RECAP: CAREERS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY PANEL

PANELISTS

Matthew SalemMarketing Content EditorAgilent Technologies

Marty WongClinical Project DirectorMerz Aesthetics

Steve JoachimVP of R&D of Medical DevicesCordis CorporationA Johnson & Johnson Company

Dr. Kevin MoorePharmaceutical Biotech ConsultantFormer Executive Director Research &Scientific Executive Director with Amgen

PANEL Q&A

What is your view of the biotech industry and the role of your company within it?

• Biotech is saving and improving lives• Primary goals are to reduce mortality and health

risks• Walks the line between tech and biology• Utilizes newest technology to help people• Understanding human disease & genetics combined

with modern technology to develop medical solutions

• Biotech utilizes science details, experimental design and testing

What tips would you give students to help them get a job in the biotech industry? How important are advanced degrees?

• Network, network, network• Use LinkedIn• Informational Interviews• Be open to entry level jobs• Get an internship• Show passion, curiosity and energy• Best company fit• Advanced degrees are necessary for certain

positions

What are the trends you are seeing in your industry?

• Healthcare cost/economics• Global markets• Clinical Trials & FDA• Large companies acquiring small companies• Marketing products through various channels is

highly critical• Greater expectation of career mobility—employees

do not stay with a company for extended periods

STUDENTS’ QUESTIONS

How can one get into leadership in these companies?

• Usually requires Masters or Phd• Company may pay for your tuition• Broad range of opportunities

Where are the centers for intellectual property?

• Bay Area• Boston• Research Triangle, NC• San Diego area

If biotech is global, how can one get exposure to overseas opportunities?

• Work for a large company with global opportunties• Be willing to move—Flexibility• Speaking the language is not neccessary

Is it possible to move from med school to biotech?

• Yes, this background can be helpful

• Other ways to prepare:• R&D Labs• Internships• Participate in Academic Labs

All of you have mentioned networking. Can you give more tips on that? What levels of employees should we try to connect with?

• Clean up Facebook & other social media sites• Ask for what you want• Clearly indicate goals in LinkedIn• Propose an internship to a company • Connect with someone who is 1-2 levels above you• Look for connections in social and family circle• Talk to as many people as you can

What if you have no experience in the field yet? How do you start on your resume?

• Show accomplishments in studies, projects• Internships• Co-authorship scientific work• Have References• Emphasize transitional skills from prior jobs• Show how strengths can be applied

What helps a candidate get past screening to an interview?

• Resume must meet basic job requirements• Don’t just list key words• Show you have skills, experience• Living local helps• Be prepared for phone screens—Attitude is important• Tell your story• Rehearse & study like an exam

SUMMARY

• Biotech is combines science and technology to produce product or services to help improve or save people’s lives

• Products can take a very long time to go to market• Industry trends: Healthcare Cost, FDA , Clinical Trials,

Globalization• Broad spectrum of careers and industries: non-lab careers• Not all biotech careers require an advanced degree• Being “passionate” is very important to be successful in this

career• Employers look for “cultural fit”• Networking is one of the best ways to get opportunities• LinkedIn, internships, research experience

ADDITIONAL BIOTECH RESOURCES

• http://baybio.org/• http://www.bio.org/• http://www.biodevicegroup.org/• http://www.whybiotech.com/• http://biopharmguy.com/services/• http://www.kellyservices.com/global/science/• http://www.gilead.com/careers/careers/current-

opportunities