What is it like working at ALexion?

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Anonymous said:
Thank you for your input. I probably won't pursue the job any further. They want to fly me to CT next week. Not sure what to do. It sounds like it is a pain. How much stock do you get though? The other thing that worries me is a recruiter contacted me about the job. I have never gotten a good job thorugh a recruiter. They will lie about everything to sell you on the job.
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TO be honest, I can't remember how many options I received, but it wasn't much. You are correct about Recruiters - They get paid if you take the job and that's all they care about - they will glorify the job - so you will take it.
 












Anonymous said:
Anyone that reads the post below...this clearly is a manager. Do your own homework and research this disease. If you think you will be happy having about 5 patients a year, then knock yourself out. But do your due diligence in your research. It doesn't take rocket science to realize that if this disease is only seen in 1 out of a million patients, the liklihood of a doctor wanting to see you on a regular basis is nil. Use your common sense. Yes, I do work here...but I am actively looking. I have many friends here, and I can honestly say that I know of no one that I trust that is happy here. Consider yourself warned.
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The 10am weekday poster strikes again. you be the judge - does this person seem like a top performer? the doors are not locked - please leave.
 






Anonymous said:
Don't take the job. I work in the midwest and I am so unhappy, however I haven't been able to find another job yet. To make matters worse, you are watched as if you are under a microscope. I agree with the other poster, and you should speak to a minimum of three other reps. When you get them on the phone ensure them that everything they say is confidential and if you decide not to take the job, you won't tell the iring manager the real reason. People will give you honest feedback and you won't like what you hear. About 3 months into the job, I was miserable because te access is so horrible. I agree with everyone else, most physicians you encounter don't have the time to talk anyhow, let alone a disease they may have never seen at all. It is grueling and not very rewarding. Last year I worked my tail off. I know I was putting in 12 hour days and by the end of tje year, I only had 4 patients. In all my other years in pharmaceutical and biotech sales, I have always been in the top 10%. If you are trying to convince yourself to take the job, then your inner voice is telling you not to take it.
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and I post on cafe pharma at 10am 11:30am each weekday, tune in here for my pitty party. I have no clue why my results stink. i need to listen to my own inner voice.
 






I would say that some of the above information is very true. It is a very up and down job. The stock options, which can be good, really depend on your strike price. You really need to look at the market right now and compare it to past history. Having done this before, don't let options be your reason for taking the job.

It is fun when you finally find the patient, but getting the doctor treat with Soliris is another story. Bonus pay is all over the board, and the best geographies usually have a PNH expert within territory that "see and treat" PNH. You will work harder at this job than any other drug rep job you've ever had.

From what I hear, my colleagues out West love and trust their RSM. I couldn't say the same about mine.
 






Anonymous said:
and I post on cafe pharma at 10am 11:30am each weekday, tune in here for my pitty party. I have no clue why my results stink. i need to listen to my own inner voice.
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That person was only speaking the truth and I share their thoughts and respect their honesty. Also, you have no clue what their situation is by looking at that time stamp. They may be on vacation or those comments could have been monitored by cafepharma before being posted and in that case it can be hours later.

Reading your comments - you sound frustrated. Who are you trying to convince - others or yourself?
 






Anonymous said:
and I post on cafe pharma at 10am 11:30am each weekday, tune in here for my pitty party. I have no clue why my results stink. i need to listen to my own inner voice.
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Hi Dumbas* For your information, I am out working and have remote internet access 24 hours a day. If I am waiting for a physician or taking a lunch, I have the right to check the internet out. I am certain I am a much better rep than you. In the future, mind your own business. You are one of the exact reasons why not to work here.
 




































Anonymous said:
That person was only speaking the truth and I share their thoughts and respect their honesty. Also, you have no clue what their situation is by looking at that time stamp. They may be on vacation or those comments could have been monitored by cafepharma before being posted and in that case it can be hours later.

Reading your comments - you sound frustrated. Who are you trying to convince - others or yourself?
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thanks S.O.
 


















Anonymous said:
right...pass me your bong please
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I totally agree with you. Woever posted that 700k is a complete moron. The bottom line is you need to be happy at what you do. If you find this job fulfilling, then great for you. The overwhelming majority of reps out there however would not find this job rewarding. One patient per Million...No one will want to see you regularly. If you are proud you were able to put 5 patients on this drug in a whole year's time, then great. This would be a better job if they had an additional drug that was used regulary and that would certainly help with access issues and give you a great blend of agents. This is a one pony show. Most experts agree that it generally isn't wise to go with a pharmaceutical/biotech job that focuses on a rare disease state.
 






Ok, someone who started in 2006 could have stock worth that much (or close to it) if they are a manager now. In response to someone else's inaccurate post, there is no stock purchase plan and the bonus depending on "patient cycles" makes no sense. If you are that close to going to final interview, why aren't you asking these questions of people who can give you real answers versus those who have an axe to grind and/or are looking themselves. You are definitely better off somewhere else and I mean that sincerely. Listen to your gut and good luck in your continued search...
 






I agree with the post above. I have worked for this company for the past 2 years and I am miserable. I do what I have to do and work hard but this is not a great environment. Like te other poster said, I also sincerely am giving you the best advice - there are better opportunities out there. If you are totally desperate and have been laid off - then take the job. Otherwise, I would listen to your gut as well and move on.
 






Anonymous said:
I totally agree with you. Woever posted that 700k is a complete moron. The bottom line is you need to be happy at what you do. If you find this job fulfilling, then great for you. The overwhelming majority of reps out there however would not find this job rewarding. One patient per Million...No one will want to see you regularly. If you are proud you were able to put 5 patients on this drug in a whole year's time, then great. This would be a better job if they had an additional drug that was used regulary and that would certainly help with access issues and give you a great blend of agents. This is a one pony show. Most experts agree that it generally isn't wise to go with a pharmaceutical/biotech job that focuses on a rare disease state.
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one pony shows like... Amgen, Genentech, Celgene, Genzyme, Idec, Biogen - keep listening to the experts...and your inner voice(s)
they all started with a big basket of drugs. its probably only 500k anyway
 






Anonymous said:
one pony shows like... Amgen, Genentech, Celgene, Genzyme, Idec, Biogen - keep listening to the experts...and your inner voice(s)
they all started with a big basket of drugs. its probably only 500k anyway
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No one appreciates the sarcasm. Alexion has been a one pony show for years now. You couldn't say that with any of the other companies you have listed. In addition, it is an extremely rare disease state - much more rare than anything the other companies you posted had to deal with. Hey, if you want to defend your job - great - more power to you. But, in ost cases this would not be a good move given the rarity of the drug and no other drug to also sell. If Alexion were smart, they should purchase another drug that would call on the same targets. This would help with access and other issues. All of the other companies you listed did one thing you haven't mention - they diversified their product lines. Alexion - on product & rare. Yeah, that sounds rewarding and fun.
 






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