Last week, we gathered for a Biotech and Pharma Alumni Career Pathways Panel, where industry professionals shared insights on navigating careers in this dynamic field. Whether you missed it or just need a refresher, here are the major takeaways and practical advice for undergraduates and graduate students looking to break into the industry.
Panelists included:
- Sadeq Al Hadeethi, Biogen, Senior Manager, Regulatory Information Management (BS Bioengineering, UMass Dartmouth)
- Taci Pereira, Systemic Bio, CEO, SB ’17 (Engineering Sciences)
- Dr. Jacob Turner, Parallel Bio, Head of Immunology, PhD ’20 (Immunology)
1. Career Paths Are Not Linear
Each panelist had a unique journey into biotech and pharma, underscoring that there is no single path into the industry.
One panelist transitioned from computational biology to immunology by volunteering for projects and securing internships that built technical expertise, eventually leading to a PhD in food allergy research. Another began in medical devices before shifting into big pharma. A third panelist joined a biotech startup straight out of undergrad as an applications scientist, later becoming Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) through hands-on collaboration and leadership in technology development.
Key Takeaway: Be open to unexpected opportunities and focus on skill-building rather than a rigid career trajectory.
2. How to Succeed in a Competitive Job Market
Given the current market challenges, panelists emphasized three core areas that job seekers should focus on:
- Technical Skills – Ensure you have strong domain knowledge relevant to your target role.
- Business Acumen – Understand how your role fits within a company’s broader mission and goals. Interview frequently to refine your ability to communicate your value.
- Adaptability – Avoid fixating on job titles. Companies may combine multiple functions into a single role, so focus on transferable skills and flexibility.
Additionally, one alum (CEO of a fast-growing startup) highlighted that passion and mission alignment can set candidates apart:
- Doing deep research on a company before applying makes you a standout applicant.
- In startups, resilience and the ability to juggle multiple priorities are critical.
- For undergrads, proactively adding value—such as developing independent projects or contributing to a professor’s research—can be a powerful differentiator. Graduate students should position themselves as the experts they are, emphasizing their unique and niche expertise and ability to upskill very quickly.
Key Takeaway: Hiring managers look for more than just technical skills—they want to see initiative, adaptability, and genuine enthusiasm for the company’s mission.
3. AI is Transforming Biotech—Stay Ahead
AI is influencing every aspect of biotech and pharma, from drug discovery to compliance and reporting.
- AI tools are increasing productivity, accelerating knowledge acquisition, and aiding in decision-making.
- The industry is still developing standards and regulations for AI, which presents opportunities for those who can bridge technical expertise with practical applications.
- Don’t just look for problems to apply AI—think critically about how it adds value to a company’s work.
Key Takeaway: Familiarity with AI and data-driven decision-making will be increasingly important. Even if you don’t specialize in AI, understanding its applications in biotech can make you a more competitive candidate.
4. Building a Strong Foundation for Your Career
- Lab Experience Matters – Employers prioritize hands-on research experience (sometimes even over specific classes).
- Start Early – The first industry job is the hardest to land, so explore internships and research opportunities as soon as possible.
- Continuous Learning – Many companies offer tuition reimbursement for specialization in key areas.
- Authenticity in Interviews – It’s okay to admit what you don’t know! Employers value honesty and curiosity over pretending to know everything.
Key Takeaway: Focus on research experience, start early, and approach job interviews with authenticity and curiosity.
5. Networking and Job Search Strategies
- Express Curiosity – In interviews, ask about your interviewer’s career journey and how their experience contributes to the company’s success.
- Ask Smart Questions – For example, inquire why a position is open to gain insight into company needs and expectations. Avoid transactional questions that you could otherwise find the answer to online.
- Use the Scientific Method – Approach job searching like an experiment: test, iterate, and refine your approach based on feedback.
Key Takeaway: Strategic networking and curiosity-driven conversations can unlock unexpected opportunities and help you navigate the job market effectively.
Final Thoughts
Breaking into the life sciences industry requires a combination of technical expertise, adaptability, and strategic networking. Whether you’re an undergraduate seeking your first internship or a graduate student making an industry transition, the key is to focus on adding value, staying informed about industry trends, and positioning yourself as a resilient and mission-driven candidate.
Stay proactive, keep learning, and leverage every opportunity to build skills and connections that will propel your career forward!
