The questions I get most often from PhD students are about what’s is like working in biotech. So, here are some of my observations on the industry that I wish I’d known in grad school (Note that everyone’s experience is different, so YMMV). #biotech #career (1/)

The biggest contrast to academia is that biotech is a team sport. No individual can take a project from idea to product alone. The people who do best embrace this, learn to communicate effectively, and play well with others. (2/)

Opportunities in biotech are very diverse! If research isn’t your thing, you could consider business development, clinical operations, or regulatory affairs, for example. Companies are diverse too! A biotech startup will be very different from a global pharma. (3/)

Many new scientists are eager to manage people. Management and leadership are their own skill sets, and it takes dedicated effort and practice to be good at either one. Empowering others to make decisions is a challenge if you’re accustomed to doing everything yourself. (4/)

If you want to be the boss, you need to be ready for it emotionally. You can’t always make popular decisions, it can be lonely, and giving a negative performance review is heart-wrenching. (5/)

The job market is extremely hot right now, and recruiters will be calling you weekly (if not daily). If you change roles, do it for the right reasons. “Hopping” every 1-2 years might net you more money in the short run, but there is an opportunity cost. (6/)

Sticking with a role for several years is an opportunity to build meaningful experience and to learn from your mistakes. That experience lays a foundation for you to expand your responsibilities and make a larger impact. (7/)

Focus on doing interesting and important work, rather than title, status, or pay (within reason). If you have a great story to tell about your contributions, those things will follow. (8/)

Transitioning from academia to industry isn’t simple but working with a great team of people to bring new medicines to patients can be an incredibly rewarding and fun experience. (9/)

Personally, what I have found most gratifying about my transition to biotech is the opportunity to continuously learn, to challenge myself as a scientist, and to grow both as a professional and as a person. (10/)