PhD in Biochemistry: Better chances in life science division or generalist?

Hi Presley,

Firstly, congrats on your academic success thus far!

As you accurately point out, there are indeed more Generalist positions available and many more candidates applying for those. 

Here is the good news:
1) The MBB firms typically let you apply for more than 1 position in your application - i.e., you could apply for BOTH the generalist position & a Life Sciences specific role
2) Having a PhD does actually give you an edge in the application process - consulting firms really care about diversity of thought to bring the best towards its solutions, and there are A LOT less PhDs in chemistry applying than business students -> Thus, this likely gives you an advantage towards landing that first interview

My recommendation:
1) For the firms and offices you are interested in, see if they allow you to check more than 1 box for roles you are interested in - this is often the case
2) If this is not available in your preferred firms/roles, I'd recommend going for Generalist, as you will have the edge of a different profile (+ the Firm can just funnel you towards the Life Science division further down interview process if You/Them prefer that)
3) Make sure you get very comfortable with Case Interviews before your first round, as the business students will likely have more practice than you on that

Hope this helps!
Thor
 

Hi Presley,

Hi there,

With a PhD in biochemistry, you’ll generally have stronger odds in the life sciences/healthcare practice. MBB and Tier 2 firms value advanced degrees highly in those verticals, since clients expect consultants to combine business problem-solving with deep scientific understanding. Many PhD hires start in life sciences, pharma, or healthcare projects, where your background is a real differentiator.

That said, it doesn’t lock you in forever. After you join, you can usually staff across practices if you want more variety. But for entry, the firm is more likely to view you as a natural fit for life sciences.

For the generalist track, it’s possible, but the competition is tougher. You’ll be up against MBAs and business grads with more commercial/financial exposure. Your PhD alone won’t be a disadvantage, but it won’t stand out as much as it does in a specialized practice.

Happy to help you prep and advise further – feel free to reach out!

Best,
Evelina

Hi Presley,

Thanks for your question.

In general, speaking from experience working in life sciences consulting, your chances of getting hired are slightly higher in life sciences division vs. a generalist because as you correctly assumed, you are competing with MBAs whose background fit the more traditional profile of generalist hires. Firms like to leverage your specialized background since it is more of a natural fit to their life sciences practice and may also be perceived as more valuable to the client when you get staffed on projects.

Having said that, you can certainly apply for generalist roles. If you get an interview, from that point onwards, your chances of getting hired will primarily depend on your performance in the interview compared to other candidates. 

I would advise, to increase your chances of getting a consulting offer, you should consider applying to consulting firms primarily specializing in the Lifesciences industry. You will still be working on a diverse set of business consulting projects but in a specific industry. However, your chances of getting an interview may be higher from these firms and they may also see more value in your Lifesciences background. I would say though, once you get an interview call, your performance in the interview will determine if you get an offer, not your background.

Feel free to reach out if you have questions around working in Lifesciences consulting. I offer free consult sessions.

Thanks and all the best!
Soh

hey Presley :)

With your background, you’ll be competitive for both tracks. The life sciences practices at MBB and Tier 2 do like PhDs, because you bring credibility with clients and can handle technical projects more smoothly. That said, generalist roles usually have more slots overall, but you’d be competing more directly with MBAs and business grads. A PhD is still highly valued there, especially if you show strong problem-solving and business judgment during the process.

So chances aren’t necessarily “better” in one over the other, it depends more on how you position yourself. If you’re passionate about healthcare and pharma, applying directly to life sciences is a strong angle. If you want broader exposure, go generalist and emphasize transferable skills (analytical rigor, leading research, structuring problems). Many PhDs start in life sciences and later move generalist anyway, so you don’t lock yourself in.

best, Alessa :)

Hi there, 

I think your background in Bio PHD could potentially give you an edge when applying to the life science / healthcare practices in consulting firms. They are usually short of people who have the tech knowledge. 

Also, it is easier for a bio / healthcare specialist to pivot to a generalist role, but much harder to move the other way round. 

Just my 2 cents. 

Best,

Emily 

That is actually a great question to reach out to them and do some networking. 

Honestly... go for the one that you believe you will enjoy the most. I don't think you have a disadvantage vs. business candidates on the generalist track, to be honest.

For MBB - recruiting from APD (advanced professional degree) candidates is still for a generalist role if you are following OCR (on campus recruitment). 

You can state an interest in life science / healthcare, but likely the role will be for a generalist still if its through OCR.

Theoretically you would have better chances if there is a life science practice area in the office of your choice, but I would say that most MBB firms still prioritize getting MBA/APD candidates in for the generalist track first, rather commit them to a specific practice area.