Discover how neuroscience student Emma Eberhardt gained crucial business acumen at Lehigh University. Learn more about the Master in Management program and how it helped her to secure a role in the biotech industry.
Emma Eberhardt, a Behavioral Neuroscience graduate from Lehigh University, transformed her extra year of college into a strategic career move.
Thanks to an extended lacrosse scholarship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Emma enrolled in Lehigh’s MS in Management program, where she gained vital business skills. Her experience showcases how the right educational program can open new career pathways and provide the tools needed for success in the business world.
Emma had several experiences that told her this was the right move. First, she ran her own lacrosse coaching business and had fun doing it. Then, she completed a work experience at a lab at Harvard. There, she was inspired by the professionals she worked with who combined science with business know-how. The MS in Management program offered an ideal opportunity for her to do the same.
Emma notes, “I’m so glad I decided to do the master’s in management program because it really aligns perfectly with my career goals, as well as provides a ton of professional development training which is amazing. It’s really designed to give non-business undergrad majors a business background and to allow us to use both degrees in whichever industry we choose.” (00:39)
After the program, graduates can better leverage their undergraduate degree with newfound business acumen. This allows them to pivot towards a career in business in whichever industry they choose, thanks in part to their idyllic location.
Lehigh University is in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA, a picturesque city known for its small-town feeling and friendliness. Known as the “City of Festivals,” Bethlehem hosts over 20 festivals (and 150 mini-festivals) per year. Located close to the South Mountain Big Rock Park, students have ample opportunity to explore the surrounding nature.
Emma says, “I’ve been here for five years, and I chose to come back, it’s a great, great area… There’s a bunch of restaurants, it’s beautiful, so I love being here. I couldn’t have picked a better place to go to college honestly.” (07:01)
In addition to Bethlehem’s small-town atmosphere, Emma speaks to the strong sense of community within the program itself. The small class size of 15 students allows students to thrive in a close-knit community.
Emma’s cohort enjoyed social events, such as bowling nights, organized by the program advisor. Emma’s cohort had many opportunities to bond within the classroom and at social events, helping them to forge meaningful lifelong friendships.
“It’s just so nice to have a small group of people that all have the same goals and motivations, and I really, really appreciate having that bond.” (08:35)
While Lehigh University is located in a small town, it provides ample access to larger cities nearby. Located approximately an hour from Philadelphia and New York, it is just a short drive to major metropolitan hubs, meaning students are well-situated to network with local companies and large multinationals.
A cornerstone of the MS in Management program is its emphasis on the practical application of the knowledge gained. Emma’s capstone project involved a direct partnership with Yuengling Brewery.
Yuengling is the oldest brewery in America, operating since 1829. Its headquarters is in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Emma and her team members collaborated closely with company executives throughout the capstone project.
Emma’s team received a brewery tour and met with the marketing manager on-site before taking up a real-world project for the company. They had the chance to influence company decisions, an exercise that transcended the traditional classroom setting.
Emma elaborates, “It’s really teaching us how to be professional because we are working directly with the executives. We have to be on top of things, we have to be on time, [and] we have to be delivering a good product.” (07:58)
With the capstone projects, students gain business acumen by handling real business scenarios. This is essential for students transitioning from non-business disciplines, as it gives them an inside look at real companies’ operations.
The MS in Management program enhances students’ existing knowledge with a strong foundation of business knowledge. Completing the program significantly expands graduates’ career outcomes across industries.
According to the 2022 employment report, 63% of program graduates receive multiple job offers in industries such as consulting, energy, financial services, and healthcare. They find employment with major companies such as American Express, Bloomberg, and Johnson & Johnson.
To better take advantage of career opportunities, Emma joined the Professional Development Program taught by Anne-Mette Halvorson. In the course, students do mock interviews and gain networking tips and advice for reaching out to companies of interest. Students develop themselves as business professionals, build confidence, and ultimately find jobs that are the right fit for them.
“Our professional development course has had a big impact on me,” says Emma. (03:04)
With advice from Anne-Mette and leveraging her neuroscience background with her new business acumen, Emma secured a consulting role at Axtria before graduation. Axtria uses AI and machine learning to provide cutting-edge technology and innovative products to life sciences companies in over 75 countries.
“It really seamlessly combines both [degrees] because I’m going to be working directly with biotech pharma companies in the Boston area,” she states. “I’ll be using the skills and everything that I’ve learned MS in Management program as well, which is really exciting.” (01:30)
By leveraging her neuroscience background with newfound business skills, Emma successfully transitioned into a thriving consulting role at Axtria.
Her story exemplifies how the right educational program can open diverse career paths and foster significant professional growth. For students looking to pivot their careers, Lehigh’s MS in Management program offers a solid foundation and a springboard to success in various industries.
Learn more about Lehigh University, and contact one of our MASTERGRADSCHOOL ambassadors for more information about doing a master’s program in the US.
