Doctor pre-MBA career advice.

Hi there,

Thanks for posting!

1 - 110%. You are a fantastic candidate. MD MBAs are highly valued at strategy consultancies. It demonstrates that you can both think intelligently and communicate intelligently (I'll let you work out which degree is know for which :P)

2 - Honestly, both. The answer here depends on what you prefer. However, I knew a lot of doctors who ended up at MBB. As mentioned in #1 it's a more common path than you might think

3 - Yes, in particular, those that I've helped my candidates get into! To name a few:

• Merck
• Clearview Healthcare Partners
• LEK Healthcare consulting practice
• Most other large consultancies (most have a healthcare function)

4 - Yes, this path can work. You can also advance internally as well

5 - Not sure what your question is, but if you're asking whether this is a valid path it indeed is

6 - Have a lot of calls with smart people that you respect! This is also called networking :) From here, just really genuinely and clearly explain your situation. You'll be able to pick people's brains and start to work out what path works for you!

Good luck!

Hello!

Congrats! I was a professor in the Master in Management in IE, Madrid, and I loved every part of it. You are going to enjoy your time there a lot, I am quite sure. 

1. Yes, totally

2. Both would make sense, it´s different value propositions. With your profile, 100% makes sense to shoot high and aim for Big3, Phrama and Chemicals practice. 

3. Unfortunately no, but in IE they are going to help you with this. 

4. Absolutely!

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Hi,

Let me try to answer some of your questions:

1. You are for sure an attractive candidate for consulting firms. 
2. I would say aim to join the big 3, while also eyeing a role in a healthcare specialized boutique.
3. Unfortunately I don't know much about this space but I am sure you can find out during your MBA
4. Sounds reasonable path for me

Hi there,

1. Yes. Although if you are doing well in your role I don’t see why you should go for consulting (unless you don’t like to be an entrepreneur anymore)
2. You could apply to both. Your profile would be good for both MBB and healtcare specialized consulting companies (LEK, ZS, IQVIA)
3. As before: LEK, ZS, IQVIA are some of the companies with specialization on that. All MBB also cover that (although not only that)
4. Yes. I know several people who did so
5. Strategy consulting will offer more options and open more doors compared to in-house
6. The #1 thing to land an invitation is to get a referral. You can find more on that here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,
Francesco

Hiya,

Here's my tips for you:

1. Yes, more so due to COVID impact. Healthcare industry is the focus at the moment isnt it...
2. Since you are new to consulting, my steer will be towards bigger firms to give you the breadth, scope and variety of opportunities
3. Pretty much all the big ones have a decent healthcare practice. Accenture UK (my former employer) is big in the UKI market for example
4. Yes
5. Stay away from this option if you are looking to learn the consulting ropes. Better do it externally first and then move into industry roles in a few years (3-5 yrs)
6. Why dont you use the MBA resources and pro-bono projects to enhance your start-up? Think about which function you want to specialise in- Strategy? Supply Chain?

All the best!

Hi there,

1) Yes, you can be a good hire for them.

2) Aim for bigger companies.

3) It is definitely a good option. 

4) Yes.

6) You can always sell your experience and expertise.

Best,

GB

To add to answers - for healthcare consulting look at Huron and ZS. I will also say that McKinsey healthcare practice is HUGE and you can easily join as a dedicated Healthcare associate given your impressive background.

All the best,

Udayan