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Post date: Oct 17, 2012 4:51:59 AM
Eric Vieira, Manager, Special Projects at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Technology & Business Development Consultant at Stony Brook.
Previously, we talked about finding your job of interest. But do you have the qualifying job skills?
Once again, communications skill was the premier job talent. “It’s the ability to communicate technical material to community business folks,” according to Vieira. (And you probably got a taste of this at our first Networking session a few weeks back)
Policy and government jobs require the ability to do both oral and written forms of communication because you will be writing and presenting information to a broader audience.
Other skills of Importance?
- Time Management- Depending on your type of career, you could be asked to whip up reports on tight deadlines.
- Analytical skills- Biotechnical analysis has become “savvy,” according to Vieira. Employers are looking for skills in excel, computer analytic tools, stat programs, etc.
If you want to go the business route…
A number of good candidates have MBA, and a lot of companies recruit to expand both business and the sciences. So before you move forward, Vieira says it depends on finding yourself and how much preparation you feel you’ll need.
“I wanted to understand a bit more about business; some people choose to go for MBA,” Vieira said. “That’s not necessary. My personal choice is to make yourself relevant."
Vieira found that on-job training was more effective, even though an MBA foundation prepares you more. But today, that window is shrinking and it’s increasingly important to have that preparation.
For example, to become a chartered financial analyst, CFA, there are courses that can prep you to take CFA exams.
There are many MBA schools with certificates, but since the advent of job searching and resume building tools, recruiters are getting flooded with applications and it’s quickly becoming inefficient for them to go through.
In addition, you lose personal contact with recruiters. According to Vieira, unless you know someone who is making the selections process internally, chances are you’re rejected because they don’t know you.
If you want to stick to life sciences…
You’re wanted because there’s always a need for researchers during industrial growth. Diseases without cures are an area that’s constantly in need of research and science is provisional, so that option will always be there.
Bioinformatics is also an exciting opportunity. “Data sciences are the convergence of engineering and life sciences. For those who have these analytic and life science skills, it’s great to have because everything is becoming more electronic,” Vieira said.
Networking and Job Resources:
In the meantime, while you're on the prowl for a dream job, keep in mind communication is key. You can check out what we talked about in our first networking session here, and join us for Networking Part 2: Practice Makes Perfect (Thursday, October 18, 4-5 PM, University Cafe).
The New York Academy of Science
["You have to stay relevant, get exposure, knowledge, determine what's [lacking] in that area, and find solutions.
Be relevant to current times and show how to make yourself relevant." -Eric Vieira]
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