Rutgers Business School's Pharmaceutical Industry Scholarship offers eligible MBA students tuition as well as opportunities to land internships and jobs with some of the world's leading healthcare companies

In addition to three or more years of work experience, scholarship candidates must already be admitted to the Full-Time MBA program, have a relatively high GMAT score and an undergraduate grade point average of 3.2 or better. To express interest in the scholarship, fill out this form, or contact Graduate Admissions at 973-353-1234 or [email protected].

Bitar, who will take a job with Bayer HealthCare after graduation, recently spoke about the experience and the benefits of being an industry scholar.     

"One of the hardest things to do in life is to take a chance on yourself and when I left my previous position as a scientist to come back to school I didn't know what the end result was going to be," she said, reflecting on her experience. "The pharmaceutical industry scholarship opened up doors and presented me with opportunities that I never dreamed possible."

Why did you decide to pursue your MBA?

"While it was a fulfilling experience to spend five years making potential drug candidates, new medicines take nearly 10 years to reach the market after they're discovered in the lab, so I was never going to see the life changing impact that my work had on patients. I decided that being on the commercial side of the business and having direct communication with patients and providers was where I wanted to be."

What comes with being chosen as a scholar?

"A full tuition scholarship – besides expenses like parking, books and health insurance, everything else is paid for 100 percent – and the opportunity to be a leader for your class."

Can you talk a little bit more about the role industry scholars play as leaders for the class?

"I felt the program was vastly different for me than for other students. As a scholar, you stand out. The other scholars and I were always expected to be at certain events, to demonstrate leadership qualities, to dress appropriately and to encourage other students to attend events. We were also encouraged to run for officer positions in the Pharmaceutical Management Club, which was useful because it helped us to hone our leadership qualities."  

What are some of the other benefits of being known as a scholar among the sponsoring companies?

"I feel like the scholars get more attention. The representatives who you meet from the sponsoring companies know who you are, so it makes it more possible for you to have access to them. They become mentors and coaches. The sponsoring companies have made an investment in the scholars, so they're also hoping to recruit you. One of the big advantages of being an industry scholar is the opportunity to interview with all of the sponsoring companies. Nothing is guaranteed, but having the chance to get those interviews is a big opportunity."

What was the most rewarding thing about being selected as a scholar?

"The money is huge. Having the prestige – you're known as a scholar by students and faculty as well as the sponsoring companies – and having the opportunities that come with being a scholar."

Why would you recommend the Pharmaceutical Management Program at Rutgers Business School to others?

"Although I had five years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, I didn't know everything about the industry because I was so siloed in research and development that I wasn't able to see the other areas. The pharmaceutical management program at Rutgers helped to fill in those blanks by offering classes dedicated to each functional area of the industry. I was able to see how connecting marketing, supply chain, finance, and sales allow the entire commercial division to operate and bring life-saving products to market. The pharmaceutical management education you receive at RBS is one-of-a-kind and effectively prepares students for successful careers in the industry." 

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SOURCE Rutgers Business School