2.5 weeks into my first role in pharma and I HATE it. Does it get better?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

make friends with the Xanax team.

likeuplifting

*Make friends with Xanax.

likefunny

It’s not for everyone. If you’re not interested in the science and you’re frustrated rather than challenged by the limitations of a regulated environment it probably won’t get better. I worked on very big brands (Amex, IKEA, UPS) for years and didn’t get much out of it. I raised my hand to work on a pharma account and never looked back but it did take me a while to find the space to navigate. Healthcare is where all the coolest stuff is happening right now and, honestly, it’s also where the money is but you have to have heart for it or you’ll always be resentful.

likeupliftingsmart

This is very well put!

like

Nooooooooo 🎵 it gets worse tried it for 2 years and the money is great but your soul dies. If you have any spark to you, any “life force” as Martha Graham profoundly put it don’t do it. You’ll wonder how so many zombie like people can exist in this world...

like

*Nearly 15 years later*...sure.

It’s what you make of it. I’ve met some amazing people, worked on awesome brands and projects, learned a ton, been challenged, and made some nice money. Is it as glamorous as other fields or industries? Probably not, but there are areas of greatness, much like anywhere or anything else.

likesmart

Honestly, there is a greater disconnect between the strategic inputs and the creative outputs in pharma than otherwise. As a strategist, it can be incredibly rewarding to connect with real problems (vs. which flavor do you prefer, eg) BUT regulations and global brand standards tend to be much more stringent when it comes to the execution. If you can get close with clients in order to actually shape their approach, it’s fulfilling.

like

Run now!!

like

No, no it doesn’t. Will suck the life out of you and your creativity. Get out. Now...

like

How would working on the strategy for a bag of chips or a car be any better?

like

UM, HELLO?

Depends is it the work that is frustrating or the team? I’m new to pharma world as well. Took the job to work on a break thru product. Work isn’t as sexy and fast paced as I’m used to, but this product will do some real good. So I can deal with that. The big issue I have is that many of the people I work with are small thinkers and inflexible to work with. Makes work insufferable. How I get thru it is to seek out those who work like me and stick together to push for better. Not sure I can make it here a year tbh. I hope you can find a way to make your new role bearable.

like

try taking some of the drugs you're advertising.

like

Depends. If you are just struggling with all the science and medicine, then it will likely improve. If you are waiting to do inspiring and “plannery” creative, I think it’s less likely it will improve for you.

like

No, but it depends on your why. For me, high science wasn’t motivating, but love diseases that have a big DTC component and lifestyle impact. Ive also has the best clients of my career, and the worst.

like

Nope

Related Posts

Advice on taking the SHRM-SCP exam? I’m taking the exam tomorrow and not feeling as prepared as I should. Who has taken the SCP exam? How difficult did you find it?

like

What would be the best method to transition from a financial advisory role to a more financial analyst focused position? Is this type of move unheard of/too difficult to do?

Anyone know of a good tutor for CFP exam? Thx.

like

Exited M level consulting for a f500 D role in the $250-$300 range. Early 30s now - comp seems relatively standard for that level and YOE.

What’s the best way to get a significant bump? Stay where i am and try to angle my way into a higher level, or are there places where i could be doing much better?

Kids are expensive lol so trying to figure out how best to make more.

like

Hi all,

can anyone explain how does a BA function in
Accenture ? is it Business process analyst or Business system analyst or both? The specific role is not mentioned in JD. please let me knowAccenture

please reply

like

Guys how is Kyndryl with respect to job security and learning.I got an offer and contemplating if i should join or not.Please guide.I am being offered a SME position.
Appreciate a quick response.

like

Is It better to join a PE Tech company in an impending recession or stay with a public company ?

like

Any EU attorneys who went for an LL. M. in international commercial law (or other) in Europe?

If so have you found it "worth" the year of your time? I am currently working at a firm that specializes mostly on commercial law and has a lot of foreign clients. I have some options regarding the possible LL. M. One of them is little less prestigeous that would allow me to stay working at law firm as I am studying. The other would mean taking a year off work and pursuing the LL. M, Thanks for help

like

How do y’all calculate a contract job? Speaking to someone that is hiring a producer from Aug-May. Not sure how I calculate my rate for such a long period of time??

like

Hello, in my previous organisation I worked in development domain (Oracle IAM Tool and Java)and my post was software Engineer, i joined Wipro as project Engineer in April 2022 and was assigned non technical project as an analyst.

I fought my way hard to get released from the project. However my designation is changed as Analyst. Should I ask for change in designation as I know that analyst is non-technical profile? Would my designation impact my future role as well?

like

Hey All,
I finished a third round interview, and HR contacted me that afternoon saying I had positive feedback across the board and they would contact me the next day regarding next steps. It’s been two days and they finally get back to me saying they haven’t been able to sync with the hiring manager but will keep me posted. Honestly I wish they would talk with the hiring manager and then let me know the decision instead of checking in. It’s messing with my emotions.

Does anyone know how much a catalog lead makes and what their career path is ?

like

Hi all
Any openings in Goa location?

like

Tech Mahindra Can anyone please refer me for BMC Remedy Developer role .I am serving notice period and can join in September.Not getting calls from any renowned companies.Tech Mahindra HCL Technologies Wipro Accenture Capgemini YOE-7.2 Years

What’s the hiring market like in Texas for a 4th year investment management associate? I’m interested in Austin but understand there may be more opportunities in Houston or Dallas. Graduated with honors and on law review at a T14, if that helps at all.

like

I have 1 year of experience in Workday Integrations. Can anyone suggest what all companies should I target if I am looking for a switch?

like

How much Nielsen IQ pay to sr support engineer role with 7.10yrs of experience?

like

What are the real skills to learn to get a leg up for a new data job? Not the wishlists you see on career websites.

I am looking for a new job. I currently work with product data and I utilize vlookup and trim functions more than anything else. Including SQL queries that are already written for my needs. It's the same everyday and I'm done. I'm a quick learner - only earning 53k a year.

Will most companies teach me what I need to know or should I go and find skills to learn on my own?

like

What programs do my fellow HR managers recommend as far as personality assessments for hiring ?

like

More Posts

To people who have worked on both, what is the main difference in responsibility for a consultant working on a COTS delivery project compared to more bespoke agile one? I have experience in agile bespoke delivery, would I find it easy to switch to COTS implementation?

like

Does anyone work for Capgemini invent? Got a call from a recruiter but looking for more details

like

Wipro folks any body aware about nomad foods europe UK client in data analytics space?

like

How is MBA (Executive) with Specialisation in Business Analytics from NMIMS (Upgrad)?

Have anyone done that.. please share your feedbacks

like

Hi Fishes,
I have 1.8 yrs Exp and working in the Big data domain and have a few offers please help to decide on the comparatively better option based on salary, Work-life Balance, security, and Carrer Growth.

EY GDS: CTC 12 ( 11.20 Fixed )
Publicis Sapient: 16 CTC ( 14.5 LPA FIXED )
Neudesic (IBM) 16 CTC ( 14.5 FIXED + WFH Remote Complete )
PubMatic: 22.70 CTC + 2 lakhs Joining Bonus ( 16 fixed LPA + Other benifits, stocks, etc )

It will be very helpful if you can suggest with some reason.

like

Where is the HCL office in Mumbai? Can anyone tell whats the process on onboarding/joining day?

like

Will be joining as a senior analyst in june, should i ask for a joining bonus?

Also how's the work culture.

A heads-up would be good!

How did you get started in your career as an FA? I work in the home office and have been an assistant to an FA before. I have a network, I have ambition, I have credibility and connections at my firm..

Best thrift store in DC area? Please don't mention the one in Falls Church. It's horrible.

like

Has anyone here moved from FDD to M&A consulting recently is willing to share their experience?

like

Where does b8 band for SE lie ? How is the hierarchy here in natwest.

like
like

Hello Fishes, How much Amex can offer on Product Owner role at 14 years of exp ??

like

Hi Fishes,

I've got offer from Dunnhumby, Fractal and Gartner for the role of Data engineer. Which one should I go for?

Tech Stack - Python, PySpark, Azure Data Factory and Synapse analytics.
YOE - 2.2
Gartner - 16LPA
Dunnhumby - 15 fixed + 1.5 Joining bonus+ 10% variable
Fractal - 13.5 LPA

like

How’s the work life balance situation at Amex for data engineers?

like

Have any of you enrolled in or completed the Penn MCIT program and be willing to chat about your experience?

like

Hi, where or what types of companies should sophomores & juniors apply for next summer (2022) to recruit for IB the following summer (2023)? This summer BBs wrapped up SA IB recruitment, EBs even earlier, and a fair amount of my friends missed out big time.

Also, if a sophomore or junior doesn’t get a finance-related summer internship (I.e tech) and aims for an IB SA or FT position, is it harder to break in?

Appreciate any advice and insight, thank you.

like

How much is the max salary band for Specialist designation?

like

Hi, I am currently working as a Business Analyst. Let me know if any referral opportunity is available for Senior Data Analyst or Senior Business Analyst roles. YOE: 3 CTC: 14

like

Hi - Can anyone share some light on the EY-Parthenon GDS service line? Is it similar to overall EY GDS or are there any EYP related differences? I heard they support the EYP case teams and work-life balance is a challenge.
Any EYP professionals here please weigh in with your thoughts.

like

Additional Posts in Advertising

Why do all the Creatives I've come across give the rest of the agency such attitude? Get off your high horses please.

like

Has anyone successfully made the leap from digital to brand planning? Any advice?

like

How long does your agency usually give your creative teams to concept new campaign ideas before the first internal review?

like

Recommendations for places to look for UX/UI or visual design roles in Seattle? Not Amazon.

like

Can you tell / sense that you’ll get the job after an interview?

I’m like 50/50

like

What agency is doing the new Twizzler ads?

like

Crossmedia, any opinions?

like

Just got laid off do I need cobra? I plan to hopefully have a job soon

like

Is how nicely the deck is designed really that important?

like

Anyone work on the Sigma Watch/Stigma Watch (couldn’t quite hear the Recruiter) account at GroupM? I have a few questions while I’m in the interview process!

like

Chicken wing wearing a seatbelt.

Post Photo
likefunnysmart

Been thrust into being a hyper-consumer recently. Holy shit, every "disruptive" store is the same (Casper, joybird, etc etc). This is a boring age of design and iconography.

like
like

So I'm in a weird space at the moment. I've been interviewing with a lot of agencies in the past couple of months, and I keep getting the same response of "I need more agency experience." How am I supposed to get that experience if one of the things holding me back is not having enough agency experience?

like

Can someone explain how billable hours work? At a new agency and although I had to fill timesheets at my previous agencies, they were mainly used to ensure we weren’t over servicing a client/for setting the appropriate retainer for contract renewals. I asked ppl at my agency but haven’t gotten a proper explanation. I get the impression that billing to the agency admin code isn’t recommended, and my manager said he bills everything to client codes, but that doesn’t make sense to me .

like

Manager asked me to give him formal upward feedback. Everyone in the firm hates him. Let loose the cannons or diplomacy?

like

Just saw a commercial that was definitely filmed in my apartment building in downtown LA. Felt kind of weird.

like

I was furloughed yet it doesn’t start until Friday. Per the VPs, this week we have to “transfer our knowledge” to our bosses. Bosses who haven’t been on these projects. Any advice?

like

Honest question, can fishbowl actually help resolve and navigate the challenges, frustrations and realizations we face as an industry? Or more just a place to vent?

like

Anyone else feel like avoiding all these spots before the super bowl is an extreme sport? Maybe it’s just me, but I want to see them at game time... reading ahead takes all the fun out of it for me.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal