Q. I have ten years of experience in the financial sector, but given that biotech is the most popular industry in our area, do you have any tips for someone looking to get into the field?
A. Even with a background in finance, it is possible to break into the thriving biotech sector in Massachusetts. The biotech and life sciences sectors are concentrated in the Boston area, and Massachusetts leads the world in this sector. Numerous businesses, academic institutions, and research centers provide a multitude of professional options. Jobs in the Boston area are posted on websites like Biospace, Built in Boston, the MassBio Career Center, and MassTalent: Life Sciences, in addition to the standard job board websites like Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter.
The MLSC Pathmaker program links qualified, diverse individuals with life science career opportunities in Massachusetts and provides funding for industry-aligned training programs that fill important skills and talent supply gaps. Their website states that there has never been a better moment for anyone who want to work in the life sciences. This industry is teeming with businesses of all sizes whose goals are to genuinely transform lives worldwide. In the biological sciences, beginning salaries and professional development pathways offer exceptional growth prospects. Higher academic qualifications or previous experience working in science are not required.
For job searchers, AndMassBioEd provides career hub programs in the biological sciences. To help develop the skills the life sciences sector needs, they also provide a variety of internship options for experience and exposure to professions in the field. Their career hub for bio sciences facilitates access to career education and training as well as employment prospects. Enhancing the talent pipeline for Massachusetts enterprises involved in life sciences is the main goal of the college internships offered by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Centers. Additionally, groups like NIIMBL endeavor to increase the nation’s ability to satisfy the workforce development, training, and talent acquisition requirements of the biopharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem.
Make an effort to use all of the internet tools to increase your industry knowledge and gain a better grasp of the multitude of prospects available. This entails keeping up with biotech industry trends, knowing the vocabulary and terminology used in the sector, and being familiar with the biggest businesses and influential figures in our area. Naturally, expanding your network is essential at every step of the procedure.
It all comes down to networking and who you know, says Rene Zung, VP, Career Transition Operations at Keystone Partners. She gives this guidance,Finding and using your transferable finance skills—like risk management and financial analysis—will help you break into the biotech, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or life sciences industries. Then, even if it means taking a lateral step, aim for entry-level or bridge positions like project manager or financial analyst within biotech companies or consulting firms to obtain pertinent sector experience. Last but not least, give strategic networking a priority by participating in business events and using websites like LinkedIn. Establishing connections in this tight-knit sector is crucial for opening up new prospects.
Finance professionals can effectively enter the booming biotech and life sciences industry in our region by utilizing transferable abilities, seeking specialized training, and aggressively networking.
Sign up for the Today newsletter
Receive all the information you require to begin your day, given directly to your inbox each morning.
