My journey from Biotech student to Freelance Consultant

What’s your background?

I was born and brought up in India and completed my Master’s degree before applying for a research based advanced degree in the USA. Following completion of my studies, I worked at Georgia State University as a research assistant, before moving to the UK to work as a visiting scientist. I then drifted away from academia and moved on to gain some work experience in the research commercialization area.

Why did you move away from academia?

After completing two Master’s degrees, I realized that I was more interested in delving into how academic research is brought from bench to bedside. Thus started my journey towards exploring what lies beyond academic research. This is when I began my internship at the technology transfer office at the University of Nottingham to learn how academic research is commercialized.

Is there anything you miss about academia?

Nothing in particular. Being on the laboratory bench has its own perks, but I always enjoyed writing more. 

How did you get this job? Did you face any challenges when considering a move away from academia or applying for the role?

I now work as a freelancer, writing market research reports within therapeutic areas. These reports are bought by pharma companies to make investment decisions. Getting a break within this sector was challenging at first. Once I identified that I wanted to move away from academia, I started networking with individuals working in the technology transfer and research commercialization space. I treated each networking opportunity as a mini interview. Eventually, I acquired an unpaid internship, which then led to a full-time job. Later on, I decided to work as a freelancer to balance my family commitments

What motivated you to/why did you choose the sector you transitioned into?

I always had a flair for writing, but I got no exposure as to what I can do with it. When I started networking with people within the field of my interest, I realized that I could actually turn my passion into a job. 

Did you think you had the skills required for your current position before you started? Were you right?

Yes. I’m sure I had the skills prior to my current position.

How did your PhD prepare you for your current job? For example, what were the transferable skills that you developed during your PhD that are most relevant to your current job?

I think that the most important skill that my Masters degrees helped with was figuring things out by myself, without external help. That attitude helps me research and write in-depth reports from scratch, as a freelancer.

Have you built a network before your transition to industry? How it helped you in the process?

Yes, my network was immensely helpful as I gained information in bits and pieces. It was then up to me to join the dots and identify the next steps in my journey.

Do you have Mentors who helped you in making the right career decisions?

My family was the most helpful.

Did you have any preconceptions about your sector that proved to be wrong?

No. I had no exposure to this sector until I finished my first Master’s degree.

Can you describe a typical week in your job?

Depending on the stage of the project, my week can be calm or hectic. It involved researching, making in-depth conversations with the experts within the field, and putting the report together in a structured form within a specified deadline.

What is the workplace culture like? Please include comments on work-life balance, flexibility, remote working?

I work remotely and this gives me the flexibility that I need with the family. Nobody monitors me on a day-to-day basis, but I need to deliver my work on time and at a certain quality standard.

Do people with a PhD frequently get hired in the company/sector?

Yes, they do. People with PhDs who have an interest in developing their writing and communication skills have a good scope within this industry.

What are your favourite parts of your job?

Researching new science, that helps me stay connected to the world of innovation.

What are your reflections on your career path?

It is best to learn what is on your way, even though it may not seem important at that moment.

Do you have any advice for current graduate students and postdocs considering a career outside of academia?

Keep your eyes and ears open for new opportunities to learn. They come in many forms and you never know which piece of knowledge will be useful at what point in time.

What do you know now that you wish you’d known when exploring a transition?

I wish I had the right exposure to the variety of career options while I was choosing my career path. 

Can you recommend any relevant resources, organisations or events that might help somebody new to the sector find out more about it?

AUTM (Association of University Technology Managers) and associations such as market research society of India (MRSI)

Your Current company in short

At Biomed Insights Ltd., we provide research and writing services to our clients, particularly within the healthcare and pharma/biotech sector.

Why working at your Current company?

I founded  Biomed Insights Ltd in 2015. We use flexible working to our advantage, by allowing people to work such that their creativity is unleashed and productivity is boosted.