attending meetings.

 

[PharmaSex]

I feel bad reviving a somewhat-dead thread, but here's my personal experience:
I'm a 2018 grad currently working as a staff pharmacist at the hospital I interned at. I actually took this job over two sweet job offers from industry.

I completed an FDA rotation w/ CDER in P4 year. It's somewhat difficult to find an FDA job without connections, but nearly impossible without a several years of experience as a pharmacist/industry professional. Some people enter FDA through the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, some from industry, and a few from retail/hospital. Again, it's hard but not improbable.

I also completed an industry rotation. While the vast majority of pharmacists I met did not complete fellowships, I can say without a doubt that fellowship gives a leg up in terms of hiring and promotions, at least for the first job. Some pharmacists enter through the Med Info/ Med Safety functions. Most have experience working at smaller companies, CROs or as contractors.

If you don't like talking to people, I'd stay away from these jobs. A significant amount of your schedule will be dedicated to attending meetings.

Can you describe the industry offers you received? Why did you take the hospital position over these? What are thoughts now? Do you prefer the hospital setting more and are you finished with industry?

 

[greenteapanacea]

Can you describe the industry offers you received? Why did you take the hospital position over these? What are thoughts now? Do you prefer the hospital setting more and are you finished with industry?

First job offer was a medical safety associate role with an agency: slightly below average pay, somewhat easy work, but their client list would've been quite useful in terms of future hiring. Second job offer was with a late clinical phase biotech firm's regulatory affairs department as a contractor: excellent pay (for a 1st job), lots of working directly with leadership, and probably would develop a more in-depth experience of NDA submissions than say at a traditional pharma company. I also applied to quite a few medical writing positions, copywriting, account executive, and even a biotech analyst position at an investment firm for fun (I actually got a reply for this lol).

I chose a hospital staff position for 3 reasons. 1) Loyalty to my coworkers who held open a full-time position for 3 months while applying for my license. 2) Hospital full-time jobs are incredibly difficult to obtain in my area, especially without a residency or prior inpatient experience. In my possibly biased point of view, it's easier to leap into industry than to leap into hospital. Besides, I could always keep a per diem position if I do decide to go industry. 3) I wanted a well-paying, stable job to help me relax for a few years after working my butt off through pharmacy school. I get every other week off to go travel.

I am most certainly not "finished with industry". I'm most likely making a career change within a few years, depending on the economy of course.

 

[Sparda29]

Is there a dress code at these gigs or can I wear my black hoodie/blue jeans/Timberland boots/Yankees baseball cap?

 

[bacillus1]

Is there a dress code at these gigs or can I wear my black hoodie/blue jeans/Timberland boots/Yankees baseball cap?

All the industry people I've seen dress very well, better than retail/hospital pharmacists.

So have you figured out how to break into industry yet without fellowship? I'm interested.

 

[wazoodog]

Is there a dress code at these gigs or can I wear my black hoodie/blue jeans/Timberland boots/Yankees baseball cap?

In pharma, there is usually a business casual dress code (with casual Fridays). In biotech, it's usually casual - but in the east coast people generally lean towards casual trendy whereas in the west coast I've seen people show up regularly in shorts and sweatpants/hoodies (especially if they're lab/research people). You don't see Timbs and Yankees caps so much in the California Bay Area...more likely allbirds or SF Giants caps.

 

[Sparda29]

All the industry people I've seen dress very well, better than retail/hospital pharmacists.

So have you figured out how to break into industry yet without fellowship? I'm interested.

I mean it seems like the way in is with the low level jobs as safety associates or MSLs, but that pay is pretty low compared to typical retail pharmacy pay. (Goes up as you advance in the company but would have to take a pay cut that first year.)

 

[MindGeek]

He started with retail, then took a big pay cut for a bit to work for a pharm marketing company.

And it will be a junior position with a significant pay cut vs. retail because for senior positions they need experienced people.

Consider working for agencies (there are a billion of different ones) - they will also mean a significant pay cut, but they can provide a really good experience for your future career.

Be prepared for a pay cut. I had to work for 22 months in management consulting to the pharmaceutical industry, including getting formally promoted twice, before making the equivalent of entry-level full-time retail pharmacist pay (when you included my performance bonus and profit sharing). The pay cut would also be true for the non-leadership positions in (internal) drug safety and at (external) CROs.

Be prepared to start in a very entry-level position as a contractor. My firm actually started me out as a 1099 analyst for 3 weeks for me to prove my worth before offering me a W-2 position. Thankfully I impressed them so much that they offered me a W-2 position as a consultant, instead of as an analyst. The partners found that I was very quick learning, solved my own problems, required little supervision, and would take up less of their time to train than previous hires.

Be prepared with more than just clinical acumen. PharmD-level knowledge is a great asset to bring, but consulting firms and payer marketing agencies want quick turnaround analyses and defendable deliverables. Remember that they can always schedule a call with a KOL or physician for a few hundred dollars to gain knowledge in an obscure therapeutic area, or just rely on their clients' medical affairs team to provide enough existing materials, including the clinical decks that MSLs use, to get the whole team up to speed. I would have never been offered a consulting position without my MBA.

 

[bacillus1]

I mean it seems like the way in is with the low level jobs as safety associates or MSLs, but that pay is pretty low compared to typical retail pharmacy pay. (Goes up as you advance in the company but would have to take a pay cut that first year.)

My MSL friend makes 170k a year. Actually pretty hard to get MSL job.