Job Responsibilities
I prepare overviews as well as detailed research of drugs that
our company is interested in developing as part of its strategic
plans. Additionally, I research companies that we are interested
in acquiring to further our strategic objectives. Finally, I
research competitors to find ways to improve our company and aid
in strategic planning.
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Job Requirements
To get an internship, you need an exceptional knowledge of
business. Additionally, you need complete knowledge of Microsoft
Excel and Outlook. Some understanding of how the pharmaceutical
industry works would be helpful, but that can be taught if you
don't have that background. However, by the end of the
internship, you will know everything you ever wanted to know
about the industry and drugs. I even find myself giving medical
advice to friends and family based upon my extensive learning
from this job.
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Uppers
You get significant experience at a variety of business skills such as making
preparing and making presentations. You also learn the intricacies of research.
Additionally, you get an introduction into the world of Mergers and Acquisitions.
Finally, you learn more than you ever wanted to know about the pharma industry.
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Downers
As an intern, you sometimes get assigned to compile huge amounts
of information. This leads to things such as researching and
preparing information about 50 products (each one takes almost 2
hours). However, despite the tedium, you are learning a lot and
everyone has to put in time.
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Lifestyle
The company is very friendly and somewhat informal. However, the Corporate
Development department is not involved with the rest of the people in the office.
Instead, they are in their own silo working extremely hard.
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Compensation
I get paid 50K per year (not bad for an intern) with no bonus or
benefits (pretty standard for an intern). I also get compensated
for my travel expenses to and from work which adds up to about
$100 per week.
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Advice to Jobseekers
You have to be willing to learn to go into this field. Also,
once you are in the pharma sector, you can never leave because
everyone sees you as knowing about this industry. Therefore,
when you try to go to financial services, they'll have you
working with pharma companies.
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