Does the type of degree really matter in Science?

Question

I read a ton of bio's of large Science companies and they all seem to have way different degrees. I see anything from Chemistry to MBA's to Engineers but they are all the brains behind the operations. What's really getting these guys to the positions they have?

Answer 1

I would guess that knowledge of the subject helps. The challenge is attracting funding!  Govt is the number one source, and USA has some serious debts to pay.  Writing skills help, but, I suspect a good talker would advance more, because he knows how to present his proposal, and how to answer a critique. :-)

A joke my old physics teacher liked to repeat, We're looking for someone who understands the subject (physics) AND can teach it!  He or She has the social skills, with which he can convey what he knows.

Answer 2

Today, a PhD in a relevant field is required to be a credible scientist.  

Your comments about companies misses the point.  Companies that use science to develop and produce products need many different skills that are not specifically science, e.g., accounting, sales, marketing, facilities and so forth.   Moving up in the business hierarchy in these companies is very similar to the process needed to move up in companies that make cookies, car wax and toothpaste.

Answer 3

A lot of management people now seem to have MBA's as well as a science degree. Mostly the degree is a measure of ability, not specific knowlegde, so your degree can be in anything, th eidea being if you can learn one thing, you can learn another..

good luck

~m~