I'm struggling trying to find the right MSc and deadlines are getting dangerously close... Help?

[ig22]

Hello everyone,

I have a BSc in biochemistry and am looking for a MSc program in europe. I got a job in neuroscience research for a public institution right after graduation and it was then when I decided I wanted to go to industry rather than academia.

I have several interests which are perhaps not 100% related to my bachelor's. Some of these are:
Engineering (programming, AI, ML, nanotech, robotics)
Design (creating things for practical use, creative process)
Pharma (Drug pathways/delivery)
Finance (project management)
Biochem (neuro, lab work, cancer, ageing)

I know it is impossible to combine all my interests together and find the perfect occupation for me, but I'm looking for a career that has at least a couple of these elements and has a great salary. Some of the things I have been looking at are unemployment rates, projected field growth, avg salary, chances of progressing (promotions), cool recent/ongoing discoveries in the field, etc.

Some of the MSc I have been considering so far are:
Biomedical Engineering
Materials Science
Drug Discovery
Pharmacological Research
Biomedicine
Biotechnology

I would truly appreciate receiving your opinions regarding which fields are the best for me, as well as suggestions on specific MSc programs that would encompass my interests and preferences.

Thank you very much!
 

[DrF8]

Hmmm... Perhaps Biotechnology Management would be something to look into. Good luck in your search.

[DrF8]

Seems like this is what you're looking for:

Biotechnology, Bioprocessing and Business Management (MSc) (warwick.ac.uk)

Look at the Core Modules:

The Fundamentals of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

Biochemical Engineering

Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation

Bioproduct Plant Design and Economic Analysis

Dissertation/Project

Drug Discovery and Biopharmaceutical Development

Marketing Management

Accounting and Financial Management

Business Strategy

[studious_kirby]

Do *lots* of info interviews with professionals in fields of potential interest (both ppl who have these types of degrees and w/o), interview faculty, enrolled students, and alumni of programs you're considering. No better way to learn about potential career paths than interviewing ppl in those roles, and they can often refer / introduce you to other people to talk to (referral chain!)... and read up on blogs/journals/newsletters in these fields to understand industry trends and dialogue. 

[studious_kirby]

If you're not feeling great about any particular programs yet then this might not be the year for you to apply. Applications are a lot of effort and you should only apply if you are fairly confident it will get you where you want to go. Given that you don't know where to go yet, it sounds early tbh and this will really show in your essays. I'd suggest you take this year to do lots of research & info interviews, maybe attend any free virtual webinars in your area of interest (great way to meet people to--- info interview!), meet with recruiters.. maybe you don't even need a grad degree? 

If the interest in grad school is still staying with you --- start studying for any qualifying exams you have to take. 

[ajak568]

On 2/6/2021 at 3:20 AM, studious_kirby said:

Do *lots* of info interviews with professionals in fields of potential interest (both ppl who have these types of degrees and w/o), interview faculty, enrolled students, and alumni of programs you're considering. No better way to learn about potential career paths than interviewing ppl in those roles, and they can often refer / introduce you to other people to talk to (referral chain!)... and read up on blogs/journals/newsletters in these fields to understand industry trends and dialogue. 

I 100% agree with this. The best way to find a job that interests you is to do a lot of online research and follow up with informational interviews with people who do work that sounds interesting to you. (LinkedIn can be a great place to find people if you don't have any personal/professional connections to help you out with this.) Interviews can help you figure out what the day-to-day grind is like on different jobs and find out what it takes to get a job in that field. Take a look at what degrees those folks have to get an idea of what the standard is in the field. You'll get much better info than asking GradCafe! (Just make sure you do your research before reaching out to people so that you can make the best use of their time and yours!)