by Don » Sat Oct 30, 2004 12:11 pm
Tough question. First off, there are some places where an MBA w/o science could be fine: for example in HR, or Corp. Fin. or some parts of operations. However this would be in big biotech/pharma (read: AMGN, PFE, ABT, MLNM). A science background might help some there - but an MD/PhD would not be required. If the subject job is in BD and you are talking about a traditional biotech/pharma Co. where you are working with a technology or drug, I think the science background is probably a necessity. One could make the argument that at some level, you are making a purely financial/business decision: you look at the numbers, think about the impact, structure a deal, negotiate and close. However, the bottom line is almost always determined by how the drug/technology works or will be used in the clinic. For that, a science background (MD or PhD, not MS, or BS) is, in my opinion, critical.
Again, at higher levels you would probably not be making the models, or doing lots of the background work that is very tech-heavy. However, w/o the science background you will probably not be able to ask the right questions and make certain that all of the background work you have had some hapless associate complete for you is right or even meaningfull.
Again, if you are talking about BD for some marketed product, say a product acquisition for drug that is old and off patent, you probably dont need a great science background as the decision can be (but is not always) pretty straightforward.
Most BD roles in biotech are not like that though.
Now, I have seen people w/o a science background succeed in BD. These people are rare as hen's teeth though. Generally very bright (which you may be), agressive and inquisitive (which you also may be) and damn lucky. Just know it is much harder.
To one of the other poster's points, there is a lot of snobbishness in the industry and it will likely be quite hard to get beyond that.
Finally, as I said before, there are a number of places where you could do fine w/o a science background.
Hope this helps.
Don