Science To Strategy: Advanced Degrees in Consulting

On Thursday, September 25, 2025, we collaborated with the Advanced Degree Consulting Clubs (ADCC) of USC, UCLA, UCSD, and Caltech to host the “Science To Strategy: Advanced Degrees in Consulting” event at the USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience. The evening brought together graduate students, postdocs, and young professionals curious about how advanced degrees can translate into impactful careers in consulting. The room filled quickly with attendees eager to hear candid stories of transition from academia to industry and to learn what it truly takes to succeed in a demanding but rewarding field.

The program opened with a keynote address by Carl Schoellhammer, Ph.D., Partner at DeciBio Consulting, who reflected on his path from scientific research to strategy consulting. He shared how his doctoral work in Chemical Engineering at MIT—focused on ultrasound-enhanced drug and vaccine delivery under Professors Robert Langer and Daniel Blankschtein—shaped his perspective on bridging innovation and real-world impact. Now leading DeciBio’s advanced therapies practice, Schoellhammer discussed his experience advising biopharma and life science companies on pipeline prioritization, lifecycle management, and growth strategies, particularly in the rapidly evolving fields of cell and gene therapy. Drawing on this unique blend of scientific training and consulting leadership, Schoellhammer shared insights into how PhDs can leverage their problem-solving mindset and analytical rigor to create value in strategy and innovation. His keynote underscored the importance of adaptability, resilience, and curiosity in shaping impactful consulting careers and set the tone for the evening’s conversations.

Following the keynote, the program moved into a panel discussion moderated by Edoardo Vincenzo Savi, HR Manager at ZS and an experienced leadership coach. With more than a decade of guiding professionals across three continents, Savi brought perspective and energy to the discussion, drawing out candid reflections from the panelists while weaving in his own insights about navigating career transitions.

The panel featured three consultants representing different firms and career paths. Ian Coley, Ph.D., a Consultant at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in San Diego, described his transition from academia after earning a Ph.D. in mathematics at UCLA and completing a postdoc at Rutgers University. At BCG, he now applies his problem-solving expertise to projects in the Health Care Practice Area, helping clients navigate complex challenges in the life sciences sector. Yiying Zhao, Ph.D., a Consultant at L.E.K. Consulting’s Los Angeles office, shared her experience advising life science innovators on growth strategies that span the full spectrum from R&D innovation to bioprocessing. Drawing on her Ph.D. in Nutrition Science from Purdue University, she brings a unique perspective that bridges scientific expertise with strategic consulting. Luka Jelcic, Senior Manager at DeciBio, offered insights from his work at the intersection of AI/ML and drug discovery. With prior consulting experience at L.E.K. Consulting in London and as a strategy advisor for CardiaTec Bio, an AI-first biotech spun out of the University of Cambridge, Jelcic highlighted the commercial implications of emerging technologies in biopharma and reflected on how advanced degrees can position professionals to guide innovation at the frontier of the industry.

Throughout the discussion, the panelists reflected on the skills that advanced degree holders bring to consulting. Doctoral training, they observed, imparts the ability to tackle complex problems independently, to unblock oneself when stuck, and to pursue solutions with persistence. These qualities, when combined with subject matter expertise in life sciences, mathematics, or engineering, can make PhDs invaluable on highly technical projects where clients expect consultants to grasp the science as well as the strategy. At the same time, the panelists acknowledged the adjustments required to thrive in business settings. Where research insists on exhaustive accuracy, consulting rewards hypothesis-driven efficiency. Where academics often work alone at the bench, consultants succeed through collaboration, communication, and the ability to tailor their message to executives, investors, or technical specialists alike.

The conversation also turned to the process of breaking into consulting. All agreed that preparation for case interviews is essential and that PhDs must compete at the same level as MBAs, whose full-time job during business school is casing. The panelists recommended practicing dozens of live cases with peers, developing strong stories for “Why consulting?” and learning to project confidence even when the answer is incomplete. Networking was emphasized as both a practical tool for securing interviews and as a lifelong habit essential to professional success. Zhao urged participants to be proactive and reach out to mentors, while Jelcic reminded them not to overthink their readiness: “Just apply. Every interview is practice, and every conversation is an opportunity to learn.”

As the formal program concluded, the evening transitioned into a lively networking session and happy hour. Attendees gathered in small groups to continue conversations sparked during the keynote and panel, exchanging stories, advice, and contact information. The atmosphere was warm and energetic, with participants making new connections across campuses, consulting firms, and industries. For many, it was a rare opportunity to speak directly with professionals who had navigated the same transition from academia to consulting, and to gain candid insights about both challenges and rewards. The event closed on a high note, with a shared sense of community and possibility that underscored the mission of ADCC: to empower advanced degree holders to explore diverse career pathways with confidence.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all attendees for contributing to the engaging discussions, to the keynote speaker for his inspiring address, and to the moderator along with panelists for generously sharing their experiences. We are grateful to our event sponsors—ELIQUENT Life Sciences, Radioson Corporation, ZS, and the Consulate General of Finland in Los Angeles—for supporting the ADCC Career Pathways in Consulting Event.