Hosted by Genentech
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.
Nathan Frey was an exceptional host and mentor. Throughout the program, we met regularly to discuss not only the practical aspects of building a career in industry but also the deeper motivations and challenges behind those choices. One particularly memorable moment was when Nathan shared how he navigated the shift from academia to industry — his honesty about the uncertainties and rewards made a profound impression on me. Together, we also worked on a small project simulating real-world problem-solving at Genentech, which gave me a hands-on glimpse into the collaborative, fast-paced environment that shapes industry innovation. Nathan’s mentorship was invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for his generous guidance and the thoughtful conversations that helped me reflect on my own path.
What did you learn from this opportunity (about yourself, potential career fields, the job search, etc.)?
This experience offered me a much clearer and more nuanced understanding of careers within the biotech and pharmaceutical industries — far beyond what I could have learned from reading or surface-level exploration. Thanks to the informational interviews Nathan helped arrange, I spoke with professionals across a wide array of roles, from research scientists to project managers to data analysts, each sharing insights into their daily work and career journeys. I discovered which roles best align with my skills and passions and, perhaps most importantly, I became far more confident in conducting informational interviews and approaching the exploration of career paths thoughtfully. I realized that my scientific curiosity can take many forms beyond academia, and that the tools and experiences I build now will shape the doors I can open in the future.
How did your CEF experience benefit your future career plans?
The most valuable part of the fellowship was the opportunity to connect closely with Nathan and gain insight into his personal journey — hearing firsthand about the decisions, trade-offs, and reflections that shaped his transition to industry helped me better understand what such a path might look like for me. Engaging with other fellows and informational interviewers expanded my view even further, revealing the diversity of careers available and the many ways a PhD can translate into industry impact. These conversations were not just practical; they were inspiring. They reminded me that career exploration is not a linear path but a rich, evolving process — and that I have the agency and tools to navigate it.
What was the most valuable part of your CEF experience?
The most meaningful aspects were the chance to learn directly from an experienced mentor and to connect with a wide network of industry professionals who were generous in sharing their experiences. One conversation that stayed with me was with a Genentech colleague who spoke about balancing scientific rigor with the urgency of getting treatments to patients — it reframed for me what scientific responsibility can look like outside academia. These moments broadened my understanding and encouraged me to continue exploring with both curiosity and intention.
Top reason PhD students should apply to the CEF program?
CEF offers a rare and structured opportunity to explore career options, develop essential professional skills, and gain invaluable mentorship. It is more than just career exploration — it’s a chance to grow your confidence, expand your network, and better understand how your unique skills and passions can shape your future. I highly recommend it to any PhD student curious about life beyond academia.
