In our field, we sometimes see job descriptions that list “PhD required.” And for certain roles, that makes sense—like highly technical publications, or regulatory writing that demands deep subject matter expertise. But we also think it’s worth asking: what do we really need to succeed in this seat? Because strong communications judgment, the ability to translate science clearly, and the skills to influence leadership don’t always correlate with academic credentials. The best teams we’ve seen know when specialized training is essential and when a mix of backgrounds can actually make the work stronger. So, although advanced degrees certainly have their place, it’s critical to recognize the many kinds of expertise that move the needle in biopharma communications.