A Passion for Science from the Very Beginning
I have always been fascinated by science. I realized how much I loved science during my high school years, when the science course was held by a very strict professor who made everybody except me hate the subject: I simply kept loving it despite all the hurdles. After high school I decided that I wanted to turn my deep interest in science into a profession. I started a Bachelor and later a Master in Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology with a very specific idea in mind: to become a researcher. Many asked me why not choosing Medicine and becoming a doctor. The answer came very straightforward: I want to contribute to the advancement of science and medicine in order to improve patients’ lives, but I can’t endure their suffering.
Deepening My Expertise: From Biotechnology to Neuroscience Research
University years were tough, but I kept going. After completing the Master, I enrolled in a PhD program and got a 3-year scholarship. Since the human population worldwide is aging, neurodegenerative disorders represent an increasing burden for the healthcare system. Most of these disorders are poorly characterized and lack efficacious treatments, so I decided to pursue a PhD with a specialization in neuroscience and experimental neurology. The years I spent as a doctoral student were among the most exciting and challenging of my life. I enjoyed the dynamic nature of research, the constant learning, and the opportunity to collaborate internationally. At the same time, I became aware of the high level of uncertainty and frustration that often characterises academic research, where progress can be slow and job stability limited.
The Turning Point: Questioning an Academic Career
Toward the end of my PhD, I realized that while I could have continued in academia, I was increasingly drawn to career paths that would allow me to apply my scientific background in a more stable and impact-driven way. For someone with my professional background, a common alternative to the academic career is to transition in a pharmaceutical or biotech company. For me, this practically meant to move from the early pre-clinical steps to the late clinical phases of the drug development process, while keeping unchanged my original aim of contributing to science advancement and patients’ life improvement. Making this change represented a challenge, but also a strong source of motivation. I started to wrap up the projects I was leading and to prepare for the handover while sending applications for roles in industry. After several months and numerous applications, the initial excitement gave way to disappointment: despite my academic training, I realized that my profile did not yet fully match industry expectations.
Understanding the Gap Between Academia and Industry
As I progressed in my job search, I became increasingly aware of the gap between academic training and the skills required to work in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. Despite a strong scientific background, I realized that understanding how companies operate, how projects are managed across functions, and how scientific innovation translates into real-world products was essential. I also understood that this gap could not be filled through self-study alone. What I needed was structured, practical training that combined business fundamentals with a deep understanding of the pharma and biotech ecosystem. The following step was to start defining how to bridge the gap.
Finding the Right Bridge: Why I Chose EADA
This reflection eventually led me to the Master in Pharmaceutical and Biotech Management at EADA Business School, with the goal of complementing my scientific background with business and industry-focused skills.I discovered EADA Business School through a friend's suggestion. He had attended there the Master in Pharmaceutical and Biotech Management years before and was fully satisfied by the career he had been able to start immediately after graduating. I had my first exploratory meeting with a representative of the EADA admission team in my home country. I was struck by the emphasis the school puts in offering student-centered, practical training in real-world job scenarios. I went through the admission process, and during the interview with the program director I was asked how I would handle being trained alongside colleagues coming from different academic and professional stages. I already asked myself the same question, which implied reflecting on whether dedicating time to further education after a PhD was the right strategic move in my career path.
Embracing Continuous Learning as a Strategic Move
I came to the conclusion that in a job market where continuous learning is a must, dedicating 10 months to acquire new knowledge and skills is a wise choice leading to future benefits rather than something to be ashamed of. My first three months in EADA contributed to strengthen this belief.
Finding My Place in a New Professional Environment
At EADA I am experiencing a highly international and stimulating environment, and so far my impression is positive. I experienced how enriching it is to get to know people from very different cultural and educational backgrounds. However, I also met classmates coming from different professional situations who, like me, decided to pause or adapt their professional paths to invest in further education.
EADA is a business school for motivated graduates and young professionals eager to expand their skill set and explore new career paths. I was afraid to feel like a fish out of water, but I actually found a place where I feel I belong.
Author
Ilaria Brambilla
Participant - International Master in Pharma & Biotech Management 2025-2026