The path of a biopharma professional is rarely straightforward, especially when it involves advancing your career while managing personal commitments. I have personally faced this challenging journey twice, both times learning invaluable lessons about balancing professional growth with current work-life demands.
My Journey Through Biopharma Career Transitions
My first career transition took place whilst I was entrenched in academia as a Principal Investigator at a UK institution, juggling a demanding research schedule with teaching, administrative duties, and family life. My ambition to transition into the biopharma industry felt nearly insurmountable due to the limited amount of time and mental load of keeping everything afloat.
The challenge presented itself again when I launched my freelance writing business whilst working as a manager in a big pharma company. With the added responsibilities of two young children, some days felt overwhelming.
However, through these experiences, I’ve pinpointed three habits that significantly eased these career transitions in the end.
Three Key Habits for Biopharma Professionals Facing Career Changes:
1. Ruthlessly Prioritizing Time
Time management becomes crucial during career transitions. I established blocks of time dedicated to my “Next Career Step,” where I disconnected from all distractions to focus on specific tasks that advanced my transition into and within the biopharma industry. This practice helped me maintain productivity in both my day job and my future career endeavours, making each minute count.
When establishing my business as a freelance medical writer, I did the same. Prioritising my evenings and weekends to build a client base before leaving my full-time pharma position. This ensured I had work lined up for my fledgling business before losing my employment income.
2. Building a Targeted Network
Networking is a powerful tool for career development. Throughout my transitions, I actively sought out and connected with individuals already in roles I aspired to.
LinkedIn has been instrumental in expanding my network. Conducting informational interviews and engaging with these professionals provided insights and opened doors that were crucial for my career progress, from academia to industry and then into entrepreneurship. Now I use it to find and engage with clients, along with keeping up-to-date with sector-relevant news from other industry professionals.
3. Continually Upskilling in Biopharma
The biopharma field is a fast-evolving one. Continuous learning and skill development are essential.
The most successful biopharma professionals I know are committed to lifelong learning, whether that’s through attending conferences, participating in specialised training, or keeping up with the latest research.
This dedication not only keeps them relevant but also prepares them for informed decision-making and leadership roles in an ever-evolving landscape.
Embracing the Challenge
Implementing these three habits has been transformative and has enabled me to juggle busy day jobs whilst actively building a future career path.
It’s been a challenging yet rewarding process, and I encourage you to embrace these practices as you drive your own career ambitions.
Invitation to Engage
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Let’s continue the conversation and support each other in our professional journeys!
