Business Development

Introductory Resources

• Why consider Business Development as a PhD?, UCDavis Biotechnology article.
• What is Biotech Business Development?, JPP Life Sciences Marketing article.
• Carving your own path: from a PhD to Director of Business Development, PhD Career Stories Podcast.
• Business Development in the Pharma Industry, with Erin Denny, PhD – YouTube video.

Venturing further in this career area

• From Science to Business, 39-min Career Chat – Biotech Career Coach Podcast.
• Career Panel Discussion – From PhD to Business, Brown University (YouTube video).
• Business Development in the Biopharmaceutical Industry, African Pharma Network (YouTube video).
• Six ways to build an effective pharmaceutical business development strategy, BCG article.
• Business of Biotech, RA Capital – free online course that introduces learners to the biotech social contract, M&A game theory, and NPV modeling using in-depth examples.

Learning by doing job-related tasks

Intersect Job Simulations have been designed by PhDs for PhDs. To make the most of them, please set up SMART Goals to perform each simulation in a reasonable timeline. When you have completed the task, fill out the Self-Reflection Sheet, which will help you reflect on what you enjoyed (or did not enjoy) about the simulation, and how it can help inform your career exploration efforts.

• Job Simulation – Market Analysis.
• Job Simulation – Exploring options to expand a company’s portfolio.

Preparing your transition into this career area

• Focus on your skills, Nature article.
• Search for and connect with folks from the following organizations and others:
  • American Business Women Association (ABWA).
  • International Business Development Professionals (IBDP).
  • The Boston Club – Advancing Women Leaders.
  • Local Student Business clubs like the BU Questrom Graduate Student Clubs.
• Look for and join relevant thematic groups on LinkedIn, online communities, etc.
• Look for GMS Alumni who have transitioned into this career area.
• The Social Scientist enables early-career scientists to receive mentorship from folks who have transitioned into various careers – connect with industry mentors (scientists, founders, product managers, etc.).
• Analyze job descriptions to learn more about what institutions and organizations are currently looking for.
• Study company websites, follow them on social media and YouTube.
• Growing your network and having informational interviews with PhDs who have transitioned into careers of interest to you will enable you to learn more about the job’s daily responsibilities, hiring process, career progression, etc., and the sector as a whole.