Hosted by Merck – Neuroscience
This summer, we will be featuring blog posts written by PhD students who participated in Career Services’ Career Exploration Fellowship (CEF), a program that helps doctoral candidates explore their career interests through networking opportunities with advanced degree professionals. Click here to learn more about CEF.
Describe your experience working with your host.
My CEF mentor was Dr. Nicolette Heinsinger, a Senior Scientist at Merck. During our first meeting, Dr. Heinsinger shared her career path in detail, highlighting the key steps she took to become a Senior Scientist. Afterwards, she introduced me to numerous colleagues within her field at Merck, in roles that were of interest to me. Talking with them allowed me to gain valuable insights into what contributed to their success and how I could apply similar strategies to enhance my job search.
What did you learn from this opportunity (about yourself, potential career fields, the job search, etc.)?
I learned that knowing how to reframe my PhD research to best fit the company’s needs is crucial in obtaining the first industry role. Additionally, I discovered that the type of research being pursued in the pharmaceutical industry is really exciting to me and it confirmed my choice to pursue this career avenue.
How did your CEF experience benefit your future career plans?
This experience has significantly benefited my future career plans by providing me with a clearer understanding of the skills and qualifications required in industry. Networking with experienced professionals at Merck has expanded my contacts and provided me with practical advice on navigating the job market. The insights gained will help me tailor my job applications more effectively and prepare for industry-specific challenges.
What was the most valuable part of your CEF experience?
The most valuable part of my CEF experience was the opportunity to network with professionals in the field and gain firsthand knowledge about their career trajectories. Engaging with Dr. Heinsinger and other scientists at Merck gave me practical insights and real-world perspectives that are invaluable for my career development.
Top reason PhD students should apply to the CEF program?
The top reason PhD students should apply to CEF is the great opportunity to gain industry exposure and network with professionals who can provide guidance and mentorship. This experience bridges the gap between academic research and industry applications, making it easier to transition into a successful career in industry.
