Swiftwater Group employees are known for their exceptional talent, diverse
backgrounds, and unique interests, which come together to create an atmosphere
of serious professionalism and fun-loving informality.
Employees at all levels work closely with Partners and Principals in all
aspects of client work. You also have the opportunity to help build and meaningfully
influence the commercial success of the company. This kind of exposure is
an invaluable source of learning and personal growth.
You may have questions about what it is like to work with Swiftwater Group:
Where is the office?
Swiftwater Group employees work at a variety of places throughout a month.
Depending on the client needs, we may travel to the client site (for a day,
a few days, or a week) so that we can be interacting with our clients at
a more intimate level. Such close proximity to our clients maximizes our ability
to communicate with them, understand the problem at hand and formulate superior,
customized solutions. In addition, working so closely serves to build strong
client relationships that transcend individual project engagements. We’re
probably "on the road" about 25% of the time.
Other days we work as a team, typically in a Philadelphia conference room.
We often need to brainstorm together, develop complicated development plans,
test each others’ assumptions, and develop effective presentations;
it is during these times that it is best to work as a team.
Finally, there are times when you get to work from home. When you need some
good "head down" time to finish a document or do some research,
you can probably do this most efficiently from home. And it’s so nice
to work in your pajamas!
So if you hate the daily grind of the same old commute, you won’t
have that at Swiftwater Group. "Swifties" really like the change
of scenery provided with this kind of workplace environment.
What is it like to work on a client project?
Projects at Swiftwater Group can run anywhere from a quick 1-month analysis,
to a multi-year engagement. Swifties typically work in teams of 2-5 people
on a number of projects at a given time. This allows newer people the opportunity
to see a wide range of issues, and learn a great deal in a small amount
of time.
At the beginning of a project, the entire team discusses the key problem,
identifies the major issues, and develops a work plan. It is at this point
that team members discuss what they want to get out of the project and decide
what roles they will take on. Throughout the project, everyone takes responsibility
for providing and receiving training and support. Periodically, team members
review their progress and revise the work plan as necessary.
Will I ever see the people who are not on my client team?
To ensure that everybody in the company gets to know and spend time with
each other, Swiftwater Group congregates in a central location approximately
one day a month. During these meetings (we call them "SwiftSummits"),
we review current projects, discuss and implement internal business initiatives
(such as training, recruiting, marketing, and technology), or just relax
and enjoy each other's company.
Also, each year we go on a company retreat where we can spend more in-depth
time on typical "SwiftSummit" topics. Past retreats have been held
on a sailboat in Newport, Rhode Island, a resort at Amelia Island, and trekking
in Costa Rica.
What characteristics does Swiftwater Group look for in its employees?
Above all, Swiftwater Group seeks employees with a passion for learning.
However, we also believe that it’s not about what you know that makes
a good consultant. It’s about how you think. Our clients buy creative
and applicable thought. We look for collaborative, enthusiastic, genuine
people who can take what they’ve learned and apply that knowledge
to the problem at hand.
Does Swiftwater Group provide training?
Absolutely. Most of your learning takes place on-the-job, apprenticeship-style,
to help you build pharmaceutical industry knowledge and core consulting
craft skills. We also provide company-wide training on industry topics
such as "Issues with Biologicals " and "How Advisory Boards
are Run."
When you start at Swiftwater Group, you will receive training on How the
Pharmaceutical Industry Works and an Overview of Clinical Development. After
your first 3-4 months, you will attend a formal training program which
will reinforce the skills that you have already acquired, as well as further
develop your knowledge in the following areas:
- Core consulting skills
- Structured communication (written and oral)
- Advanced Clinical Development
- Advanced techniques in Microsoft Office software
