EMBA Launching Bio-Tech Career
Dear Career Guru,
I recently finished my EMBA degree from San Diego State University. During the program, I found my passion in entrepreneurship. I have left my last job as a project analyst to pursue a career in marketing/business development in bio-tech industry.
I have seven years of working experience in R&D and project management in the industry. I have very good understanding of the market and technology of my field. I have talked to some marketing director in the field and she was very impressed. However, after a few months of searching, I found that without some marketing experiences, it's almost impossible to even launch an interview.
Now I can't help but wonder if I am marketing myself toward a wrong direction. A lot of early-stage bio entrepreneurs like to consult me with their ideas. I like doing research and evaluation of this kind, but they cannot promise paycheck until the company is established. Consulting firm or venture capital seem attractive, but they require top school as well as middle or senior level working experiences, which I don't have now.
Where should I go?
Sincerely,
Gianluca
Answer
Gianluca,
It's always easier to launch a new career while you are employed because a) your bills are being paid and you therefore feel no financial stress and b) you can dedicate your spare time to explore your passion.
So one option you have right now is to get a job once more in the field you've been successful in and work part-time on your passion of entrepreneurship. This will allow you to take care of your financial responsibilities, and work on continuing your contacts in the field of your choice.
If you don't want to go with that option, you must network extensively in the direction you are most interested in: marketing/business development in bio-tech industry. This networking would include the following:
1. Meet any and all alums from your school(s) to find out if they are in this field, or if they know anyone in this field. Your career services offices should be able to supply you with a list of contacts and you should work to meet as many of those individuals as possible.
2. Join organizations that will put you in touch with people in bio-tech and/or marketing/business development. Google both areas and attempt to network with people in both fields. People in one field may hopefully lead to the other.
3. You mention that you have seven years of experience in this field. You should network extensively with the people you have met to see if they can share any advice with you or any contacts with you.
4. Do you know anyone who is doing this successfully? Can you join forces with them, or work under them until you "learn the ropes" more extensively? Sometimes even doing work for free can lead to opportunities down the road.
5. Stay current with trade journals that cover both bio-tech and marketing/business development. Read them with passion and creativity. Perhaps you can reach out to columnists to discuss their articles, and perhaps they can put you in touch with people.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you luck!
Connie
Connie Thanasoulis is co-founder of SixFigureStart, a success-coaching firm that equips college students and young professionals with the skills and knowledge essential to ensuring success early on in their careers. She comes from 25 years of experience with Fortune 500 companies, including Merrill Lynch, Pfizer, and Citigroup.
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