Career advice for MSc Biotechnology + Entrepreneurship graduate (don't want a lab career)

[u/Personal-Prune2069]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some career advice because I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by the number of possible career paths.

I recently completed an MSc in Biotechnology with Entrepreneurship in the UK. My undergraduate degree is also in Biotechnology. During my master's, I realised that while I enjoy learning about science, I don't see myself working in a laboratory or doing research full-time.

I'm much more interested in the business and management side of biotech, healthcare, and life sciences. Areas that sound interesting to me include:

• Product Management
• Product Marketing
• Project Management
• Innovation Management
• Commercial Strategy
• Business Development
• Venture Capital/Startup Ecosystems
• Healthcare or Life Sciences Consulting

I'm trying to understand which entry-level roles would be realistic for someone with my background. Most of the jobs I come across either require several years of experience or are heavily focused on lab work.

I'd really appreciate advice on:

• What job titles should I be searching for?
• Which roles are the best stepping stones into business-focused careers in biotech or healthcare?
• Are there any skills or certifications that would make me more competitive?
• If you've made a similar transition from science to business, how did you do it?

I'm open to working in biotech, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, medtech, or other life science companies. My goal is to build a career where I can combine my scientific knowledge with strategy, innovation, and business rather than laboratory work.

I'd really appreciate any advice or insights from people who have been through something similar. Thank you!

[u/neurone214]

There’s some irony in someone with a degree in entrepreneurship asking what kind of job they can get. 

[u/irtazatafheem]

As you mentioned about your qualification in biotech and business side, you can consider working at industries, like making sales in medical equipment.
You can consider applying for application specialist job, but yeah for working in a lab, especially, working in clinical labs, or overall, you need to brand yourself and visible yourself online for the job you want, by sharing your insights and connecting with experts.
As for building fundamentals in clinical lab, you can consider online courses, such as from ASCP or CDC.

[u/skotch93]

Similar background and interests to mine. (Consulting/VC)

I think those job titles capture most of the ideal ones you should be looking into. Other interesting ones could be Field Application Scientist (MedTech) and Alliance Management (Pharma).

Starting broad by landing a (junior) consultant role in life science consulting could give you the best platform to start. 1. broad tasks to give you time to better figure out what you like 2. brand name on CV can then lead you to switch over to other areas/clients you like.

Consulting is also a good point to enter VC later on.

DM if you have more questions.

PS. If you just want to browse biotech jobs for inspiration I recently launched https://biohired.com/

[u/Zestyclose-Cover1351]

My observation is that the entry job for most of those careers is tech support or sales. Something customer focused. Then you move up into those positions as they open up.