You’re interested in biotechnology. How can you find out if it’s the right career for you?

You may be inclined towards Biotechnology through word of mouth but it is key to do your own research and find out what exactly connects with you. Let your interests and ambitions guide you in making the choice. An easy way to approach it is to know your abilities and how you wish to implement. If you don't have a purpose in mind, find it along the way. In such a case, it's safer to opt for more wider avenues that give you the flexibility and option to specialise in future.

MOOCs are great for fundamental science knowledge, but it's important to understand the industry as well. "Basic Principles of Drug Discovery and Development" by Benjamin E. Blass is great for understanding therapeutics R&D. Having read this will give you a wider knowledge base than many people who actually work in biotech.

So many career opportunities exist outside of academia, and there are some fantastic individuals dedicated to helping you land incredible roles in industry! For PhDs breaking into biotech, check out Ali Divan, Ph.D., founder of Trulitica. For those interested in customer-facing roles, helping researchers reach their experimental goals with innovative lab products and services, check out Anis Fahandej-Sadi, founder of Science 2 Sales. If you're even a little bit curious about opportunities in industry, go through some of their content and even reach out for a consultative call. There are some other great career coaches to network with, but these are the first two that come to mind.

A great way to gain clarity on the road ahead is to interact with those who have already walked it. Try to first get connected with people in your immediate network who have experience in Biotechnology. And if you can't find any, don't worry. You can always follow and interact with industry professionals and thought leaders. And if you are reading this, you are at the right place! Remember, asking the right questions is key!

Engaging in practical application is pivotal when contemplating a career in biotechnology. It serves as a means to: Test Your Skills: Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, refining your abilities in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and problem-solving. Gain Real-World Experience: Experience firsthand the dynamics of the biotech industry, gaining insights into its challenges, innovations, and potential career paths. Assess Alignment: Evaluate how well biotechnology aligns with your interests and strengths, helping you determine if it's the right fit for your career aspirations.

I used to think that biotech means being in the lab, and then making a move into management after 10 years or so. And though this applies to many roles, there are many more other non-lab jobs that need to be done in biotech. There's project management, business development, marketing, sales, operations, software engineering, ...the list goes on. I would argue that being excited about biotech and the value it adds is all you need. There are plenty of roles out there that support this value.