What do you do if your biotechnology career has been interrupted by a layoff?

Why be disappointed when you have a sea of opportunities? What you need is just to look for them. When I started my bachelor's degree, I just assumed it was a one-way road: B.Sc. -> M.Sc. -> Ph.D. And, if I didn't follow this path, I thought my career was over. Well, the surprising part is, you see, it's not. I'm doing extremely well as a science content creator. Additionally, don't forget the edge you have – your experience in the field. Use it to your advantage, or explore other available options. What's gone is gone. Focus on what you have control over: the present and the future.

Many people use this time to retool and then go at it again. In my case, I decided to consult and start a company. The important thing to show in resume is that you are constantly evolving for the better and not just complain about the situation, albeit crappy, that you'd been dealt with.

Layoffs are quite tough. The best thing is to take some time to deal with the reality, spend time with family and destress from the process. Then take some time to reflect on your career goals and the direction you want to take next. Research the current trends and demands within the biotechnology field to identify areas of growth or niches that interest you. This could be the perfect time to pivot towards a subfield you've always been passionate about or to climb the career ladder in a different aspect of biotechnology.

Absolutely! Upskilling your current skill set can greatly enhance your chances of securing a new role in biotechnology. By staying updated with the latest techniques and technologies, you become a more valuable candidate to potential employers. Additionally, networking plays a crucial role. Building connections within the industry can lead to valuable opportunities and referrals, ultimately helping you land your next role more effectively.

The biotechnology industry is fast-evolving, with new technologies and techniques emerging regularly. Use this time to update your skills or acquire new ones that are in high demand or in areas that complements your career aspirations and enhance your employability.

Networks are the single most important toolkit for personal and professional growth. When going through a career change and starting a new professional chapter, I reached out to my networks mostly for guidance and advice (not for work). This was the most valuable lesson I gained during transition. Ex-colleagues and leaders I reached out to were the ones I respected and wanted to learn from. Your networks will understand and appreciate that. This not only leads to meaningful knowledge acquisition but a reputational equity that is immeasurably important during transition.

Networking is crucial in this space. Attend industry webinars, conferences, and workshops to meet peers, mentors, and potential employers. Join professional associations and participate in online forums and LinkedIn groups related to biotechnology. Networking can provide insider information on job openings and introduce you to people who can offer career advice or job referrals. MassBio is a good option for those in the New England area.

Freelancing is a great way to initiate your career search. Approach freelancing as an opportunity to understand what you are passionate about and where you might add the most value to organizations. I let it be known that I was ready to consult and freelance during my career transition and this helped steer my career toward areas such as portfolio strategy, business development, and early commercialization at the intersection of my career passion and value-add to organizational goals. I then set up a company and tailored my operations to meet these needs. Start with an offer to explore and then cultivate a book of business based on passion and demand.

It's true that freelancing is a great option to consider. However, before venturing in, it's essential to know what services you'll be offering. Will it be writing, digital graphics, content editing, consulting, science art, a combination of these, or something else entirely? Be clear about your offerings and the audience you'll be serving. Please don't get trapped in the words of so-called freelancing experts who claim it's easy and you can earn six figures with only 15 minutes of daily work. The reality is, this is not possible. Freelancing requires hard work, just like any other field (perhaps even more if you want to constantly grow and build your career in it). Don't consider freelancing a shortcut to success – that's a huge myth.

If full-time opportunities seem scarce, consider freelancing or consulting in your area of expertise. This can include writing research proposals, conducting literature reviews, or offering regulatory compliance advice. Freelancing will not only help financially but also keep you engaged with the industry, adding valuable experience to your resume.

An unexpected layoff can strain your finances, so it’s important to assess your financial situation and plan accordingly. Review your savings, cut non-essential expenses, and consider freelance work or part-time jobs outside your primary field if necessary. This financial planning can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on your career transition.