T5 Med School Medical Student Interested in Working as an MD on a Life Science PE Group
I'm coming into my first year of medical school this summer and am interested in pursing a PE role after graduation. I have no background in banking or PE as my resume was strongly geared toward medical school admissions: high GPA, high MCAT, ivy undergrad, extensive research in various basic science and clinical disciplines (pharmaceutical oncology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, etc.), numerous publications and presentations, and intimate clinical experiences (both at the bedside and administrative).
Would I be able to craft a strong resume for movement into PE (or VC) throughout my time in medical school? How should I go about this, internships, pursuing an MBA, etc.?
Thank you! Looking forward to deciding between medical monkey and finance monkey.
I think you start by doing summer internships in IB. I don't think any buyside firm will hire you without the training that comes from a 2-3 year analyst program just because you're a MD (that hasn't even practiced medicine). Just my $0.02.
Haven't been in your shoes but my initial reactions and unfortunately no clear advice.
A) Drop out of med school ( why waste 4 years + $$$ on something you won't even pursue). Yes the T5 med school will look great on your resume but if PE/VC is really your end goal that degree isn't going to help
B) No, you won't be competitive for PE/VC right after med school. Maybe if you had 10+ years after graduating and working as a doctor (with administrative experience) you could potentially move over as an operating partner or a senior position at a VC
thanks for the advice! Fortunately, I am going to be attending a medical school with free tuition so that opportunity cost of not getting my MD with 0 loans is too great (in my opinion). would u have any advice for how to go about getting IB/PE experience during medical school / post grad? should I try networking through my school's alumni network / do on-cycle recruiting?
I would definitely reach out to alumni. Hesitant to recommend IB as you're in an awkward limbo between analyst/associate (given age + advanced degree) but with no tangible work experience. As you have 4 years of med school I would really just prioritize focusing on increasing your network the first year and try to land any sort of PE/VC experience during the summers. While IB is probably the path of least resistance I think if you hustle enough you could pull of a path straight to a HC focused PE/VC
As other people mentioned your MD degree will pique HC (life sciences, bio tech etc) interest so would target those shops for an internship.
Never go to WSO for actually good advice, these people have no idea what they’re taking about. Finish med school, the degree matters a lot in the life science space. Try getting internships at either MBB, healthcare investment banking or top investment shops. Out of med school you might need to do banking or consulting for a couple years before making the move. That’s what I’ve seen most commonly (e.g. BCG 2 years then VC). Getting an MBA while you’re at it can’t hurt. Source: work at one of the kinds of places you’re talking about.
Thank you for the positive thoughts! do you have any thoughts on going straight into MBB consulting or healthcare IB right after graduating vs completing residency / becoming board certified first?
Not an expert by any means but currently at healthcare IB and going to healthcare PE, with friends in med school / hc investing space.
Finish the MD, it really helps esp. for biotech investing (maybe earlier stage than PE though). Don't waste time on residency, would go into finance / business right after med school (MBB consulting loves hiring MDs, and you'd still be in the running for healthcare IB).
I don't unfortunately. Have seen both, but would instinctively lean towards getting into the working world sooner since you're already behind and you don't want to be learning job basics in your 30s. With that said definitely speak to folks who've done this, you're not going to find a good answer here as there's a relatively small number of people who've been through the set of decisions you're thinking through.
OP, you sound like a blowhard braggart. No one cares about your ivy eduction and med school training. You certainly aren't going straight to MD. Get an internship like the rest of the plebs and work the ladder. Reality check.
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