PhD Career Exploration Fellow Spotlight: Youge Pu 

Hosted by Trinity Life Sciences

This fall, 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.  

Dr. Josh Parris from Trinity Life Sciences served as my host throughout my fellowship, and the experience working with him was exceptional. We met weekly, starting with setting goals for the program, which included networking with various professionals at Trinity, gaining insights into their careers and perspectives, and understanding the work and life at Trinity. Josh facilitated connections with diverse individuals from different offices, enhancing my understanding of the consulting field and the internal structure of Trinity Life Sciences. Additionally, we developed a small project based on my research, integrating it into a case study to demonstrate its impact on drug development. Josh’s feedback was invaluable throughout this process. At the program’s conclusion, I had the opportunity to present this project at the Princeton office, engaging in discussions with other professionals, including senior leadership. Josh’s support and guidance throughout the fellowship were instrumental, making the experience highly rewarding and enjoyable. 

What did you learn from this opportunity (about yourself, potential career fields, the job search, etc.)? 

Through my fellowship experience working with my host, I gained a clearer understanding of the work and life at Trinity Life Sciences. I discovered that people come to this field from diverse backgrounds and career trajectories, which was enlightening. I learned from their experiences and identified the key skills I need to develop to be better suited for future roles. Additionally, the workshops provided by CEF enhanced my ability to target jobs that align with my personal and professional growth. I also learned effective ways to reach out to the right people and gather insights about future opportunities, which will be invaluable in my job search. 

How did your CEF experience benefit your future career plans? 

This experience provided me with a clear understanding of the specific skillsets I need to develop for certain roles, enabling me to focus my efforts more effectively. Additionally, I gained confidence in identifying and pursuing job opportunities that align with my strengths and interests. The workshops and interactions with industry professionals helped me better understand the career landscape outside academia and equipped me with the tools to navigate it successfully.  

What was the most valuable part of your CEF experience? 

The most valuable part of my CEF experience was engaging with industry professionals from diverse backgrounds and with varying lengths of experience in the field. Through informational interviews and interactions during my final presentation day at the office, I gained invaluable insights into their career trajectories and future plans. I found it incredibly beneficial to hear their stories and learn how they navigated their careers. These conversations provided me with practical advice and suggestions, helping me prepare myself for my future career.  

Top reason PhD students should apply to the CEF program?

The CEF program provides a unique opportunity to explore non-academic career paths. This program offers a comprehensive approach to developing crucial skills through engaging in various workshops, informational interviews, and potentially hands-on projects. One of the most valuable aspects is the mentorship provided, where you can gain personalized advice and insights from an experienced professional. You can discuss any career-related questions with your mentor and leverage their network to expand your understanding of the industry. Overall, the CEF program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to successfully transition into a career beyond academia. 

By Alison Howard
Alison Howard Associate Director, Graduate Students & Postdocs