Question regarding life sciences firms vs generalist

Hi there,

Your background is definitely relevant for both MBB and life sciences–focused firms. In general, LS firms give you very direct exposure to healthcare/biopharma projects, while MBB gives broader exposure across industries, with the option to specialize later. If you’re leaning heavily toward LS, the specialist firms may feel like an easier fit, but there’s no downside in applying to both as it just increases your chances.

Case style is pretty similar overall, though LS firms sometimes lean more on market sizing, drug lifecycle, and clinical trial–related topics. The core consulting skills are the same.

A master’s in health economics could add value, but it’s not a must as you can already position your MD + research experience as a big strength. If you don’t feel ready this cycle, taking extra time to prep cases and build comfort is totally fine.

Hi Muchen,

you background will fit either. On your specific questions:

1. I am wondering what are the pros and cons of aiming for a LS specialist firm over MBB/other firms? Would it be easier to position myself for LS firms or should I realistically be applying for all firms to improve chances?
LS firms will give your the opportunity to directly work on LS topics. MBB will allow you to get a broader set of experiences before focusing. This also means broader exit options and broader name recognition

2. Is there a major difference in interview cases/style for life sciences firms in particular? 
Not a big difference other than that LS will focus on pharma, LS industry and potentially go a bit into the specific dynamics (regulatory, etc.)

3. I am also considering doing a masters next year in health economics to improve my cv and develop new skills, could this add value in my application?
If you are interested in it, consider doing it. For your profile not necessarily required though. You can maybe apply for LS firms and MBB now and if you do not get in do the master as plan B. 

Best,
Lukas

Chances? Really good (UK target school, difficult degree, professional experience). 

Let me take your Qs one by one.

1. You have a stronger value prop for LS roles. Why? Because you know in this area a lot more than a graduate from, say, Economics. 

But that doesn't mean you should apply only at LS targeted firms. You can also apply for roles within the LS practice at generalist consulting firms (e.g., MBBs). It's best if you reach out directly to the recruiter at your target office and ask them about opportunities in this area (some might not be advertised online).

2. No. However, if you are applying for the LS practice for some firms, they do have a 'technical' component to the interview to test your knowlege, or at a minimum, they provide cases from within life sciences. 

Still, if you think about the prep you need to do for the interview, the life sciences angle is rather like the last 5-10% of the prep. The bulk will be developing casing skills and the right personal experience stories to showcase your background. 

3. Do it. But honestly, you have a good enough profile already. I don't feel like you're missing anything but getting to work on developing an amazing application. 

Here's an article I wrote about whether or not you should do an additional degree (applied to MBA's specifically, but also relevant for Masters):

• Expert Guide: Are MBAs worth it?

And if you're planning on applying soon, this guide will help:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian 

Hey there :)

With your medical and research background, you’re already a strong fit for life sciences consulting. LS-focused firms like LEK or ClearView value deep scientific expertise and offer quicker exposure to healthcare projects, while MBB gives broader experience and stronger brand value. I’d recommend applying to both to keep options open.

Interviews are quite similar, though LS firms may use more pharma-specific cases (market access, drug launches, etc.). A master’s in health economics could definitely strengthen your profile and signal commitment to the field.

Don’t worry about timing, it’s better to prepare well and apply confidently. You can always reach out if you’d like guidance on how to position your profile or prep for interviews!

best, Alessa :)

Hi there,
First step, hire a coach. You are pivoting from medicine into consulting, and you will not fix that alone by reading case books. A coach will tell you what is wrong with your approach, your story, and your frameworks.

1. Apply to everything. MBB, LEK, ClearView, IQVIA. Do not try to be strategic before you even have an offer. Let the market decide. Whoever bites first makes the choice for you.
2. Interview format is basically the same. The difference is vocabulary, not structure. In life sciences you talk about drugs, pipelines, or clinical trials, but the underlying logic is the same. Build clear structures, run clean math, communicate like a normal human.
3. A health economics master’s can help if you actually want the content. It does not help if you think it is a golden ticket. It costs a year and delays your earning power. Try getting the consulting job first. If that fails, you can study later.

This entire path is winnable with focused prep, not another degree. Use Applications to get your story tight and Ace the Case Interview to stop winging cases.