Last Updated on March 4, 2023 by MBA Gateway Team
This article is a part-of ‘MBA Careers’ Series
Best MBA programs for a Career in Pharmaceutical Industry
The pharmaceutical industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, with a significant demand for highly skilled professionals who can lead the companies in this sector. If you are interested in a career in the pharmaceutical industry, an MBA can be an excellent way to gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to achieve your career goals. Here are some of the best MBA programs for a career in the pharmaceutical industry:
- The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School has one of the best MBA programs for healthcare management, including the pharmaceutical industry. The school offers several courses and programs in healthcare management and pharmaceuticals, including the Health Care Management Program, which provides students with a unique combination of healthcare and management education.
- Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University – Kellogg has a Health Enterprise Management Program, which offers MBA students a concentration in healthcare management, including the pharmaceutical industry. The program provides students with a broad understanding of the healthcare industry and allows them to tailor their coursework to their interests.
- Harvard Business School – Harvard Business School offers an MBA in Healthcare Management, which includes a focus on the pharmaceutical industry. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge to lead and manage healthcare organizations, including pharmaceutical companies.
- Columbia Business School – Columbia Business School has a Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Management Program, which offers MBA students a concentration in healthcare management, including the pharmaceutical industry. The program provides students with a deep understanding of the healthcare industry and allows them to tailor their coursework to their interests.
- Fuqua School of Business at Duke University – The Fuqua School of Business has a Health Sector Management Program, which offers MBA students a concentration in healthcare management, including the pharmaceutical industry. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare industry and allows them to develop specialized skills for a career in pharmaceuticals.
Here are five tips for pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry with an MBA:
- Gain relevant work experience – Pursue internships or part-time positions in pharmaceutical companies or healthcare organizations. This will help you develop the skills and experience needed to succeed in the industry.
- Network – Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and build relationships with people in the pharmaceutical industry. This will help you learn about new job opportunities and stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in the industry.
- Focus on your MBA coursework – Tailor your MBA coursework to the pharmaceutical industry. Take courses in healthcare management, marketing, finance, and operations, and pursue specialized electives in pharmaceuticals.
- Consider pursuing a dual degree – A dual degree, such as an MBA and a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences or a Doctor of Pharmacy, can give you a competitive advantage in the industry.
- Keep up with industry trends – The pharmaceutical industry is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay informed about the latest trends and developments. Subscribe to industry publications and attend industry events to stay up to date.
Table: Top 20 Business Schools for Pharmaceutical Industry
| Business School | % Students going into Pharmaceutical Industry | # Students going into Pharmaceutical Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard Business School | 3% | 10 |
| The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania | 4% | 11 |
| MIT Sloan School of Management | 4% | 6 |
| Columbia Business School | 2% | 4 |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | 1% | 3 |
| INSEAD Business School | 6% | 6 |
| Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley | 4% | 4 |
| IE Business School | 2% | 2 |
| HEC Paris | 5% | 5 |
| Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University | 2% | 3 |
| Chicago Booth School of Business | 1% | 1 |
| Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College | 2% | 1 |
| Yale School of Management | 3% | 3 |
| Said Business School at the University of Oxford | 2% | 2 |
| NYU Stern School of Business | 3% | 3 |
| IMD Business School | 6% | 3 |
| UCLA Anderson School of Management | 1% | 1 |
| Fuqua School of Business at Duke University | 2% | 1 |
| Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC Chapel Hill | 1% | 1 |
| Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University | 3% | 1 |
