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How would a MSc. in Biochemistry be able to go into life sciences investment research/management?

What's the best way to go into life science investment for a 26y old MSc. Biochemistry (magna cum laude but from an average EU University)? I have 14 months of experience in the pharmaceutical sector (Regulatory Officer). Should I go for a MSc. in Finance (recommendations?) or CFA? I've got to brush up my math/statistics/economics though. Perhaps I should first do a self-study prep year, maybe combined with CFA L1 then MSc.?

Asked by Zongadin

Posted in Qualifications and Asset Management

03 Sep 2008

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Answers (5)

  • 1) Take some courses in the following a) accounting b) financial statement analysis c) quantitative analysis 2) Pursue a CFA 3) Go to your local chapter CFA events 4) Read as much as you can about investing/financial statement analysis

    pauldbien 03 Sep 2008

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  • How about an ACA? I'm sure you could get a job with the Big-4, but you would have to stomach 3 yrs of that before qualification. That's what I've done after coming from a similar background to you.

    legoman 03 Sep 2008

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  • Hey, im in exactly the same boat as you, having a degree in biochemistry and 18months work experience, discovering that science pretty much sucks. crap pay, and automated work.so where's the excitiment?well,in the long run, science jobs dont pay great,infact there just average salaries. In order to earn 40-80k, you'll probably be about 50-60, with donkeys of years experience and lets face it be on ther verge of retirement. and in some IB i hear people in their 20s are earning 40k. anyway more to the point, is it possible to gain entry into a major IB coming from a different background and having work experience in a different environment? or is it to late and shows poor thought over career aspirations? well, this can be questionable and also depends on whether banks consider age in some job roles. anyway, would be nice to hear you on the outcome.add your email address. i would also be interested in hearing from legoman, do u think the ACA has paid off?

    Confused.com 04 Sep 2008

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  • Still doing my ACA, but hopefully it will pay off. At the very least I can get a decent finance job, but what I really want to do is combine my life-sciences research background with my ACA training. Time will tell. And many have much more than 40k in their 20s...

    legoman 04 Sep 2008

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  • well I still want to be very involved in life sciences. E.g. biotech investment management (private equity/small cap funds/boutique...). I don't want to retrain completely for an accountancy position in some big IB. I'm surprised none of you are recommending the MSc.'s in finance, which look quite interesting to me. Would they be too difficult? I'm not looking to die hard as a quant nerd either. I'm just curious whether a MSc. in Finance/Investment management would be useful for me. Cheers

    Zongadin 11 Sep 2008

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