Investment banking to pharma corp dev?
Hi all, I'm going into an MBA program and was wondering what the path would look like if I were to want to do investment banking for a few years before recruiting for corp dev roles in pharma companies like Eli Lilly or Merck? It seems like the PE recruiting route is far more common for investment bankers... is there any corporate development recruiting or are these fully networking based opportunities?
Bump - Incoming Biopharma IB Analyst very interested in taking this path
Banking to pharma corp dev is a solid move if you're in a healthcare coverage group. The financial modeling and deal execution skills transfer well, but you'll need to show genuine interest in the science and industry dynamics.
A few things that help make the transition:
Your deal experience matters most. If you've worked on healthcare M&A or pharma financing deals, that's your story. If not, you'll need to explain why you're pivoting and show you understand the space.
Pharma values people who can evaluate science and commercial potential, not just run DCFs. If you're coming from pure finance, expect to spend time learning therapeutic areas, regulatory pathways, and pipeline risk.
Timing wise, 2 to 3 years in banking is enough to make the move. Longer than that and you risk being seen as too finance focused. Target larger pharma with active BD teams or biotech hubs where deal flow is consistent.
I work with people making this transition. If you want to discuss positioning yourself for these roles, feel free to DM.
Hi, undergrad here
How useful would a Life Sciences degree be for healthcare/life sciences/biopharma IB? Someone can learn the industry without spending too much effort, but learning the raw science, as I see it, can be sort of an unfuckable quality. Is my view flawed at all?
Your view is mostly right. The science background helps you understand pipelines, clinical data, and drug mechanisms faster than peers coming from pure finance. It's harder to fake and gives you credibility with clients.
That said, you still need strong finance fundamentals. The science gets you in the door and makes you better at the job, but you need to know how to model and execute deals. Best combo is life sciences degree plus solid finance coursework or internship. Note, each shop may have a different view on this as some places swing more to one side.
Feel free to DM if you want to discuss further.
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