Quitting full time job for Internship

[Abhi1985]

HI All,

I recently received a part time internship offer from JNJ for marketing position (Pharmaceutical). I am currently employed full time with full benefits, I don't like doing what I am doing at my current job it pays me good enough. Marketing is something that I like, but not sure if I should take the risk of quitting a full time job for a internship which may not get extended after 3 months.

 

[DietDrThunder]

So list the things that you will lose by taking the gamble on the JNJ internship, then decide.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Would this be actual marketing or some kind of sketchy sales position? Are you trying to pursue a career in marketing? Are you pursuing a degree in marketing that has an internship requirement? What do you do currently?

How many of their interns does this company hire?

If you currently work retail or something, and you're finishing up a degree and this is a legit first step on your new career, go for it. If you're 35 and just looking for something different, go back to step 1 and do it right.

 

[Abhi1985]

this is an actual marketing position and not other sales job, yes i am trying to pursue a career in marketing. On the side I am also pursuing a part time MBA degree in marketing. I work in the technical side of the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory affairs.
in this role the company has hired one other intern, along with me.
I work creating drug dossiers and submit application the USFDA. I have a BS in pharmaceutical sciences and MS in Drug Regulatory Affairs. I have 6 years of work experience in regulatory affairs and now pursuing an MBA to be on the commercial side of the industry.

 

[Abhi1985]

Would this be actual marketing or some kind of sketchy sales position? Are you trying to pursue a career in marketing? Are you pursuing a degree in marketing that has an internship requirement? What do you do currently?

How many of their interns does this company hire?

If you currently work retail or something, and you're finishing up a degree and this is a legit first step on your new career, go for it. If you're 35 and just looking for something different, go back to step 1 and do it right.

this is an actual marketing position and not other sales job, yes i am trying to pursue a career in marketing. On the side I am also pursuing a part time MBA degree in marketing. I work in the technical side of the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory affairs.
in this role the company has hired one other intern, along with me.
I work creating drug dossiers and submit application the USFDA. I have a BS in pharmaceutical sciences and MS in Drug Regulatory Affairs. I have 6 years of work experience in regulatory affairs and now pursuing an MBA to be on the commercial side of the industry.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

this is an actual marketing position and not other sales job, yes i am trying to pursue a career in marketing. On the side I am also pursuing a part time MBA degree in marketing. I work in the technical side of the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory affairs.
in this role the company has hired one other intern, along with me.
I work creating drug dossiers and submit application the USFDA. I have a BS in pharmaceutical sciences and MS in Drug Regulatory Affairs. I have 6 years of work experience in regulatory affairs and now pursuing an MBA to be on the commercial side of the industry.

Okay, so you clearly know wtf you are doing.

If you really want to switch careers, then at some point you're going to have to quit your current gig and take a risk. It may not be comfortable, but it's necessary.

A real marketing internship is an excellent place to start, and if you're getting an MBA in marketing, then you're clearly showing intent/seriousness.

I'd say it's probably the right move, but you should be working yesterday to tone down your expenses/lifestyle as much as possible; career changes can make you happy, but can be a bit of a slog and the income doesn't always meet/exceed right away.

 

[DigDog]

this is an actual marketing position and not other sales job, yes i am trying to pursue a career in marketing. On the side I am also pursuing a part time MBA degree in marketing. I work in the technical side of the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory affairs.
in this role the company has hired one other intern, along with me.
I work creating drug dossiers and submit application the USFDA. I have a BS in pharmaceutical sciences and MS in Drug Regulatory Affairs. I have 6 years of work experience in regulatory affairs and now pursuing an MBA to be on the commercial side of the industry.

take the internship.

 

[zinfamous]

OP you seem far too aware of your surroundings, grounded in what you are doing, and seemingly effective at making general, positive, life decisions.

I am left wondering what you are doing making an account here with the rest of us idiots and when the iPods will arrive.

 

[Thebobo]

I got mine already.

 

[ultimatebob]

I got mine already.

I never got mine. They said 6 to 8 weeks for delivery... back in 2006. Dammit.

Oh, I wouldn't take the internship. Working at a huge corporation like J&J will crush your soul. Go find somewhere interesting to work instead.

 

[Brainonska511]

Why not look into a med comm agency position to get your foot in the door with real benefits? Lots of pharma companies work with agency partners for strategic planning across both the medical and marketing sides.

 

[Sukhoi]

Maybe your industry is different but I feel you have enough experience you should be able to get an entry level marketing job in your industry without stooping to an internship

 

[compcons]

Would this be actual marketing or some kind of sketchy sales position? ..."

Don't pharma sales jobs pay like a gazillion dollars a year? I see software sales guys who make a lot and they wish they could make pharma money.

Before giving up a secure position, make sure you can deal with things if it all goes sideways on you. How long can you go without insurance? Do you have a good position to fall back to? How many paychecks can you go without?