What a Chief Legal Officer at BioMarin Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Biopharmaceutical Industry
Eric, BioMarin's Chief Legal Officer, wished they had taken science classes in college, commenting "I managed to skate through Berkeley…taking exactly zero science classes," highlighting the unexpected value of scientific knowledge in a legal role within the pharmaceutical industry. This reveals a valuable lesson learned about navigating the complexities of the biotech legal field.
Science Background, Higher Education, Career Advice, Pharmaceutical Industry, Legal Profession
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Eric Davis
Chief Legal Officer
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.
U.C. Berkeley
University of San Francisco, Juris Doctorate
Political Science, American Studies
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical
Legal
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. The importance of having a basic understanding of science for a Chief Legal Officer in the pharmaceutical industry.
2. Even with advanced placement classes, taking science classes in college can be beneficial for a career in this field.
3. A lack of science background can be a hindrance in understanding the complexities of the pharmaceutical industry, and it is something that can be improved by taking science classes before entering the industry
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
I wish someone had convinced me to take a science class in college. I managed to skate through Berkeley, taking exactly zero science classes.
At the time, I came to Cal with a number of science advanced placement classes. So, I managed to place out of sciences.
But I really wish I had taken a few of them, because it would have been awfully helpful to know a little bit.