Biotechnology is a dynamic and fast-growing field that offers many opportunities for career advancement. However, to succeed in this competitive and challenging industry, you need to constantly update your skills, knowledge, and network. In this article, we will share some of the most innovative ways to do it.
One of the best ways to advance your career in biotechnology is to stay on top of the latest trends and developments in the field. This will help you identify new opportunities, challenges, and solutions that can enhance your work and value. You can do this by reading journals, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, and reports that cover biotechnology topics. You can also attend webinars, workshops, conferences, and events that showcase cutting-edge research and innovation.
One afternoon, with some unexpected free time at work, I dove into the latest market trend reports our company subscribes to. I was particularly drawn by a report exploring the changes in Chinese consumer preferences in biosolutions. One thing that caught my attention was the shift from a strong preference for European brands towards more China-local products. This little insight proved to be surprisingly valuable in several meetings and at least 2 crucial decisions in my current project. It also helped me stand out to my senior managers as someone who actively keeps up with industry trends. My takeaway: Regularly update yourself on industry trends; they can be unexpectedly useful.
Exploring new trends and learning about new technologies is great but in order to gain a meaningful advantage you need to demonstrate that you are doing this. If you say in the interview that you are keeping up with new trends nobody will be impressed (everyone can say that). If you can demonstrate the understanding of new technologies through publicly available projects (e.g. publication, blog posts, ...) then you might gain a meaningful advantage.
Another way to advance your career in biotechnology is to learn new skills that can complement your existing ones and make you more versatile and adaptable. For example, you can learn how to use new tools, software, or platforms that can improve your data analysis, visualization, or communication. You can also learn how to apply biotechnology concepts to other domains, such as health, agriculture, or environment. You can find many online courses, certifications, or programs that can help you learn new skills in biotechnology.
Learning new skills on your own in typically biotech fields is a bit difficult since a lot of tools and either lab based or proprietary software. But everything is getting multidisciplinary, so having basic biotech education (e.g. from school) plus something else like coding can be very useful. For example, many labs use robotic systems for automated biotech experiments. Programming these robots is similar to coding systems outside of biotech.
Learning new skills in biotech is critical if you want to not only thrive, but keep your job in the future. You may start in an entry-level lab job that only requires learning 3-4 wet lab assays to competently do that job, but unless you stretch to learn new skills beyond these first few, it will be more difficult to advance or find your next job. When you look at the talent pool in biotech, you'll be a dime a dozen if you only know how to run a few assays, and you'll be in competition for jobs with other candidates who will be distinguishing themselves in other ways. So, if you're only starting with a few skills, can you take one of those few things you've learned an demonstrate how to creatively apply it to a difficult problem?
A third way to advance your career in biotechnology is to build your network with other professionals, experts, and peers in the field. This will help you exchange ideas, insights, and feedback, as well as find mentors, collaborators, or opportunities. You can build your network by joining online communities, forums, or groups that focus on biotechnology topics. You can also participate in networking events, meetups, or hackathons that connect you with like-minded people.
Linkedin is also a great place to build your network. If you are genuine and ask good questions, even people who do not know you are generally happy to help. But it is important to put in the work and not to spam people with general messages. If your message shows to the person that you did you research, they are much more likely to respond.
A fourth way to advance your career in biotechnology is to showcase your work and achievements to potential employers, clients, or investors. This will help you demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and value, as well as attract attention and recognition. You can showcase your work by creating a portfolio, website, or blog that displays your projects, publications, or awards. You can also share your work on social media, platforms, or networks that target biotechnology audiences.
Absolutely, showcasing your work is essential in the biotechnology field. Having a portfolio is like having your own personal exhibit, displaying your skills and achievements for everyone to see. But it doesn't stop there. Papers, posters, and a professional portfolio take it a step further, adding depth and credibility to your profile. They serve as evidence of your expertise and contributions, making you stand out in a competitive industry. So, whether you're aiming to impress potential employers, clients, or investors, having a well-curated collection of your work samples is key to making a lasting impression and advancing your career in biotechnology.
A fifth way to advance your career in biotechnology is to seek feedback from others who can help you improve your work and performance. This will help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, as well as learn from your mistakes and successes. You can seek feedback from your supervisors, colleagues, mentors, or peers, as well as from external sources, such as clients, reviewers, or evaluators. You can also use online tools, surveys, or assessments that can measure your skills, knowledge, or impact.
A sixth way to advance your career in biotechnology is to pursue opportunities that can challenge you, expose you to new experiences, or expand your horizons. This will help you grow your career, develop your potential, or achieve your goals. You can pursue opportunities by applying for jobs, projects, or grants that match your interests, skills, or aspirations. You can also create your own opportunities by starting your own venture, initiative, or innovation.