Career Options

Job openings in biotech companies have been increasing exponentially in the last few years. 5 years ago when I was graduating, people with backgrounds other than cancer were not considered for positions in biotech companies. On top of this, I was limited with my visa status. So I did what was safe and reasonable at the time, a post-doc. Now, things are a lot more different. There are plenty of options to choose from outside of academia. You have to be aware of these options and consider them carefully for your future career.

You may or may not know this but most graduate schools have career counselors. My graduate school had an office for this purpose and they helped with writing a resume, preparing/tracking career goals, and regularly organized seminars about career options outside of academia. There were also student groups, which were formed to explore specific career paths. I think it is important to be aware of what your graduate school offers for different career options and use these resources to make the right decision for yourself. It is easy to be focused on research, writing your thesis, and getting done with your program towards the end of grad school, most of us are then left clueless about what to do next, other than a post-doc. I think, educating yourself about all career options in advance will be the best so that you will have enough time to think and explore these options and start applying to jobs in your last year.

You may be wondering what career paths I have been talking about. I am still learning all other options but off the top of my head, I could tell you a few. If you like doing research, you could go into a scientist position at a biotech company. If you enjoy writing, you can go for a scientific writer position. If you enjoy brainstorming new ideas and overcoming challenges, you can go into a biotech consulting job. If you are interested in the intellectual property side of research, you can work at a business development office. I want to emphasize that getting a job, especially outside of academia, requires networking with the right people, attending relevant seminars, and even getting into certificate programs to elevate your resume. Because these positions are highly competitive and you should stand out from the rest. Also, I want you to keep in mind that the interview process for some of these positions may take a few months so planning in advance is key.

All in all, this is your career path and you need to take action before it is too late. It is perfectly fine to go with a post-doc position as this will most certainly help you gain more experience and confidence for your next job, as it did for me. However, if it is not your intention to stay in academia, I would advise you to educate yourself about other career options and plan accordingly to build up your resume and networking.