Succeeding in a competitive Job market: How to stand out as a PhD Graduate in Molecular Biology by Himanshi Agarwal, PhD

I recall a very senior colleague in India who, with a bachelor’s degree in the 1990s, secured a high-paying job at a reputable international company. However, with rising literacy rates, increased competition, and evolving technology landscape, even a PhD today seems insufficient. There is a significant gap between demand (low) and supply (high) of qualified professionals in the field of biotechnology. Thus, robust training during PhD, which truly prepares you for the competitive job market, is crucial.

Having been in this field for nine years, here are some tips I find useful for current PhD candidates and PhD graduates:

1. Know Yourself

A common struggle during and after a PhD is deciding between academia and industry. The sooner you answer this question, the better for your career growth. Consider factors like nature of work, job availability in your preferred location, work-life balance, your passion, visa restrictions, monetary benefits and other personal reasons. Finding something you are passionate about, however, is very fulfilling and volunteering is an excellent way to discover that. For instance, engaging in roles like mentoring students, participating in institute’s science communication team, or even helping in managing conferences, participating in career development workshops, etc. can help one explore and know oneself better. Besides, volunteer experience on the resume demonstrates willingness to learn, adaptability, and genuine interest in a role.

In short, participate, discover and explore activities that let you achieve a state of ‘flow’ and find your ikigai.

2. Holistic Approach to Life

A friend finishing her PhD was clueless about job searching. Though she excelled in protein purification, she lacked preparation for the competitive job market. Another friend, also a PhD in molecular biology, actively participated in conferences, career development workshops, mentored students, and organized events, leading her to a career as an academic program coordinator at a prestigious institute.

Shakespeare’s quote, "A Jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one," reflects the needed attitude for PhD graduates today. This does not mean to not aim for perfection in research but maintain a holistic approach to life and career goals.

3. Tailor Your Resume

Once you identify your target role, tailor your resume accordingly. Review job descriptions to align your expertise and experience with the required responsibilities. Customize your resume for different roles and countries. Incorporate keywords for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and keep your resume concise, ideally within two pages.

4. Network

Referrals play a significant role in job shortlisting. Reach out to professionals in your desired field early, build connections, interact on LinkedIn meaningfully and respectfully. Networking showcases your soft skills, crucial for many jobs. So, attend relevant events, introduce yourself to key people, and express interest in potential positions. The importance of networking in a competitive job market often surpasses expertise alone.

5. Seek Feedback and Advice

Even if you excel in your field, job-hunting skills are a different ball game. Sadly, recruiters rarely provide feedback, so connect with industry professionals through meaningful connections for insights. Seek feedback from friends, seniors, or colleagues and adjust profile accordingly. They might suggest resume tweaks or recommend short courses to enhance one’s profile. Constructive feedback can significantly aid in growth and success.

6. Prepare for Interviews

Get your pitch right. An interview evaluates you in minutes for something you mastered over the years. Use those minutes wisely by correlating your expertise with the job description. Research the company thoroughly and prepare thoughtful questions about the job and the company. The more aligned one’s thoughts are, the more clarity and confidence one exudes during an interview.

7. Build Your Own Brand

Joining a big company has its perks, but recent layoffs in the biotech sector highlight its drawbacks. Thus, the best approach is to build one’s own boat to keep afloat. It might be challenging but offers enriching, learning, stable and progressive experiences in the long run. While working with a company, you may have to fit in their mold but with your own brand, you can create your own. Aligning your thoughts can lead to greater clarity and confidence during an interview. Preparing and organizing your ideas in advance helps you respond more effectively and stay focused on the key points you want to convey.

8. Stay Consistent and Motivated

Transitioning to industry while working multiple jobs can be draining. Balancing lab work, volunteering, networking, caregiving, and self-care is tough. Remember, job hunting itself is another job. But, stay motivated by being kind to yourself, taking one step at a time, and avoiding overthinking. With the right mindset, anything is achievable. Stay focused and consistent in your efforts.

To summarize, finding a job is a combination of several factors but if one is pro-active and futuristic, then it becomes relatively easier. So, actively understand yourself, set career goals, and work towards them to find the right job for you.

References:

The article was originally authored by Himanshi Agarwal, PhD. The final version was slightly modified using Chat GPT.

Bio of the author:

Himanshi has a PhD in molecular and cancer biology with specialization in DNA damage response pathways. Earlier, she worked at Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel, and is currently a postdoctoral research associate at St Jude Children’s Hospital, USA. Being exposed to an intercultural scientific world, she has broadened her scientific as well as cultural understanding and likes to be a part of holistic conversations. She likes to pen about her scientific experiences from three different worlds (India, Israel and USA) and has an active interest in communicating science. She aspires to be a medical writer.