Preparing to start at a boutique life sciences/pharma strategy firm

I recently got an offer at a boutique strategy firm that focuses on life science/Pharm and I think I will accept it. What would you do to get ready to hit the ground running? Are there any books that I should read either on consulting in general or life sciences/pharma/biotech? I'm planning on doing the Breaking into Wall Street PowerPoint course and I'm considering reading The McKinsey Engagement. What else should I do?

3 Comments
 

Congratulations on the offer. Pharmalot is a good website to keep on top of industry news, as well as FiercePharma/Biotech.

Not sure what your background is, but Nature Reviews Drug Discovery is a good journal that is not as technical. It'll give you a good feel for where industry is heading science wise, but the articles do a good job keeping it in perspective to regulatory, intellectual property or other development challenges. Not really much about sales and marketing, but definitely some articles on pricing.

 
Best Response
P0.06-FML

Congratulations on the offer. Pharmalot is a good website to keep on top of industry news, as well as FiercePharma/Biotech.

Not sure what your background is, but Nature Reviews Drug Discovery is a good journal that is not as technical. It'll give you a good feel for where industry is heading science wise, but the articles do a good job keeping it in perspective to regulatory, intellectual property or other development challenges. Not really much about sales and marketing, but definitely some articles on pricing.

My background is 2 SA stints one HC/Life Science, one generalist stint. I have a BS in Bio, 1 summer doing Basic Science research in biology and 4 years in chem, I've taken most of the foundational courses for bio and chem.

 

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