Your thoughts/experiences on hard science grads going the MBA route?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the career trajectory of a BS Physics graduate considering an MBA to enhance career prospects in the pharmaceutical industry. The individual currently works as an analytical chemist in quality control at a major pharmaceutical company and seeks to transition into management. They recognize the potential devaluation of an MBA but believe that combining a hard science background with business acumen will provide a unique advantage in the job market. The participant is contemplating a part-time MBA at a local state university, which would be financially supported by their employer.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pharmaceutical industry roles, particularly in R&D and quality control.
  • Familiarity with the structure and value of MBA programs.
  • Knowledge of career pathways in management within scientific fields.
  • Awareness of the current job market trends regarding advanced degrees.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of an MBA on career advancement in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Explore part-time MBA programs that cater to working professionals in science fields.
  • Investigate the skills and competencies gained from an MBA that are applicable to management roles in science.
  • Connect with professionals who have transitioned from science to management to gather insights and experiences.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for science graduates considering a shift to management roles, professionals in the pharmaceutical industry, and individuals evaluating the value of an MBA in enhancing their career prospects.

samoth1
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Background: BS physics, double minors in chem and math, c/o 2008. Started with chem major, but switched to physics for interest/challange. No absolute career goals, but always considered bigpharma as a good place to go. Considered physics grad school, but never that interested in teaching.

Work/Career: Internship in R&D pharma. Currently work in the lab at bigpharma as an analytical chemist -- QC side, not R&D. Enjoy work, but looking at long-term future career goals/possibilities, I think I'd like to work my way up through management.

Now: Considering going MBA route. I'm well aware of the devaluation of the degree (and of degrees in general), but I think that a hard science BS with business/MBA would yield a great degree of versitility and present a rare/interesting combination WRT intersts/skills/abilities, for both employers and myself.

A part-time MBA at the local state university would be basically free thruogh work. The state flagship is much more prestigious, but I'm not going to Wall Street, nor am I willing to pay $60K for an MBA.

Thoughts or opinions on this? I'm finding it rare for science/lab people to intentionally pursue the business/management side in industry... but I know PF's got to have some. :D
 
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samoth1 said:
Thoughts or opinions on this? I'm finding it rare for science/lab people to intentionally pursue the business/management side in industry... but I know PF's got to have some. :D

One thing that is surprising is that it's quite common for science/lab people to go into business/management but once they do so they tend not to post in forums like this.
 

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