What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My PhD | Real Advice for Students

For many scientists, the lab feels like the ultimate career goal. But what happens when, after years of working at the bench, your interests begin to change? In this solo episode of When in STEM, I reflect on one of the biggest questions I've been asked throughout my Careers Beyond the Bench series:Why would someone spend years working in research only to eventually leave the lab? I share my own journey, from wanting to go to medical school, to falling in love with research, to discovering that I also love the business side of biotech, and why changing your career goals doesn't mean you've failed. It often means you've grown. We'll also compare three popular careers beyond the bench Quality Control, Regulatory Affairs, and Business Development, including who each role is best suited for, the transferable skills they all have in common, and practical advice for exploring new career paths without leaving your current company. Whether you're just starting your STEM career or you're wondering if it's time for a change, I hope this episode reminds you that your identity isn't tied to a laboratory bench. There are countless ways to make an impact in science. In this episode, we discuss: - Why scientists choose to leave the bench - My personal career journey and how my goals evolved - Why it's okay to change your mind - Quality Control vs. Regulatory Affairs vs. Business Development - The transferable skills that open doors beyond research - How to explore new career paths through coffee chats, shadowing, and internal networking - Other exciting careers beyond the bench to consider 💬 I'd love to hear from you in the comments: Have you ever thought about leaving the lab? If so, what career are you most interested in exploring?

What does a Business Development professional actually do in biotech? And how can scientists transition into this career? In this episode of the When in STEM Podcast, I sit down with Sarah, who began her career as a Senior Research Associate before making the transition into Business Development in the biotech industry. We discuss what Business Development actually is, what a typical day looks like, why she decided to leave the bench, and how her scientific background prepared her for a business-facing role. We also talk about whether you need an MBA, the skills that transfer from research, career growth opportunities, work-life balance, and practical advice for anyone considering a transition out of the lab. Whether you're a student exploring career options, an early-career scientist, or an experienced researcher wondering what's next, this episode will give you a clear understanding of one of biotech's most misunderstood career paths. In this episode, we discuss: - What Business Development is in biotech - A day in the life of a Business Development professional - Why Sarah transitioned from the lab- How scientists can break into Business Development- Do you need an MBA? - Skills that transfer from the bench to business- Career growth opportunities - Work-life balance

What is Regulatory Affairs, and why is it one of the most important careers in the pharmaceutical industry? If you've ever wondered who works behind the scenes to help bring new medicines and therapies to patients, this episode is for you. In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with a Regulatory Affairs professional Jessica Weckhorst to break down what the role actually involves, how it differs from research, and what it takes to build a career in this field. We discuss: What Regulatory Affairs actually is

Thinking about leaving research but not ready to leave biotech? One of the most common pieces of advice scientists hear is: "Transition into Quality Control (QC)." But is it really the easiest career move from the lab? In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with a Quality Control Specialist to break down what a career in QC actually looks like. We talk about how she made the transition, the skills that transfer from research, what hiring managers look for, and whether QC is the right fit for someone looking to pivot their career. Whether you're a biology student, a research associate, or an early-career scientist wondering what comes next, this episode will help you better understand one of biotech's most common career paths beyond research

Thinking about studying biotechnology? Last week, I shared 5 reasons why you should NOT study biotechnology. This week, we're flipping the script. Despite the challenges, I would still choose biotechnology every single time. In this episode of When in STEM, I'm sharing the five biggest reasons I think biotechnology is one of the most exciting degrees you can study. From meaningful work and diverse career paths to strong salaries, transferable skills, and entrepreneurship, we'll talk about why this field has so much to offer. If you're considering a degree in biotechnology, biology, life sciences, or another STEM field, I hope these last two episodes help you make an informed decision by showing you both the challenges and the opportunities. In this episode, we discuss: 🧬 Why biotechnology is shaping the future of medicine, healthcare, agriculture, and sustainability 🧬 Career paths beyond the lab, including regulatory affairs, quality, consulting, and biotech business 🧬 Why biotechnology is one of the most interdisciplinary STEM degrees 🧬 Biotechnology salaries, career growth, and long-term opportunities 🧬 How a biotech degree can prepare you for entrepreneurship and innovationIf you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe for more conversations about biotech careers, STEM education, and life in science