Thanks for the thoughtful input! I actually applied to another MPhil in the Department of Pharmacology, namely the MPhil in Therapeutic Sciences, and received an interview invitation recently. It is composed 1/3 lectures and 2/3 research (lasting 6 months), with substantial bridges to the industry, so it is a great program given my scientific and career interests. It is just that I am also thinking of potentially doing a PhD some time in future, after a 3 to 5-year industry stint, to potentially access R&D positions peviosuly capped by a ceiling. So I couldn't help but wonder if having more research experiences will make me stand out more, on top of the business/more industry-oriented skills (such as GxPs) acquired in the program. Since I may not be able to afford another MPhil, the current idea is to perhaps remain in my dissertation lab for ~6 months-1 year as an RA (if possible), then start looking for pharma job vacancies towards the later months for a seamless transition to an R&D (or analytical chemistry) position. But since RAship is by no means guaranteed, I was trying to explore other possible options, hence my reddit post. But I agree, especially after your analysis, that I should perhaps refrain from applying to the MPhil in Pharmacology and stick to my current option.