Deciding to apply for a master’s program in a business school after a fully scientific background is not always an obvious choice. It certainly wasn’t for me. When I was considering this path, I would have appreciated hearing from someone who had already made that transition. That’s why I decided to write this article—to help other candidates from scientific backgrounds understand how feasible it is to study at a business school.
I’ve gathered my own experience, along with insights from two colleagues who joined EADA Business School’s Master in Pharma and Biotech Management after completing scientific degrees.
Tell us a bit about your background and why you decided to apply to EADA Business School.
Ilaria
I am Ilaria Brambilla, I come from Milan, Italy, where I got a bachelor’s and master’s in biotechnology and later a PhD in neuroscience. As a graduate student, I worked in a research lab and got the chance to experience clinical research. I developed the desire to transition from an academic to a pharmaceutical industry setting and I soon realized I needed a more structured business knowledge base to transition into roles beyond research and into industry decision-making. A friend who had attended EADA’s Master in Pharma and Biotech Management and subsequently got a job in a pharma company advised me to go there, so I submitted my application and got enrolled.
Sameh
I am Sameh Kouidri and I come from Algeria where I graduated as a Doctor of Pharmacy in June 2023. After graduation, I worked in a research laboratory and then as a pharmacist. Parallel to my professional activity, I cultivated a personal interest in pharmaceutical project management by reading academic textbooks. At a certain point I realized I wanted to dive deeply into pharmaceutical and biotech management, understanding the subject beyond self-teaching and getting insights from experts in the field. This is what propelled me to apply for a business school; to more effectively bridge the gap between science and business. EADA is one of the few business schools offering a curriculum focused on pharmaceutical and biotech management, so I decided to apply there.
Nelva
Hello, I am Nelva Perales from San Diego, California, USA. I graduated from the University of California, Irvine in June 2020, with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. After graduating, I worked at a blood bank for six months before transitioning into a startup biotech company focused on synthetic DNA and mRNA. I decided to apply to a business school after four years of working in biotech and progressing through multiple roles in operations, including quality control, process development, and manufacturing. When I was promoted to Manufacturing Supervisor, I realized that to grow into a stronger leader and make more strategic decisions within a highly regulated and innovation-driven industry, I needed a formal business education. At that time, I discovered EADA’s Master in Pharma and Biotech Management. It felt like the perfect fit, so I made the decision to pause my career for a year and move to Spain.
What expectations did you have before starting your business degree at EADA?
Ilaria
I expected to learn about the business side of the pharmaceutical and biotech industry by frontal teaching, as I was used to in my previous university experiences. What I am experiencing in EADA, however, is a different teaching methodology based on autonomous learning of theoretical concepts followed by their practical application in class through case studies, favoring understanding and memorization.
Sameh
I was expecting to be immersed in the business world of pharmaceuticals, as well as to develop soft skills, from analytical and strategic thinking to leadership capabilities. So far, I think that joining EADA was absolutely the right choice to pursue these objectives.
Nelva
My expectation coming into the program was to better understand corporate strategy within the life sciences industry, especially given its unique responsibility toward patient health and long-term impact. EADA has not only met but exceeded those expectations. I have gained a much deeper understanding of strategy, sustainability, and the broader ecosystem, and I started to build a meaningful network that I truly value.
Was there anything about your experience at EADA that was better or different than you expected?
Ilaria
Home sickness is real and hit me harder than I was expecting. The first month far from home was tough, but EADA’s master’s are designed to maximize contact among students, especially in the first weeks, so that you manage to make friends and start feeling at ease very quickly. On the other hand, my performance in business subjects was better than I expected. In the first term at EADA, Pharma and Management students attend lessons together, and being able to approach business topics with people already used to them was truly valuable and improved my overall performance.
Sameh
My first time working on a business-related case study was definitely worse than expected: I felt a bit slow since it was something I had never experienced before, and I felt distanced from other colleagues with a business background who were much more at ease in performing the task. It took me a couple of weeks to adapt, but thanks to the professor and the other students’ support, I gradually ended up getting familiar with it and even enjoying the exercise. On the other hand, the school environment and the balance between lessons and self-study time proved to be extremely positive from the beginning. I was not expecting to adapt so fast to a new environment and routine. I feel the program is well structured and engaging.
Nelva
One aspect that was more challenging than expected has been the leadership sessions EADA students attend in Collbató once or twice a term. The tasks you are asked to perform are thought to push you outside of your comfort zone to build valuable life and professional skills. I have the feeling that every Collbató stay is making me face my weaknesses and fears, but is also helping me build resilience and increase my self-confidence. On the other hand, something that has been better than expected is my colleague group within the master. We are a very supportive and down-to-earth cohort, which has made both the academic experience and social side incredibly enjoyable.
Looking at these experiences, one thing becomes clear: coming from a scientific background is not a limitation when entering a business school—it’s actually a strength.
While the transition can feel challenging at the beginning, especially when facing new concepts like case studies or strategy, all three perspectives show that adaptation happens quickly with the right support and mindset.
If you are considering a similar path, don’t be discouraged by a lack of business experience. Focus instead on your analytical skills, curiosity, and willingness to learn—these are highly valuable in both science and business.
Programmes like the Master in Pharma and Biotech Management at EADA Business School are specifically designed to help bridge this gap and prepare you for the next step in your career.
Author
Ilaria Brambilla
Participant - Master in Pharma & Biotech Management 2025-2026