“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it.
André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it.
A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage.
The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing.
Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting.
I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans.
Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”
Okay so from your ID I would say u are in a chemistry/bio/biomed engi program, you can try biotechnology/healthcare equity research. In my bank a lot of high level analysts covering those sectors are PhDs. Reach out to a couple people to see if you like it. May not be that exciting, but pay is okay, hours not too bad usually.
Also you can try consulting, I think now consulting firms definitely recruit PhDs. But personally I dont know too much. Sorry I cannot help more.
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If you have 3.5 years left in your PhD and you already hate it, I'd Master out - but not before making sure you're positioned well to get interviews with the major firms, especially since you're currently at a target school and thus stand a decent chance.
PhD: you'd have the degree ofc + higher level of entry (perhaps obviating need for MBA) + more time to craft your resume (which you can do via 3 day consulting workshops like C2C, B2BCG and pro bono stuff).
Masters: you won't spend >2 years doing lab work + make more money earlier.
My take - if I were in your shoes, it'd boil down to whether I need more time to position myself for consulting and if I do, whether I can stomach doing more lab work.
Thanks so much! This was quite helpful. I've been doing my best to beef up my resume and I was wondering if you could elaborate on what options are out there in terms of pro bono stuff. Are these primarily limited to the year before you finish your PhD like C2C and B2BCG?
No prob - you can do pro bono earlier than that. Not sure which Ivy you're at, but Penn for example has the Penn Biotech Group that does pro bono consulting. Other volunteering activities work too.
Honestly, had a similar choice, Master out. Spending 3 years working on a thesis you know will be irrelevant to your career will be absolute hell.
I had a colleague who was in a similar situation and mastered out. He said it was the best choice he ever made.
The only potential downside is the level at which you'd be starting. At most firms, I think non-MBA Master's students start out at the post-UG level, while PhDs start at the post-MBA level. So you might be a bit older than other people at your tenure, which is less typical at the post-UG level.
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