Careers

Post docs, graduate students and lab technicians/lab managers face decisions on how to advance their careers. With many options available it can often be difficult to choose which path to take. Master’s students have the option to continue on to doctoral studies, to apply for a lab technician/lab manager position or to pursue some other vocation such as medical school. For PhD grads the path will often involve post-doctoral work or a research associate position. As long as they choose to remain in the academic tract the path will be very well-defined and clearly laid out for them. The university environment acts like a cocoon protecting and shielding its inhabitants from outside pressures. There are plenty of mentors available who have graduated through the ranks and are willing to be consulted regarding their opinions and advice.

Graduate students may also choose to leave the academic tract and make the jump into industry. For many, the thought of landing a higher-paying job with benefits and stock options at a biotech or life science company is a lofty goal that they would do anything to achieve. However, a journey down the road to industry can be much bumpier and more complicated than taking the academic route. First and foremost, there are not as many experienced scientists who are willing and available to offer free advice to students who have recently graduated.

Secondly, the job market itself is difficult to define, and knowing when to jump into the job pool is an important factor that can ultimately decide one’s success in gaining industrial employment.

Lab technicians/lab managers must peer into the future and determine whether horizontal moves within their current place of employment to gain more experience and skills balance out against a move to a new place of employment.

Over the next few weeks we will interview people from academia and industry including professors, deans, CEOs, Lab managers and HR recruiters to hear their opinion on questions that are often on the minds of many graduate students. What can I do to prepare myself for making the jump to industry? When is the best time to make the transition? Are there any programs available (for example co-op programs) that will increase my chances of success?

If YOU have already made the transition and have advice for our dear students, please share! If you are a graduate student and have questions that you’d like answered send them to us and we will include them in our interviews. Don’t be shy! This might be the perfect opportunity for you to get the answers you are looking for.

Be sure to stay tuned to the Canadian Biotechnologist to hear what the experts have to say and don’t forget to check back often!