RECAP: CAREERS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY PANEL
PANELISTS Matthew Salem Marketing Content Editor Agilent Technologies Marty Wong Clinical Project Director Merz Aesthetics Steve Joachim VP of R&D of Medical Devices Cordis Corporation A Johnson & Johnson Company Dr. Kevin Moore Pharmaceutical Biotech Consultant Former Executive Director Research & Scientific Executive Director with Amgen
PANEL Q&A
What is your view of the biotech industry and the role of your company within it? Biotech is saving and improving lives Primary goals are to reduce mortality and health risks Walks the line between tech and biology Utilizes newest technology to help people Understanding human disease & genetics combined with modern technology to develop medical solutions Biotech utilizes science details, experimental design and testing
What tips would you give students to help them get a job in the biotech industry? How important are advanced degrees? Network, network, network Use LinkedIn Informational Interviews Be open to entry level jobs Get an internship Show passion, curiosity and energy Best company fit Advanced degrees are necessary for certain positions
What are the trends you are seeing in your industry? Healthcare cost/economics Global markets Clinical Trials & FDA Large companies acquiring small companies Marketing products through various channels is highly critical Greater expectation of career mobility— employees do not stay with a company for extended periods
STUDENTS’ QUESTIONS
How can one get into leadership in these companies? Usually requires Masters or Phd Company may pay for your tuition Broad range of opportunities
Where are the centers for intellectual property? Bay Area Boston Research Triangle, NC San Diego area
If biotech is global, how can one get exposure to overseas opportunities? Work for a large company with global opportunties Be willing to move—Flexibility Speaking the language is not neccessary
Is it possible to move from med school to biotech? Yes, this background can be helpful Other ways to prepare: R&D Labs Internships Participate in Academic Labs
All of you have mentioned networking. Can you give more tips on that? What levels of employees should we try to connect with? Clean up Facebook & other social media sites Ask for what you want Clearly indicate goals in LinkedIn Propose an internship to a company Connect with someone who is 1-2 levels above you Look for connections in social and family circle Talk to as many people as you can
What if you have no experience in the field yet? How do you start on your resume? Show accomplishments in studies, projects Internships Co-authorship scientific work Have References Emphasize transitional skills from prior jobs Show how strengths can be applied
What helps a candidate get past screening to an interview? Resume must meet basic job requirements Don’t just list key words Show you have skills, experience Living local helps Be prepared for phone screens—Attitude is important Tell your story Rehearse & study like an exam
SUMMARY Biotech is combines science and technology to produce product or services to help improve or save people’s lives Products can take a very long time to go to market Industry trends: Healthcare Cost, FDA, Clinical Trials, Globalization Broad spectrum of careers and industries: non-lab careers Not all biotech careers require an advanced degree Being “passionate” is very important to be successful in this career Employers look for “cultural fit” Networking is one of the best ways to get opportunities LinkedIn, internships, research experience
ADDITIONAL BIOTECH RESOURCES opportunities