By Dr. Samuel Dyer I often get asked the question “Is it possible to break into the Medical Science Liaison role without experience?” Yes, it is clearly possible because it’s important to realize that everyone started as an MSL for the first time without prior experience (myself included). The question is- HOW did they do it? There…
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Alternative Careers for Scientists and Engineers – Patent Law
By Karen Imgrund Deak, PhD; Director of Notre Dame’s MS in Patent Law and Registered Patent Agent It’s no secret that the academic job market is tight – there simply aren’t enough faculty positions to absorb all of the newly-minted PhDs. Of course, many folks who hold degrees in science and engineering fields have the option…
Preparing your life science CV for a job in sales
Overcoming the scepticism of a scientist is one of the hardest jobs in sales. Even though your product might be the best on the market and selling at the lowest price, it might not necessarily result in the scientist becoming convinced of its quality and a switch from the product they have been using over…
Post-Doctoral Fellowships: Even More Grad School-y than Grad School
I never wanted to do a post-doctoral fellowship. Despite the title of my book, Surviving Your Stupid, Stupid Decision to Go to Grad School, there was a lot I liked about grad school. And a post-doc just sounded like everything I hated about grad school (long hours, low pay, no respect, no defined end date) and…
Social Media 101: Grad Student Edition
The job search today is more competitive than ever, even for graduate students. And as a grad student, learning how to stay competitive during your job search can be last on your list – especially with theses and dissertations on your minds. Fortunately this is where social media can come into play and help you…
Making the Leap from Academia to Industry: How to Set Yourself Apart from Other Candidates
I have been working in industry for a few years now, and students ask me the same question that I was struggling with during my job search: “How can I get a job in industry if I don’t have industry experience?” Like many other students, I had my heart set on an academic career path…
Who Should You Work For?
Many graduate students and post-docs are looking at non-academic career alternatives, and the opportunities abound. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, fewer than half of all PhDs will hold tenure-track positions. But life outside the academy can be hugely rewarding and PhDs can find jobs in development, marketing, sales support, administration or management that go…