Is L.E.K. Poland a Good Step Toward Biopharma Management?

Hey there, 

Short answer, yes - L.E.K could be a good option. 

I'd also recommend you consider all other top management consulting firms.. I know McKinsey and BCG have really good and strong presence in Life Science's and Healthcare work too. And strategically, it would be good to cast your net wide when considering firms to engage in! Furthermore, you want to be able to have access to the global network of experts of pharma work too

On location considerations, pick a location that you would be happy to live in and offers enough amount and variety of work you want to do. 

All the best! 

Hi there,

L.E.K. is well-regarded in Life Sciences consulting, and its focus on strategy projects makes it a solid stepping stone for transitioning into biopharma management. However, the location (Poland) and level (A1) are two key considerations:
    1.    Reputation & Exit Opportunities – While L.E.K. has a strong Life Sciences practice globally, the Warsaw office may not have the same prestige or network as those in London or Boston. This could impact your visibility for top-tier exits in biopharma strategy or corporate roles.
    2.    Role Level (A1) – Starting at A1 (typically for BSc/MSc holders) might be a step down given your PhD, potentially slowing your progression. Other firms (including L.E.K. in different offices) might offer a more senior entry point (e.g., A2 or Consultant).

Considerations for Your Goal:
    •    If you plan to move into biopharma in Poland or Eastern Europe, this role could provide a strong local network and experience.
    •    If your goal is a global biopharma strategy role (e.g., in Western Europe or the U.S.), then a more prestigious office (London, Boston) or a firm with a stronger global Life Sciences practice (e.g., BCG, Bain, or specialist firms like ClearView, IQVIA) might be a better launchpad.
    •    If you can leverage L.E.K. Poland to transfer internally to a stronger office later, that could improve long-term positioning.

Alternative Paths to Consider:
    •    Strategy roles at biopharma companies directly, especially if firms are open to hiring PhDs into commercial or strategy positions.
    •    Consulting roles at firms with stronger Life Sciences practices in key hubs (London, Zurich, Boston, etc.) to maximize exit options.

Please let me know if you need further advice! Good luck! 

Best,

Evelina 

Hi there,
L.E.K. Poland can be a valuable entry point, but if your long-term goal is biopharma management, you might want to explore roles with more direct industry exposure or consider consulting in a stronger market for life sciences (e.g., UK, Germany, US) and/or other companies specializing in life sciences, such as ClearView Healthcare, Guidehouse (Navigant), ZS, Putnam Associates, and Huron Consulting that also recruit PhD and advanced degree candidates. Some questions to ask yourself: Could you negotiate a higher entry level (e.g., A2) given your PhD? How well does L.E.K. Poland place consultants into biopharma management roles (you can reach out to former consultants that today are in those positions)? Would a different L.E.K. office (e.g., UK) or another consulting firm (as stated before) with stronger biopharma ties be a better place to start? 

Say L.E.K. Poland is your only option, in this case ensure you maximize your exposure to biopharma projects and start networking early for your eventual industry transition. 

Best,

Mari

Hey there 🙂, given your PhD in Life Sciences and goal of moving into biopharma management, a consulting role at L.E.K. Poland could be a decent stepping stone, but there are a few factors to consider.

Strengths of This Move:

✅ L.E.K. has a strong Life Sciences & Healthcare practice, which means you'll gain relevant industry exposure.
✅ Consulting builds transferable skills (strategy, market analysis, commercial due diligence) that are valuable for biopharma leadership roles.
✅ Even if Poland isn’t as prestigious as London or Paris, L.E.K.'s brand still carries weight globally, and internal transfers or external exits are possible.

Potential Drawbacks & Considerations:

❗ Starting at A1 (BSc/MSc level) despite your PhD might slow down your career progression—negotiating a higher entry level (A2 or Consultant) could be ideal.
❗ Location matters for networking & exits—offices in London, Germany, or Switzerland have stronger biopharma ecosystems and may provide better exit opportunities.
❗ If your goal is biopharma corporate roles (e.g., strategy, BD, product management), you might not need to go through consulting—direct industry roles could be an option.

Verdict:

If L.E.K. Poland is your best available offer, it’s still a good way into biopharma strategy roles—but consider exploring other L.E.K. offices, biopharma corporate strategy roles, or boutique life sciences consultancies in hubs like London or Switzerland.

If you do take the offer, focus on projects related to biopharma, networking internally for transfers, and targeting industry exits within 2-3 years.

Hope this helps! Best,
Alessa 😇

Hi there, 

I am lacking some further information here but given on what you are describing here, I am not sure if L.E.K. Poland is the right move for you. 

Why am I saying this: 

• Consultancies tend to mention that you can focus on a specific topic but in reality it oftentimes does not play out. Do they have a specific Life Sciences & HC practice? If so, you need to be part of that. Otherwise the risk of getting sucked onto projects in entirely other industries is too high
• Poland is a clear downgrade compared to Consulting roles in Western European countries. If you want to work in Biopharma roles in UK, Germany, France etc., making that move from Poland will be hard
• They recruit you as A1, i.e., you get no credit for your PhD whatsoever. MBB firms do recognize at least a bit of tenure for your PhD. Would definitely renegotiate that. Otherwise, you have to climb through all of the ranks until a meaningful exit becomes viable

That answer is highly outside-in. We would need to understand your situation better in terms of which location do you prefer longterm, did you interview for other companies etc. 

Best, 
Sebastian

Hi there,

Congrats on earning your PhD! :-)

L.E.K. Poland in Life Sciences & Healthcare could be a good entry point, but starting at A1 despite your PhD is worth discussing with HR. Most if not all firms offer accelerated paths for advanced degrees.

Whether this is the best stepping stone depends on your other options:

• If you have alternatives at higher-tier firms or stronger LS&H hubs (e.g., London, Basel), they might offer better industry exposure, exit opportunities, salary, etc.
• If L.E.K. Poland is your best option, it can still be valuable - L.E.K. has strong LS&H expertise, and you can leverage it for future moves.

Consider exploring other consulting firms or direct biopharma strategy roles before committing. 

All the best,

Florian