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PeterJames87
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Joined: 19 Mar 2017
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Schools: HBS '20 (D) Carroll '20 (A$) Johnson '20 (A$)
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Schools: HBS '20 (D) Carroll '20 (A$) Johnson '20 (A$)
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Profile Evaluation Request - Biopharma Background Updated on: 16 Jun 2017, 01:25
Originally posted by PeterJames87 on 10 Jun 2017, 09:36.
Last edited by PeterJames87 on 16 Jun 2017, 01:25, edited 2 times in total.
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Hi All - I really appreciate your thoughts. It has been enormously beneficial reading through this thread and getting ideas. A couple points moving forward:

-It is my impression that going for an MBA from a biopharma background might be considered a less traditional route. It's good to get positive feedback on this.

-Rather than trying to pivot into consulting this summer I think it would be prudent to dial in on my applications and get into a top MBA program. To Deep A's point, trying to break into both a new role/industry at the same time will likely be challenging. If I instead complete an MBA program first I think my probability of a successful transition will increase greatly.

-While I feel accomplished having gotten a 710 I definitely feel I can do better with the quant (i.e., 750 practice exam the weekend before my last sitting). Ideally I wanted my total score to be up in the 730-750 range. I was on the fence about retaking but based on feedback in this thread I'm going for a final sitting mid-July. I think following a rigorous quant study program over the next month or so should get my score up where I want it.

-With my current score I'll be targeting top fifteen programs with a couple top five as my reach. In addition I'll probably have a top twenty in there, I wouldn't call it a 'safety' but certainly a program I'm more confident I can get into. If I can get my GMAT up to where I want it (i.e., 730-750) I'll feel much more comfortable targeting those higher level programs.

-In addition to studying for and retaking the GMAT I'll spend some time framing my story, coming up with a nice personal summary, etc. I've done some self-exploration the last several months so this is really just compiling things. Once this is complete I'll be reaching out for further feedback and initiating one-on-one chats.

If anyone has additional feedback or thoughts that would be fantastic. Thank you!
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Profile Evaluation Request - Biopharma Background 11 Jun 2017, 00:35
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PeterJames87
Hi All - First time poster to these forums, long time lurker. I'm planning to move forward with MBA applications and I'm hoping to get your feedback.

Background
I hold a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UMass Amherst (3.87 GPA). During my undergraduate years I had a couple internships including my final summer where I was at Pfizer. I really enjoyed working in biopharma and have pursued a career in the industry since graduation.

I have now been working for a little over four years in biopharma on projects ranging from early drug discovery, preliminary pre-clinical development, all the way through the late stage development/clinical trials/manufacturing side of things. During these years I have gained experience with both small molecule/biologics in disease fields including infectious/oncology/genetic. My goal has been to gain experience through the entire drug development pipeline/value chain leading up to approval and going to market. While my work experience has primarily been in the lab I also have gained some experience with project management and business development through cross-training opportunities. I have also pursued professional education in business topics, project management, strategy, etc.

Moving Forward
While I've enjoyed the science I really want to transition over to the business side of things in the near future. I am considering two main career paths, both of which include getting an MBA.

1) My primary objective is to try and pivot into consulting over this summer. I love tackling tough problems, coming up with new solutions, and teaching. I am from the Boston area so I will be targeting larger firms (i.e., BCG) as well as smaller ones focused on the biopharma industry.

2) My secondary objective is to get into an MBA program for the coming cycle. I'm quite interested in Berkeley, Booth, Sloan, etc. Post MBA my goal would still be to break into consulting and possibly even venture capital. Same end result as the above, just getting an MBA first.

GMAT
Since I plan to get an MBA within the next two years or so I've studied for an taken the GMAT twice this past spring. In practice exams I typically score in the 690-750 range, for my live exams I've scored 690 (Q42 V42) and 710 (Q44 V44). The first time I had a cold so definitely felt the retake was necessary, at the same time I'm concerned that a 710 is simply not competitive enough.

Feedback Request
Based on my background and career goals I'm hoping to get some feedback regarding which programs I should target (M7, T15, T20?). In addition I'm wondering if it might be worth taking the GMAT a third time to try and bump the quant score up to >75th percentile (achieved on practice exams but never live). The one caveat to my low quant is that I have taken and done well on numerous quant courses in undergrad (trig, calc I/II, stats all with A/A-) as well post-graduation (I completed Harvard Business School's HBX|CORe program with high honors).

I appreciate your feedback and assistance. All the best!
Show more

Hi Peter,
You have an excellent profile. Your GPA and work ex are very good. Your career pivot is a major move and let me say this, it won't be easy. You're changing both - Industry and Function of your job. Yes, there are a lot of transferable skills and a niche consulting or investment firm may just be looking for a guy like you.
If you were an International Student I'd say you need to take your GMAT again. But for domestic students I think your GMAT score is solid. However, if you do not have an X-factor to distinguish your profile from the rest it'll be a safe bet to improve your GMAT score. Seems like you've taken the GMAT a few years back, is it? If yes, then all the more reason to take a shot at it again.
I think you have a shot at M7 but the rest T15 or T20 should be relatively safe schools for you.
Hope this helps.

Best,
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Profile Evaluation Request - Biopharma Background 11 Jun 2017, 14:05
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Hi there,

You have a really interesting background! Your desire to transition to the business side of things makes a lot of sense, and I think you would have a lot to offer as a consultant in the biopharma industry.

I would suggest taking the GMAT again to bump up the quant score despite having done well in your undergrad and post-grad quant courses. Unfortunately, in the past few years, I have been seeing weaker quant scores hurting candidates even if they had strong GPAs and/or were working in a quantitative field. The admissions process is very competitive, so you really don't want to leave anything up to chance - aim to get above an 80th percentile in the quant section. Once you do so, I do think you will be competitive at the M7 schools (assuming your extracurricular profile is strong as well).

If it would be helpful to discuss further via a free consultation, feel free to reach out at https://www.ivygroupe.com/contact.

Best,
Shaifali
(Harvard Business School grad)
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Profile Evaluation Request - Biopharma Background 12 Jun 2017, 00:28
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PeterJames87
Hi All - First time poster to these forums, long time lurker. I'm planning to move forward with MBA applications and I'm hoping to get your feedback.

Background
I hold a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UMass Amherst (3.87 GPA). During my undergraduate years I had a couple internships including my final summer where I was at Pfizer. I really enjoyed working in biopharma and have pursued a career in the industry since graduation.

I have now been working for a little over four years in biopharma on projects ranging from early drug discovery, preliminary pre-clinical development, all the way through the late stage development/clinical trials/manufacturing side of things. During these years I have gained experience with both small molecule/biologics in disease fields including infectious/oncology/genetic. My goal has been to gain experience through the entire drug development pipeline/value chain leading up to approval and going to market. While my work experience has primarily been in the lab I also have gained some experience with project management and business development through cross-training opportunities. I have also pursued professional education in business topics, project management, strategy, etc.

Moving Forward
While I've enjoyed the science I really want to transition over to the business side of things in the near future. I am considering two main career paths, both of which include getting an MBA.

1) My primary objective is to try and pivot into consulting over this summer. I love tackling tough problems, coming up with new solutions, and teaching. I am from the Boston area so I will be targeting larger firms (i.e., BCG) as well as smaller ones focused on the biopharma industry.

2) My secondary objective is to get into an MBA program for the coming cycle. I'm quite interested in Berkeley, Booth, Sloan, etc. Post MBA my goal would still be to break into consulting and possibly even venture capital. Same end result as the above, just getting an MBA first.

GMAT
Since I plan to get an MBA within the next two years or so I've studied for an taken the GMAT twice this past spring. In practice exams I typically score in the 690-750 range, for my live exams I've scored 690 (Q42 V42) and 710 (Q44 V44). The first time I had a cold so definitely felt the retake was necessary, at the same time I'm concerned that a 710 is simply not competitive enough.

Feedback Request
Based on my background and career goals I'm hoping to get some feedback regarding which programs I should target (M7, T15, T20?). In addition I'm wondering if it might be worth taking the GMAT a third time to try and bump the quant score up to >75th percentile (achieved on practice exams but never live). The one caveat to my low quant is that I have taken and done well on numerous quant courses in undergrad (trig, calc I/II, stats all with A/A-) as well post-graduation (I completed Harvard Business School's HBX|CORe program with high honors).

I appreciate your feedback and assistance. All the best!
Show more

Hey dude,
Good to hear from you.

I think the bottom line here is that your profile is awesome. And you shouldn't be applying to B-school without the best GMAT score you can get. One can always argue about whether a 710 might be enough or not. But you are doing what you are enjoying and seem to be good at it. You have options. etc. I fel like there's no rush her and no difference if you apply now, or in one year (if that's what it takes for you to get your GMAT.) So try and be honest about your potential and if you think there's room for +20/30 points, go for it.

It'll just make it easier. And yes, you can get into Top 10 programs with a great application.


If you have any other questions don't hesitate.
I hope this helps! And feel free to drop us a line for a free consultation.


Best,

JF
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Profile Evaluation Request - Biopharma Background 13 Jun 2017, 17:43
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PeterJames87
Hi All - First time poster to these forums, long time lurker. I'm planning to move forward with MBA applications and I'm hoping to get your feedback.

Background
I hold a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UMass Amherst (3.87 GPA). During my undergraduate years I had a couple internships including my final summer where I was at Pfizer. I really enjoyed working in biopharma and have pursued a career in the industry since graduation.

I have now been working for a little over four years in biopharma on projects ranging from early drug discovery, preliminary pre-clinical development, all the way through the late stage development/clinical trials/manufacturing side of things. During these years I have gained experience with both small molecule/biologics in disease fields including infectious/oncology/genetic. My goal has been to gain experience through the entire drug development pipeline/value chain leading up to approval and going to market. While my work experience has primarily been in the lab I also have gained some experience with project management and business development through cross-training opportunities. I have also pursued professional education in business topics, project management, strategy, etc.

Moving Forward
While I've enjoyed the science I really want to transition over to the business side of things in the near future. I am considering two main career paths, both of which include getting an MBA.

1) My primary objective is to try and pivot into consulting over this summer. I love tackling tough problems, coming up with new solutions, and teaching. I am from the Boston area so I will be targeting larger firms (i.e., BCG) as well as smaller ones focused on the biopharma industry.

2) My secondary objective is to get into an MBA program for the coming cycle. I'm quite interested in Berkeley, Booth, Sloan, etc. Post MBA my goal would still be to break into consulting and possibly even venture capital. Same end result as the above, just getting an MBA first.

GMAT
Since I plan to get an MBA within the next two years or so I've studied for an taken the GMAT twice this past spring. In practice exams I typically score in the 690-750 range, for my live exams I've scored 690 (Q42 V42) and 710 (Q44 V44). The first time I had a cold so definitely felt the retake was necessary, at the same time I'm concerned that a 710 is simply not competitive enough.

Feedback Request
Based on my background and career goals I'm hoping to get some feedback regarding which programs I should target (M7, T15, T20?). In addition I'm wondering if it might be worth taking the GMAT a third time to try and bump the quant score up to >75th percentile (achieved on practice exams but never live). The one caveat to my low quant is that I have taken and done well on numerous quant courses in undergrad (trig, calc I/II, stats all with A/A-) as well post-graduation (I completed Harvard Business School's HBX|CORe program with high honors).

I appreciate your feedback and assistance. All the best!
Show more

Thank you for your post. It sounds like you have an interesting background with great focus! The applicants I work with who have similar backgrounds do quite well. Bio pharmacies a good pre-MBA path (though if you could get McK it would help). I suggest focusing on improving your GMAT as that is one thing potentially holding you back from a great M7 school. With the current score I recommend top 10 schools. In terms of timing, now is a good time to apply so you don't need to do McKinsey (5 years is the median amount of work experience for most schools). That said going after 7 with 2-3 at McK would be a good tradeoff.

Reach out if you want to discuss further. [email protected]

www.personalmbacoach.com

Best,
Scott
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Profile Evaluation Request - Biopharma Background 16 Jun 2017, 01:16
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Hi Peter,

You definitely have a good profile: good undergrad, good undergrad gpa, and finally, interesting work experience. You seem to have thought through your career goals as well. Congratulations on all this.

Going forward, I can see two things holding you back:

1) the GMAT score. A good school will likely buy that your quant background is good, regardless of how you place on the GMAT. But the kind of competition we are facing, most of the M7 gets very competitive applications, that include stellar GMAT. There is the possibility that you would lose out there, unless your profile is counterbalanced by something spectacular - and as of how, we don't know if that unicorn factor exists in your background.

2) The second point is not so much a drawback, as it is a point of concern. Make sure you can connect your career goals to your past background as well - a smooth narrative looks good. Not to say that career switching is bad - just explain how you moved from there to here in a way that the adcom can appreciate.

I would peg you at a T15.

Reach out to us if you want to discuss further.

Best wishes,
Karthik

PeterJames87
Hi All - First time poster to these forums, long time lurker. I'm planning to move forward with MBA applications and I'm hoping to get your feedback.

Background
I hold a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UMass Amherst (3.87 GPA). During my undergraduate years I had a couple internships including my final summer where I was at Pfizer. I really enjoyed working in biopharma and have pursued a career in the industry since graduation.

I have now been working for a little over four years in biopharma on projects ranging from early drug discovery, preliminary pre-clinical development, all the way through the late stage development/clinical trials/manufacturing side of things. During these years I have gained experience with both small molecule/biologics in disease fields including infectious/oncology/genetic. My goal has been to gain experience through the entire drug development pipeline/value chain leading up to approval and going to market. While my work experience has primarily been in the lab I also have gained some experience with project management and business development through cross-training opportunities. I have also pursued professional education in business topics, project management, strategy, etc.

Moving Forward
While I've enjoyed the science I really want to transition over to the business side of things in the near future. I am considering two main career paths, both of which include getting an MBA.

1) My primary objective is to try and pivot into consulting over this summer. I love tackling tough problems, coming up with new solutions, and teaching. I am from the Boston area so I will be targeting larger firms (i.e., BCG) as well as smaller ones focused on the biopharma industry.

2) My secondary objective is to get into an MBA program for the coming cycle. I'm quite interested in Berkeley, Booth, Sloan, etc. Post MBA my goal would still be to break into consulting and possibly even venture capital. Same end result as the above, just getting an MBA first.

GMAT
Since I plan to get an MBA within the next two years or so I've studied for an taken the GMAT twice this past spring. In practice exams I typically score in the 690-750 range, for my live exams I've scored 690 (Q42 V42) and 710 (Q44 V44). The first time I had a cold so definitely felt the retake was necessary, at the same time I'm concerned that a 710 is simply not competitive enough.

Feedback Request
Based on my background and career goals I'm hoping to get some feedback regarding which programs I should target (M7, T15, T20?). In addition I'm wondering if it might be worth taking the GMAT a third time to try and bump the quant score up to >75th percentile (achieved on practice exams but never live). The one caveat to my low quant is that I have taken and done well on numerous quant courses in undergrad (trig, calc I/II, stats all with A/A-) as well post-graduation (I completed Harvard Business School's HBX|CORe program with high honors).

I appreciate your feedback and assistance. All the best!
Show more