<p>For example, if I got a B.S. in chemistry, then did a dual PharmD+M.S. program, then went back for an MBA. Would it be relatively easy to get into upper-management in a pharmaceutical company with these credentials?</p>
<p>Would the increase in tuition and loss of salary for working part time a few extra years be worth the potential gains by holding one of these management positions?</p>
<p>The short answer is no. The PharmD degree is the credential for licensed, practicing pharmacists. (Though there are probably sales management positions where that degree would be appropriate.)</p>
<p>The long answer to your question lies on the websites of the companies you're interested in working for. Here's Genentech:</p>
<p>Genentech:</a> About Us: Management</p>
<p>and Pfizer:</p>
<p>Pfizer</a> Executive Leaders</p>
<p>You will, I think, find that most of the executive teams are mainly PhD's with a scattering of attorneys and finance types in appropriate positions. </p>
<p>In any case, there is no "relatively easy" path to one of those spots (in any industry). The science types typically have academic and industry research experience and have worked their way up, often through several companies. At a glance, it looks like about a 20-25 year project (post PhD) to get to the "executive team" level.</p>