How to transition to equity research with only a biology degree

Hi all,

I am a junior at a top 50 school. I have a degree in molecular and cellular biology (4 semesters straight with 4.0). current gpa of 3.92. Was planning on medical school but am not sure now. I have many volunteer experiences in the hospital and with physicians and working in a lab (made a poster). is there any way I can get a job right out of college in equity research? What would y'all recommend I do?

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I was in your shoes over a decade ago so I can empathize with what you are going through. It sounds like you are interested in the business side of biology (if you can call it that). If so, I would suggest that you keep your mind open and explore other paths as well beyond just equity research i.e. consulting/business-related roles at pharma and see if those will be a better fit with what you are looking for.

I'm on the healthcare/life science side of investing and unlike other facets of finance where there is a clearer path, the paths people took to get here are much more ad hoc. Very few people went the whole GS IB -> Elite Mega Fund -> HBS -> etc route. If I look at my colleagues and other folks in the space, oftentimes their first job was in R&D somewhere or some BD/strategy role at a major pharma company etc.

Almost everyone has at least a Masters, so I would highly advise you to take on at least some post-grad education. Hope this helps.

 

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