[hLabXZlK]

Not an unreasonable idea Make sure it's a good company, do some research on what people who have left have said (taken with a grain of salt as often people leave with a bad taste, hence the leaving; but it can be instructive.)

[Bxbhtjnr]

It's a Fortune 100 company with over 35,000 employee so I think researching the employee satisfaction might be tough.

I spoke about the management ordeal, and I think I would do fine. I hate being managed, and I am told that is what would make me a good manager. The guy recruiting me is a friend who I hang out with, and he seems to think I'm ideal. I have never had the opportunity to lead anything but projects, so I can't tell. I don't hate telling ppl what to do, though I would rather them do what I need them to do to get what we need done without having to tell them what exactly to do. And, I think that comes with getting the right ppl working for you.

However, I like to think I could care less about ppl. Still, I seem to know everything about every tech and operator I work with, more so out of genuine interest. When I ask them to do something it is generally done before I expect it, and the like to do those things for me. I can't explain it, I guess I am just like that.

I am really leaning towards doing it. My major concern is a) leaving biotech which many engineers strive to get in to, and b) being an engineer in a world that is more finance than anything else... I will be displaced. How will a manager who is an engineer be received? Most of these guys have years of experience before becoming a manager and the will be expected to accept me? I think that would be tough.

thanks for reading snoopy

[Roamsaffots]

Mortgage your home for every penny a French bank will give you and buy long on Soylent Green futures on the Hong Kong market.

[trilochana.nejman]

Japher, if you do this good luck, but keep one thing in mind. I have all the insurance I need.

[Ztcgtqvb]

Originally posted by Japher
I've been a process engineer (chemE) in the biotech industry for 8 years now, and it's really becoming the same thing every day. I start business school in January and I figured that in order to have to use my new MBA degree I would have to change careers in order to reach my goal; start a biotech company of my own.

Well, turns out that a friend of mine in insurance is actually a district manager (much to my surprise) and he is trying to recruit me to become a regional manager in this area. While insurance is not my area, insurance generally is a supplier of venture capital revenue.

Personally, I would love to get into underwriting and risk management and eventually start moving into VC in order to fulfill my dream. Yet, it's scary and it's not the field I am comfortable with.

Still.... If I take the position I will be able to use what I will be using in business school more so than as an engineer and I will also be making over 6-figures. On top of that,the friend recruiting me is a very talented sales agent and wants to go into business for himself within the next 5-years and wants me to be his quant/tech dude, which I and he both know I would be good at.

It's scary, IMO. So, what do you think. Insurance? I always get that sleazy salesman image in my head. However, it's not what it use to be when you add in risk management, capital underwriting, and VC prospects. Also, I'm an engineer, not a finance guy, at least I never see myself that way... though I have an active interest in economics and most books I've bought since college have been on finance and business.

Any encouragement, thoughts, ideas? Good for you, go for it - we all need change. Personally, as I have mentioned a few times in the past, working in the science sector has been a bitter disappointment - it was something I wanted to do since I was a kid and I am only just now in a position where I can make my escape with the skills I have managed in the position I am in and get a decent income in the process (a better income than I am currently on now).

So get out, and anyone else who is thinking of going into science for a career, I strongly advise against it.

[WeissVine]

We all bring different skills to the area we work in. My industry/company is now, in many areas, specifically looking for "non-industry" people when we recruit, purely for the fact of the different experiences/skill stes they bring with them. That seems to be consensus I am getting from different sites on the interweb. I'm also seeing a lot of engineers getting out of engineering and into the business side of non-science related industries and being well received.

Taking a risk can be one of the best things you can do IMO - they have generally worked out for me in my career. It can be scary - but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Thanks for the encouragement.

The only other advice I would give - do not do it for the money. I have seen so many people take roles they did not really want for money, and have ended up regretting it in a big way. Good advice. While the money has been a motivation factor to make me consider the position, the real reason for taking the job would be for the management and industry experience more so for the cash. My family and I are very happy with our standard and level of living the way it is. Thus, if we made more money, I doubt our lifestyle would change at all. However, it's the fact that I am content that makes me realize I need to do something.

Good advice crazy avatar dude.

In terms of being "received" - just be yourself, and don't act like you are better at their jobs than they are; but at the same time don't act like you have no idea what you're doing either. The latter is a common mistake new managers make - trying to act like they know nothing to avoid stepping on toes - but it is a mistake because they need to have confidence you are leading them in the right direction, even if you don't really know what you're doing. It's a fine line to walk, but if you're aware it's there, you'll do fine. This is my concern. I am generally of the opinion that you shouldn't ask some one to do something that you wouldn't do yourself. However, I am coming to the realization that you really should be asking people to do stuff that you shouldn't be doing because they do it a whole heck of a lot better.

Thanks again Snoopy.

Good for you, go for it - we all need change. Personally, as I have mentioned a few times in the past, working in the science sector has been a bitter disappointment - it was something I wanted to do since I was a kid and I am only just now in a position where I can make my escape with the skills I have managed in the position I am in and get a decent income in the process (a better income than I am currently on now).

So get out, and anyone else who is thinking of going into science for a career, I strongly advise against it. Yeah, I am completely on the same page. I struggled to become a chemical engineer, and then I strived to become a chemical engineer whose skills were valued. I did that, so I'm thinking it's time to move on. I like manufacturing, I like pharma, and like my company. However, for me to contribute any more I need to develop different skill sets that I can't learn in my current role. Even were I to earn an MBA and still be here the best I could hope for is Ops management, which isn't helping me develop a broader sense of the business, just giving me more control of the parts I'm already familiar with.

Thanks for the help

[AdobebePhoto]

Originally posted by Japher
It's a Fortune 100 company with over 35,000 employee so I think researching the employee satisfaction might be tough. If you're lucky enough, this company is on this list: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortu...007/full_list/

However, I like to think I could care less about ppl. Still, I seem to know everything about every tech and operator I work with, more so out of genuine interest. When I ask them to do something it is generally done before I expect it, and the like to do those things for me. I can't explain it, I guess I am just like that.
It's actually one of the principles in Dale Carnegie's book "How to make friends and influence people". This is a great character property

My major concern is a) leaving biotech which many engineers strive to get in to
Would you be happier if you stayed? I asked myself that question before deciding to leave my old job. You need to answer the question yourself, but I can tell you this: I feel much happier at the place I work now

b) being an engineer in a world that is more finance than anything else... I will be displaced. How will a manager who is an engineer be received? Most of these guys have years of experience before becoming a manager and the will be expected to accept me? I think that would be tough.
Your amiable social style will likely make you get on well w/ these people. Play receptive, get things done on your end, and things will work out fine

[nuncEtedben]

If you're lucky enough, this company is on this list: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fort...2007/full_list/ I worked for Genentech, which until this year, has been No. 1 for sometime. I have also worked for Johnson and Johnson which, while not on the list, is generally viewed as a good place to work. Also, being in Cincinnati, I know a number of engineers who have had bad experiences with Proctor and Gamble which seems to run in line with what I have experienced. That is, places on that list or with a high opinion of being a great place to work generally have either a "fraternity" feel to it or are so enamoured with their prestigue that they feel you should almost be paying them to work. Entitlement works both ways.

[Everwondopedo]

What, one who reads? Or one who puts stuff on the wall?

On my wall I have a list of phone numbers, my information fact sheet (so I don't have to try and remember what my work zip code or fax number is), a plant schematic, and flier for auto repair place, and that print out so that ppl will think I care.

It's a pretty extensive list, someone would have to be bored and at my desk to notice it. besides, if they do read it they will be better for having done so.

[Bromymbollile]

Take a look at some actuarial courses. Those that have this experience under their belt are usually treated better at most insurance companies in terms of salary and promotablility.

[globjgtyf]

Originally posted by Provost Harrison
Yeah but if he became an actuary, he would have to live with the curse of being terminally dull... I look forward toward being terminally dull!

[DonnyKong]

The thing I would worry about in your situation is whether you would enjoy the insurance industry. It has lots of unique characteristics, such as fairly extreme cost consciousness. These are your green eyeshades folks who will bust your balls for overspending for a sit-down meal on your expense account. Those companies that are the biggest ballbusters are also the most successful. These folks are probably interested in your process management work since they see a potential ballbuster in you.

Biotech and insurance seem to me to be polar opposite industries. I can imagine that the axiom "you have to spend money to make money" is nowhere to be found in the insurance industry lexicon. These are your 7 and one-half floor people.

On the other hand, the insurance industry should be the place where they weigh investments most carefully. If you have a definitive plan to move out of the industry within a certain timeframe after gaining experience, then perhaps it might not be too odious.

Lastly, on a personal basis, I have not found the mentality of carefully weighed investments to be particularly helpful in understanding VC work. I wonder whether the insurance industry would turn you into a green eyeshade-wearing curmudgeon who is perfectly happy with earning his 6% return per annum, knowing that his bread and butter is managing float. IMO, there is a certain suspension of disbelief that is required for VC work that is dangerous in the insurance industry.

FYI, in insurance, you will gravitate more toward Columbus than Cincy.

Good luck!

[yasalaioqe]

Biotech and insurance seem to me to be polar opposite industries. I agree.

the insurance industry should be the place where they weigh investments most carefully. If you have a definitive plan to move out of the industry within a certain timeframe after gaining experience, then perhaps it might not be too odious. I wouldn't plan on staying with it for more than 2-3 years. I am looking for away to use this opportunity as a springboard... grasping at straws?

Lastly, on a personal basis, I have not found the mentality of carefully weighed investments to be particularly helpful in understanding VC work. It is my understanding that VC is at times funded by insurance companies. Also, the investment aspect of the insurance industry experience may earn me some street cred when it comes to investment advice, and lead me to better options when I come out of business school at the end 2009.

Basically, as I see it, I have 2 choices;

a) stay where I am gain no useful experience (other than 2 more years "engineering"experience) for the next 1-2 years

or

b) go to this job, make more money, gain managerial experience, learn another industry

in the end, when I have my MBA, will look for another job... until then it's about deciding what to do to market myself best.

as for the doldrum of it all; I'm a good number cruncher and task manager, besides I think by the time I am getting bore I will have my MBA.

Thanks DanS, you advice is always appreciated... and heeded

Pekka... porno companies

[pokerbonuscod]

If I had one of those jobs that paid me a ton of money I'd stay at it and plan my permanant early escape to paradise, not be thinking of selling insurance.

It's like all these moronic retired ex executives with massive egos that drive up the coast here in Oregon in their million $ RVs. They spent their entire power lives as directors of corporations dreaming of becoming bus drivers? They get out on the road and fight traffic and get in everyone's way. Nights are spent at RV parks denegrating the next bus over. Life becomes and endless round of traffic snarls and RV parks full of rich ex execs. Soon their mistake dawns on them but their egos refuse to allow self critisism so they take it out on the local service people by trying to make them misterable too.

Their wives always have a little fifi type dog that leave little piles of **** at every stop.

I'm done, thanks.

[ardsdelinq]

I'm not going to New York or LA, no need thanks.

[rNr5Di3S]

I think it is a good thing for people to get a change of job and career now and again. There was once such a thing as a job for life. Doing the same job for life would almost certainly drive me to suicide

[WFSdZuP3]

Originally posted by snoopy369
Also remember, if it's "regional manager", you aren't going to be selling insurance... you're going to be managing. Do you like managing? You'll basically have a boss telling you every day "why aren't your guys selling more insurance", and you will be telling your district managers every day "sell more insurance", and trying to figure out ways to do so (and to tell them how to tell their managees how etc.).

Do you like that? A lot of scientists hate managing... but are you one of them?

I personally don't like managing other people very much... but plenty of people enjoy it and are good at it, so you just have to figure that out Excellent observation, I am a Regional Manager. I have 46 current employees I supervise.

Regional Manager is another word for Hey Boy

Best of fortunes Japher, I think Snoopy369 also has stated about checking former employees if possible. A grain of salt yes, but if something keeps rising to top, it might be founded, such as unobtainable goals for bonus/incentives.

I have allways enjoyed percentages of bottom line for incentive awards.

Happy career hunting changes!

Gramps

[evennyNiz]

Upper management seems to always fall for the ass kissers who continueously massage their egos until they start believing how wonderful they are and looking down on the little people, the regular Joe. In the process they lose their humanity, and perhaps their souls.

All I know is I've seen it too often to want to manage anybody.