What are your key roles and responsibilities in your current positions? What do you like most about your job and what do you find most challenging?
I manage an external collaboration Discovery research program. This involves keeping track of required activities across different disciplines/functional areas and effective team communication and task management. In addition to managing the team, I contribute on an individual basis through my expertise in assay development. I also manage a research associate and provide them with both scientific and professional development guidance.
While managing a program is challenging and a new experience for me, I have enjoyed learning from my colleagues and expanding my skillset. I value that my role as program lead allows me to both utilize my laboratory expertise and also contribute at a high level to the development of cancer therapeutics.
List or describe the top 5+ professional skills that are crucial to your role.
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Cross-functional teamwork
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Intra- and inter-team communication
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Project management
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People management
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Data visualization
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Experimental design
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Critical thinking and analysis
How did your time at Yale shape your career trajectory? For example, what skills and/or experiences did you acquire that have contributed to your career success?
My dissertation research taught me critical thinking skills, experimental design, how to troubleshoot and learn from failures, and how to communicate and present my research in a clear and concise manner. I have tried to emulate the mentorship I received at Yale in my current role at Kronos and also as a mentor to life science graduate students.
My advisor’s support was instrumental in allowing me to develop the skills necessary to succeed in both academia and the private sector. They provided mentorship and supported the formation of the grad student-led group that aimed to both educate Yale trainees about scientific career fields outside of academia and provide professional development and networking opportunities (organizing the first ever life science career fair at Yale!). This experience ignited a lifelong passion in me for networking and mentoring life science students.
What were the biggest challenges that you faced when transitioning to different workplaces and cultures? What advice and suggestions can you offer to current students to help them prepare for those challenges?
One of the most critical things in any workplace transition is finding that person/people who will be your support network and look out for your professional development – whether that is your direct manager/academic advisor or another senior colleague. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for help – you grow and learn from other people’s experiences and knowledge – but also don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
