Life Sciences/Pharma Path
Hey all,
I'm a Junior in college from a good Midwest school with the long-term goal of working with or at a big pharmaceutical company. I would be super grateful for advice from anyone who has some familiarity with this pathway. I know it's primarily dominated by science majors and former pre-med people, so as a finance major, it seems to be an uphill battle. For context, I spent last summer at a well known pharmaceutical company, and I find the industry incredibly interesting compared to others I have been exposed to, and I feel I would enjoy it a lot more on a day to day basis.
I feel this is the area that I want to get into long term, but I don't necessarily want to do a FLDP program(but I would be a competitive candidate) at one of these firms as I feel I can get more early career growth out of working at a Healthcare focused banking group or life sciences focused consulting group. This upcoming summer, I will be working at a small investment bank that focuses on the healthcare sector. Not looking to stay here after graduation, and neither am I looking to join the don't hire intern program as they are pretty small and run lean. I have thought about leveraging this to work at a bigger bank after graduation, but I don't know how realistic that would be and if it's the best path for my goals. I am very interested in a life sciences group at a consulting firm, but these groups seem to be small. I'm also very close with a high-ranking partner at a Big 4 firm in a different group who would be willing to push my resume. I am not sure of the best course of action.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a roadmap tailored to your situation:
Leverage Your Healthcare IB Internship:
Your upcoming summer internship at a healthcare-focused investment bank is a strong asset. Even if the bank is small, the sector-specific experience will be valuable when applying to larger banks or consulting firms. Highlight your exposure to healthcare deals and industry knowledge in your applications.
Target Healthcare-Focused Banking Groups:
Post-graduation, transitioning to a larger investment bank with a healthcare or life sciences group is a realistic and strategic move. Many WSO threads emphasize that healthcare IB groups value candidates with prior sector experience, even from smaller firms. Use your internship to network aggressively and secure interviews at larger banks.
Consider Life Sciences Consulting:
Life sciences-focused consulting groups, while niche, align well with your interests. Your finance background combined with healthcare experience makes you a competitive candidate. Utilize your connection with the Big 4 partner to explore opportunities in their healthcare or life sciences consulting practice. Big 4 firms often have robust healthcare advisory teams, and an internal referral can significantly boost your chances.
Evaluate FLDP Programs Strategically:
While you’re not keen on FLDP programs, they can provide a direct pathway into the pharmaceutical industry. If you decide to pursue this route later, your finance and healthcare background will make you a strong candidate. Keep this option in mind as a potential fallback.
Long-Term Goal: Pharma/Healthcare PE or Corporate Role:
If your ultimate goal is to work at a big pharmaceutical company, gaining experience in healthcare IB or consulting will position you well for corporate development, strategy, or M&A roles within pharma. Alternatively, healthcare private equity could be a lucrative and aligned exit opportunity.
Networking and GMAT Preparation:
Start networking with professionals in healthcare IB, consulting, and pharma. Attend industry events, connect on LinkedIn, and seek informational interviews. Additionally, consider preparing for the GMAT if an MBA is in your long-term plans. A top MBA program can open doors to healthcare-focused roles in banking, consulting, or corporate pharma.
In summary, your best course of action is to leverage your healthcare IB internship to secure a role at a larger bank or consulting firm with a life sciences focus. Use your Big 4 connection strategically, and keep FLDP programs as a backup. Long-term, aim for roles in pharma corporate strategy or healthcare PE.
Sources: Medical School --> IBanking, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/ib-vs-consulting?customgpt=1, Dietitian to Investment Banking?, What should I do as an undergrad if I want to work for Mckinsey?, The Case for Taking a Banking Attitude to Other Industries
What role/function within a Pharma company specifically? If you’re interested in the R&D side, you will most likely need an advanced degree (PHD or MD). Alternatively if you are seeking roles like M&A, Corp Dev, etc. then banking / consulting will create a direct path. There are also hybrid roles like portfolio management groups that fall between R&D and corporate strategy that typically don’t require an advanced degree, but some level of expertise in drug development and commercialization.
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Corp Strat or corp dev. Don't have a advanced degree.
JnJ has a Business Development team that encompasses the Corp Dev team. Know someone on the team and he loves it (despite the occasional long hours when deals close). Got far into their MBA FLDP interview process and was very impressed by them (didn't get an offer). Might be worth looking into as I know they have a post undergrad FLDP type of rotational program as well.
What ab a Bio + Finance double major? Thats my current position and I've been more focused on research experience primarily w/ small firms in my area potentially during fall/spring.
Definitely consider the Roivant Sciences Rotational Program if you're thinking of potentially doing a rotational program / LDP. Looks very legit and a lot of their program graduates went on to get very interesting opportunities.
is this possible from non target with my background
Not sure, they do take a lot of Harvard grads. I'm not familiar with the program beyond its perceived strong reputation.
appreciate the response where would I find more info on this. Or what do you know about timeline etc cant find much on their website.
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