Meet Raj Kuchibhatla, MBA, graduate of THE School for Pharmaceutical Business®

Name: Raj Kuchibhatla
Degree Program: MBA in Pharmaceutical Business
Year Graduated: 2004

Why I chose USP

I spent several years in Pharmaceutical Sales and came to the conclusion that I wanted to purse more challenging endeavors. I came to a cross roads where I could keep going within the sales track eventually leading into a management position or I could revaluate my options and pursue other aspects of the industry. I decided that taking a break and completing my MBA would be the ideal way to not only acquire a sought after degree but also allow me the time to measure all my options. USP was an ideal choice. I was already familiar with the school since I completed my undergrad degree there along with the fact that USP has one of the few MBA programs in the country with a Pharmaceutical Business focus.

How this degree program prepared me for my career

The USP MBA offered course work from both a theoretical as well as practical perspective. The pharmaceutical industry focus was ideal for those of us who have decided to make their career in this industry.

My career path since graduation

Prior to graduating from the USP MBA program, I was recruited to join Campbell Alliance, a management consulting firm that specializes in the pharmaceutical and bio-tech industries. I started with Campbell in January of 2005. I was brought on to the Sales Optimization team as a consultant. My primary responsibilities revolved around Sales Training, Sales Operations, and Organizational Design development. I worked on projects for several major pharmaceutical clients. In the spring of 2006 I decided to leave consulting to pursue a more traditional marketing role. I joined GfK, the third largest global market research firm in the world. I currently work for GfK's US Healthcare arm, GfK Market Measures. This division of GfK has it primary focus on Pharmaceutical and Biotech primary market research. I am GfK MM Sales Force Effectiveness Product Director. My responsibilities include developing sales and marketing strategies for our suite of SFE tools to help our pharmaceutical clients optimize the results of their sales forces. I work hand in hand with our Key Account Managers as well as report directly to the Chief Marketing Officer of the organization.

A memorable USP experience

One of my favorite courses at GfK was Business Strategy. It was one of the reasons I pursued a career in management consulting and brand strategy. I also really enjoyed the mock pharmaceutical case studies that we worked on at the ACE center.

My advice for prospective students

Develop a game plan going in to the program. Try to figure out as early as possible, where you want your career to go and develop strategy to get there. It's never to soon to develop key industry contacts and pursue as many opportunities as possible. Don't be lazy, don't take short cuts. Approach grad school like you would approach a job, the more you participate in discussions and develop as a team leader the more you will use those skills in the real world.