Life Science Consultant Recommends These 2 Experiences

Name: Yiying Zhao (she/her)

PhD: Nutrition Science, Purdue University, 2022

What was your main area of research?

I studied how the interaction between phytochemicals and gut microbes can help reduce colon inflammation in both cellular and animal models.

What is your current job?

I am a Life Science Consultant for LEK Consulting in Los Angeles, California.

I advise corporate clients within the life science industry on long-term strategy development leveraging primary (i.e., interview with KOLs, customers, competitors) and secondary research (e.g., academia paper, industry trends, market size).

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I love the fast-paced environment and exposure to various businesses within the life science industry. In other words, you will never get bored!

What is the most important skill you developed or experience you had during your PhD that now helps you in your current position?

The ability to develop hypotheses and synthesize information to arrive at the final conclusion.

This is transferable in consulting where we actively test out hypotheses in the market (e.g., is area A worth investment, why is the product not performing well) and need to deliver actionable strategy / insights out of layers of information (e.g., you should invest in area A due to opportunity size, competitive intensity, customer demand).

How did you build the skills necessary for your current role?

1. Participate in consulting clubs / case competitions to demonstrate interest in the consulting industry

2. Engage in routine case practice to improve interview skills

How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?

Applications through the company portal. There are limited consulting companies that recruit life science PhDs.

PhD graduate ➡️ Consultant

If someone is interested in a similar role, what would you recommend they start doing now to prepare?

Join the consulting club on campus and start routine case practices.

Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?

Around year 3 of the PhD program, I realized that a life in academia may not suit my personality of wanting more human interactions and fast-paced projects. It was difficult because grad school offered limited resources for navigating careers outside of academia.

What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

Be brave and chart your own course!!

The world has soooo much more to offer than professorship!

Are there any components of your identity you would like to share, including how they have impacted your journey?

I was an international student and requested visa sponsorship. This adds additional burden and anxiety when searching for a job, so be strategic and aim for bigger firms. If possible, apply for a NIW green card as early as possible!!