Any suggestions on how I can strength my application?

[pharmd]

Hi All, I needed some guidance on how to strength my work experience. I currently work as a medical communication pharmacist in a privately held pharmaceutical company. Eventually, I would like to work in business development area for a pharma company. I would like to apply to a MBA program next year. I live in IL so either Kellogs or University of Chicago would be my top picks. So, by the time I apply I would have had 2 years of work experience, but I have worked all through out my undergrad and grad school to pay for my education. Any suggestions on how I can strength my application? Thanks

My Background:

1998 – 2002 : BS: in Biochemistry:
Worked part-time as a research assistant at a research lab, and also worked part-time at a hospital
2002 – 2003:
Took some additional pre-requisite classes for pharmacy school. Worked full-time as a pharmacy technician at Walgreens

2003 – 2007: Completed PharmD.
Worked part-time at Walgreens as a pharmacy intern
Worked 2 winter breaks (about 3 months) at Abelson-Taylor Inc., an medical marketing and advertising company
Participated in international volunteer trips as a part of a health team
Extensively involved in managed care pharmacy
Last year of pharmacy school consist of rotations

2007 – present
Work as a medical communication pharmacist at a privately held pharmaceutical company
Work part-time as a pharmacist at Walgreens

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear pharmd:

The first question you need to answer is: do you need the MBA to move to business development in pharma? Not that the education you receive with the MBA won't be useful to you (in many roles), but is it something required to move to business development?

If it is, then the best way to present work experience in your application is to focus on accomplishments and how you added value, not provide a task/responsibility list. Although your part-time experience does not count towards your years of experience, it can be leveraged and is important in establishing your motivation, dedication and work ethic.

Keep in mind, work experience is not the most important part of your application, as there are many other pieces that are equally important. But with only 2-3 years after full-time professional work experience, it is something you will want to present in the best way possible.

Good luck,
Lisa

[pharmd]

Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your suggestions. To enter Bus Dev, I don’t think an MBA is required, but it is extremely helpful. I have been researching job postings in bus dev and many require marketing experience. If I purse an MBA, I would probably select healthcare management and marketing. If I didn’t get an MBA, I could probably still do Bus Dev, but it would take me years to get to higher level positions. I have spoken to other Pharmd’s in the phama, who are now at high level positions (most are Pharmd/MBA), and they all recommend getting an MBA. In fact, some have mentioned that they wish they had gotten it sooner. I think, in the larger scheme of things, an MBA by itself would not determine my success, but I do think it would help open some opportunities.
I understand that there several components to an application. Right now I am preparing for the GMAT (taking it in July, 2007); I work at a small, privately held company so I get a lot of exposure to many areas; I am also planning to become a member of Healthcare business women association. In addition, is there anything else that I can do from now till next year, to strength my application? Thanks again for your help.
Nazia

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Nazia:

I'm glad to hear you did the due diligence to determine that the MBA would be helpful to redirecting your career path. As I do not have enough information to thoroughly answer your question, it sounds like you are on the right track to putting together a strong application. Assess what you do at and outside of work to determine where you might want to enhance your skill set. Do you need additional leadership experience? Perhaps find a volunteer organization and gain some leadership experience on a project or event. If your GPA was below a 3.2, you might consider taking a few quantitative courses to demonstrate your aptitude (especially if your GMAT score is below the average of the schools you are considering).

Best of luck,
Lisa