In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with Elissa Hanna, a retail pharmacist, to uncover the real story behind life in community pharmacy. She shares her path from education to earning her PharmD, the challenges she faced along the way, and what led her to retail pharmacy. We dive into what a day in her life looks like, what it truly means to hold a PharmD, and how pharmacists impact patient care beyond prescriptions.Whether you’re a pharmacy student, considering a PharmD, or just curious about the realities of retail pharmacy, this conversation offers a candid look into the profession: the struggles, the rewards, and everything in between.
Do you really need a PhD to build a successful career in science? In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with Elina, a lab technician working in spatial biology, who shares her journey from conducting research at the University of Oxford to building her career in Belgium.We dive into the realities of being a lab technician in Europe, what day-to-day lab life looks like, and how career paths in the EU differ from the U.S. Elina opens up about the challenges, opportunities, and misconceptions around working in science without a PhD, and offers advice for students and early-career researchers exploring careers in STEM.Whether you’re curious about science careers in Europe, want to understand the value of a bachelor’s degree in STEM, or are wondering about the future of spatial biology, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate your own career path.👉 Connect with Elina on Instagram: HERE#stemcareers #stem #labtechnician #sciencecareers #phd #lab#europe #BiotechCareers #STEMPodcast #ResearchLife
In this episode, I’m sharing 12 things you need before starting your PhD. From choosing the right supervisor and setting goals, to networking, managing imposter syndrome, and saying yes to every opportunity. These practical tips will help you start your PhD with confidence and clarity.ᵔᴗᵔ Hello ᵔᴗᵔ I’m Marie, a scientist, content creator, and podcast host passionate about helping students and early-career researchers navigate the world of STEM a. On this channel, I share tips, advice, and insights to help you thrive in your PhD journey and beyond.#Phd #stem #science
Starting a PhD can feel overwhelming but knowing what to expect can make all the difference. In this episode, Dr. Ben Rein, a biopsychologist and entrepreneur with a passion for translating neuroscience into real-world impact, shares 15 honest lessons he wishes he knew before starting his PhD journey.Ben studied biopsychology at West Virginia University and earned his PhD from the University at Buffalo, where he focused on brain research. After his academic training, he made a bold pivot into entrepreneurship, founding a company that bridges science and innovation beyond the lab.From navigating academic pressure and avoiding burnout to deciding if a PhD is really the right path, Ben offers real, practical advice for students thinking about grad school. Whether you’re just starting your PhD, considering applying, or wondering if academia is the right fit, this episode breaks down what no one tells you about life as a PhD student and how to set yourself up for success beyond the lab.Tune in to get honest answers to your biggest questions about pursuing a PhD, academic career pressures, and finding success beyond the lab.Connect with Dr. Ben:🌐 Website: https://www.benrein.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.benrein/🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.benrein#phd #phdstudent #phdlife
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Habibi, scientist, entrepreneur, mom, and passionate science communicator. After earning her PhD, Sarah made a courageous decision to step away from the traditional academic path and create a career that fits her life and values.We dive deep into her journey of reinvention, from the pressures of academia to building her business Mito & Co, which creates science kits designed to make STEM fun and accessible for kids. Sarah shares how she balances entrepreneurship with motherhood while using her social media platforms Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sarahahabibi/), TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@science.bae?_t=8j7k5AiXSab&_r=1), and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@sarahahabibi) to inspire the next generation of scientists in a fresh, engaging way.This episode is a heartfelt conversation about redefining success, breaking free from expectations, and finding your own voice in STEM whether that means working in a lab or reaching kids and families through creative science communication.If you’ve ever felt stuck questioning your path, or if you’re curious about what it truly means to be a scientist today, Sarah’s story will inspire you to embrace your unique journey and make an impact on your own terms.Check out Mito & Co here: https://mitoandco.com/
In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with Kathy, a PhD student in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering at Harvard who is redefining how we think about science. From her beginnings at Stanford researching skin‑inspired electronic materials, to a Fulbright year in the Netherlands working with Nobel laureate Ben Feringa, Kathy’s journey shows just how many paths STEM can open.Now at Harvard, she studies stimuli‑responsive and supramolecular materials for medical applications, but her impact doesn’t stop at the lab bench. Kathy has built a viral STEM outreach platform with over 6 million views, teaching the science behind beauty products, and she’s hosted sold‑out perfume‑making workshops at the Harvard Natural History Museum.We talk about her path through materials science, the intersection of beauty and STEM, and how she combats intimidation in high‑achieving environments. If you’ve ever wondered how science connects to your everyday life or how to make a STEM career your own, this episode is for you!You can check out Kathy 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@kats_eye?_t=ZP-8yUElNpfmRC&_r=1
Feeling unsure about whether to pursue a PhD? This episode is for anyone in STEM, science, or biotech who’s wondering what’s next but isn’t sure if graduate school is the right move. I talk about the pressure to keep collecting degrees and why that might not actually solve the uncertainty you’re feeling.Sometimes the answer isn’t another program. It’s reflection. In this episode, I share honest thoughts on sitting with the discomfort of not knowing and why getting clear on what you truly want matters more than rushing into the next big academic step.If you’re feeling lost after your degree, questioning if a PhD will give you direction, or just need to hear that it’s okay to pause, this one’s for you.Submit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner 👇https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-57wMEkBTFQ954QJrlZp9MP0ZPKK3Urmn8rPvS6Yfq42qlA/viewformSTREAM WHEN IN STEM HERE♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more♡Follow me on Instagram♡Follow me on Tiktok💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com
Ever sat in a meeting thinking “I don’t belong here”? You’re not the only one and you’re definitely not the first. In this episode, we’re breaking down the mental side of building a career in STEM: imposter syndrome, self-doubt, burnout, and the pressure to constantly prove yourself.Joining me is Odeal Jacob, Director of Strategy and Operations at Moderna, who brings over a decade of experience leading high-impact biotech programs. Odile shares her powerful insights on how to build real confidence, stay motivated through uncertainty, and develop the kind of mindset that fuels long-term success in high-pressure environments.If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re good enough, this episode is for you.Submit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner 👇https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-57wMEkBTFQ954QJrlZp9MP0ZPKK3Urmn8rPvS6Yfq42qlA/viewformSTREAM WHEN IN STEM HERE♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more♡Follow me on Instagram♡Follow me on Tiktok💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com
In this episode, we talk with Kristian DiMatteo, a STEM professional who built a successful career in industry without ever getting a PhD.Kristian shares how he used certifications, hands-on lab experience, and strategic skill building to grow in the field and earn respect in an industry where PhDs often dominate. Whether you're in school, in the lab, or considering your next move, this conversation will help you understand how to forge your own path in STEM.What You'll Learn:• Why a PhD isn’t the only path to a successful STEM career• How Kristian used certifications and experience to move up in the industry• Skills that actually matter to employers in science and biotech• How to build a strong professional network without an academic title• Tips for navigating career growth and standing out without a doctorate💡 You don’t always need a doctorate to make a difference and this episode proves it🔔 Subscribe for more content on biotech, STEM careers, and real life lab experiences#stemcareers #BiotechJobs #phd #phdstudent #sciencecareers #stem #careeradvice #biotech Submit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner👇https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-57wMEkBTFQ954QJrlZp9MP0ZPKK3Urmn8rPvS6Yfq42qlA/viewformSTREAM WHEN IN STEM HERE♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more♡Follow me on Instagram♡Follow me on Tiktok💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.comAll Links Access!
What does it really take to pursue a doctorate, and how does it shape who you become?In this episode of When in STEM, Dr. Lauren D’Innocenzo joins us to reflect on the PhD and DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) journey and what pushed her to pursue a doctorate, how she balanced life alongside academic demands, and the long-term growth that came from it all.We explore the real PhD experience: from emotional hurdles like self-doubt and imposter syndrome to building leadership skills and embracing discomfort. Lauren also breaks down the difference between a PhD and a DBA, and offers insights for listeners trying to decide between the two paths.Whether you’re on the PhD path, considering a DBA, or just curious about what this journey looks like from the inside, this conversation is full of wisdom, validation, and clarity.📌 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms🔔 Follow + Review to support honest conversations in STEM#phd #phdlife #phdstudentlife #stem #science #research #biotechnology Submit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner 👇HERE!STREAM WHEN IN STEM : ALL LINKS HERE ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to my youtube channel for more: HERE ♡Follow me on Instagram: HERE ♡Follow me on Tiktok: HERE 💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com
This solo episode wraps up the recruiter series, and I'm getting personal. I’m recapping everything we’ve covered in Episodes 1–3 of When in STEM, from what recruiters actually do, to how LinkedIn plays a role, to what biotech companies are really looking for.But I’m also sharing the behind-the-scenes of how a recruiter helped me land my job, how they helped a friend of mine find her role, and all the ways recruiters can be your biggest hidden asset in the biotech job search.We cover:- Real examples of recruiters changing people’s careers- Mindset shifts I had to make to start working with recruiters, not against them- The biggest lessons I’ve learned from talking to recruiters (and being hired by one!)- Why ignoring recruiter messages could be costing you more than you thinkWhether you’re skeptical, curious, or just burned out on applying, this episode is a reflection, a guide, and a push forward.Submit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner 👇https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-57wMEkBTFQ954QJrlZp9MP0ZPKK3Urmn8rPvS6Yfq42qlA/viewformSTREAM WHEN IN STEM HERE♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more♡Follow me on Instagram♡Follow me on Tiktok 💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com
Let’s be honest, LinkedIn can feel like a black hole. You're posting, editing, applying... but is anyone even seeing it?In this final episode of the recruiter series on When in STEM, I sit down with biotech recruiter Joan Francesc García Borràs to break down how recruiters actually use LinkedIn and how you can make your profile work for you. We get into:✅ The green flags that make recruiters stop scrolling📝 What to write in your About section (especially if you're early-career or switching fields)📈 Whether LinkedIn activity really matters and how it impacts your visibility🕵️♂️ What happens behind the scenes after you apply📩 How to follow up without sounding pushyWhether you’re in biotech, research, or academic science, this episode is your LinkedIn audit and glow-up guide all in one.Connect with Joan on LinkedIn Follow Hays for biotech career updates 📲 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or anywhere you get your podcasts.Submit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner STREAM WHEN IN STEM : ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more: ♡Follow me on Instagram♡Follow me on Tiktok 💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com
In this episode, we’re continuing our recruiter series—but zooming out. Because before you can land a job in biotech, you need to understand how these companies are actually built.What teams exist beyond the bench? What roles should you be looking for besides “scientist”? Whether you're trying to break in or pivot within the biotech industry, this episode is your roadmap.I’m breaking down the typical departments inside a biotech company—like R&D, regulatory, clinical, business development, and more—and giving you real tools to figure out where you fit based on your skills and goals.This is the kind of clarity I wish I had earlier in my career—and I hope it helps you move forward with more direction and confidence.📌 Missed Episode 1? Go back and listen to my convo with recruiter Joan Francesc Garcia Borràs, where we uncover what recruiters actually do behind the scenes.💡 Need help writing your resume, cover letter, or LinkedIn summary?Try Jenni AI — my favorite AI writing assistant that makes job search writing way less painful.✨ Use the code STEM20 at checkout for 20% off your subscription.👉 Connect with Joan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanfrancescgarciaborras/👉 Follow Hays here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hays/Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share with a friend in STEM who needs this!
Job searching in biotech can feel like a full-time job with no feedback loop. You’re applying, refreshing, waiting—and still hearing nothing. So what actually works?In this episode of When in STEM, we’re pulling back the curtain on biotech recruiting with Joan Francesc Garcia Borràs, a life sciences recruiter at Hays.Joan shares what it’s really like behind the scenes of hiring: - What recruiters do (and don’t do) for candidates- What makes someone stand out on LinkedIn- Whether cover letters actually get read- How immigration status and location impact your chances- The truth about ghosting and why it happens more than you thinkThis episode is packed with actionable advice and real talk for anyone job searching in STEM, especially in competitive fields like biotech and pharma.🎧 Tune in for the job search clarity you’ve been looking for.📲 Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe so you never miss an episode that could change your career.👉 Connect with Joan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joanfrancescgarciaborras👉 Follow Hays for biotech job insights: linkedin.com/company/haysSTREAM WHEN IN STEM : https://liinks.co/when.in.stem.podcast ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to Youtube ♡Follow me on Instagram ♡Follow me on Tiktok 💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com
Are you navigating a STEM career filled with uncertainty, job search stress, and the pressure to “have it all figured out”? In this solo episode, I share how I’m applying mindset strategies I’ve learned from this month’s guests — so you can build confidence, resilience, and professional momentum in your own STEM journey.This episode is packed with actionable tips for early-career scientists, international students, biotech professionals, and anyone feeling stuck or burned out in the STEM world. Whether you’re building your network on LinkedIn, recovering from a layoff, or just trying to stay motivated — this episode gives you the tools to shift from survival mode to career growth.You’ll learn how to:• Build confidence through consistent, low-pressure networking• Strategically job hunt beyond the “easy apply” button• Bounce back from rejection with resilience techniques that actually work• Set personal and professional boundaries that protect your energyEpisode 1 (mentioned in EP): The Power of Networking and ConfidenceEpisode 2 (mentioned in EP): Just a Bachelor’s Degree—And Still Made It in BiotechEpisode 3 (mentioned in EP): Building Adaptive Resilience in STEM ⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Why mindset matters in STEM1:20 – Networking & confidence: My weekly “networking sprint” strategy02:37 – Setbacks & job loss: How I apply Asmi’s story to stay proactive03:06 – My 4-step job search action plan04:01 – Building resilience: The “job description” exercise that changed my mindset05:30 – Tools I’m using now (podcast + workbook recs)06:05 – Final thoughts + your next step📘 The Resilience Journal: A Guided Workbook for Overcoming Challenges, Cultivating Strength & Moving Forward🎧 The Mindset Mentor PodcastThe Mindset Mentor is a podcast hosted by Rob Dial, focusing on motivation, mindset, and personal development. It's designed for anyone seeking direction and focus in life, blending insights from psychology and neuroscience. • Spotify • Apple PodcastsSubmit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner 👇 HERE STREAM WHEN IN STEM : https://liinks.co/when.in.stem.podcast ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to Youtube ♡Follow me on Instagram ♡Follow me on Tiktok 💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com
In the high-stakes world of STEM—where pressure is constant and rejection is often personal—resilience isn’t just a skill. It’s survival.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jo Viney, career coach, biotech leader, and co-founder of Seismic Therapeutics. From co-leading the $1.85B acquisition of Pandion by Merck to navigating the invisible weight of leadership, Jo’s story is anything but linear. Behind the titles and milestones is a journey marked by rejection, hard pivots, and the kind of setbacks that quietly shape who we become.We explore the power of adaptive resilience—a mindset shift that helps STEM professionals not just endure, but evolve. This is the resilience that moves beyond grit. It's about learning to bend, not break.Together, we dive into:- The real meaning of adaptive resilience in STEM—and why it matters more than ever.- How to reframe rejection and stay grounded when your career feels stuck.- Practical tools for managing job search frustration, imposter syndrome, and long-haul goals in biotech, academia, and research.- How high-pressure environments challenge our mental and emotional strength—and how to protect both.- The single most powerful mindset shift Jo recommends for anyone feeling lost in their career.This episode isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about building the inner scaffolding to keep going—even when things fall apart.Because in STEM, the people who make it through aren’t just the most talented. They’re the most resilient.Time Stamps: 00:00 - The Journey of Resilience06:56 - Adaptive Resilience in STEM10:26 - Mindset Traps in Job Searching15:22 - Reframing Rejection and Setbacks19:18 - Maintaining Emotional Strength in STEM22:01 - Unique Challenges in STEM Careers24:30 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome26:08 - Shifting Focus from Goals to Purpose29:03 - Maintaining Work-LifeBalance in STEM33:30 - Creating an Empowering Work Environment36:09 - Navigating Career Challenges40:38 - The Importance of Mentorship#stempodcast #biotechcareers #womeninstem #overcomingrejection #mentalhealth #stem #jobsearchtips #science Submit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner 👇 HERE STREAM WHEN IN STEM : https://liinks.co/when.in.stem.podcast ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to Youtube ♡Follow me on Instagram ♡Follow me on Tiktok 💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com
What do you do when you’ve done everything right — and it still falls apart?Asmi is an international student with only a bachelor’s degree trying to survive in one of the most competitive industries: biotech. No advanced degree. No safety net. Just pure determination.First, she got laid off from a startup.Then, 23 weeks into a new role— laid off again.Next? She landed another job… only to have the offer revoked.Her visa was expiring. Time was running out.This episode is about what no one talks about — the silent pressure of building a career when your entire future depends on it. The mental toll. The self-doubt. The near misses. The fear.But it’s also about what happens when you don’t give up.If you’ve ever questioned whether you're “qualified enough” to chase a career in biotech — this story might be the reminder you didn’t know you needed.Video Chapter: 0:00 Introduction to Biotech Careers4:31 Navigating Education and career choices 10:11 Breaking into Biotech: First Job Experiences 15:32 Challenges of Being an International Student 19:54 Coping with Layoffs and Job Searching 24:28 Resilience and Networking in Job Applications25:46 Networking: The Key to Job Applications31:43 Overcoming Setbacks: The Layoff Experience37:44 Resilience in The Face of Adversity 39:07 Finding Meaning in New Opportunities. Advice For International Students. 49:24 Career Corner: Navigating Job OpportunitiesSubmit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner 👇HERE STREAM WHEN IN STEM : https://liinks.co/when.in.stem.podcast ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more ♡Follow me on Instagram♡Follow me on Tiktok 💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com#biotechcareers #careerjourney #bachelordegree #stemcareers #careergrowth #internationalstudents #jobhunting #careerinspiration #nevergiveup #stemsuccess #biotech #stem #resilience #careermotivation #podcast #stempodcast
What if the biggest opportunities in your STEM career were just one conversation away?In this episode, I sit down with Jessi Rennekamp—a powerhouse in the STEM world whose journey is living proof that networking isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a career strategy. We talk about the often-overlooked truth: talent alone doesn’t always open doors, but relationships do.We dive into the moments that shaped Jessi’s confidence, how she made connections that changed the trajectory of her career, and the quiet power of showing up—authentically—in rooms that feel intimidating. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your next big leap, this conversation will challenge how you think about networking and give you real tools to build meaningful, strategic relationships in STEM.Because the truth is, no one builds a career alone.Resources:Healthcare Businesswomen's AssociationLife Science CaresChapter Timestamps: 0:00 - The Art of Storytelling in Biotech Communications4:52 - Navigating the Networking Landscape9:15 - Building Confidence in Networking13:48 - Authenticity in Networking18:41 - Crafting Your Narrative22:57 - Effective Follow-Up Strategies26:31 - Staying Motivated in Networking30:05 The Unasked Questions in Networking30:14 - Overcoming Networking Guilt30:23 - Building Meaningful Connections32:58 - The Importance of Mindset in Networking35:02 - Confidence Building Strategies37:39 - Common Networking Mistakes38:35 - Timing and Respect in Networking Requests40:23 - Leveraging Connections Respectfully42:10 - Final Thoughts on Networking and ConfidenceSubmit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner STREAM WHEN IN STEM ON ALL PLATFORMS♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to YouTube♡Follow me on Instagram ♡Follow me on Tiktok 💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com#stemcareers #networkingtips #womeninstem #careergrowth #stem #professionaldevelopment #networking #stempodcast #biotech #research
When I graduated with my STEM degree, I thought there were only two options: get a PhD or spend the next 40 years working in a lab.But what if that’s not true? What if there’s a whole worldof creative, impactful STEM careers no one ever told us about?In today’s solo episode, I’m sharing my own journey — howfollowing the “traditional” path in STEM led me to start questioning everything.You’ll hear highlights from past guests who made brave pivots into patent law, biotech project leadership, and even medical communications at a global beauty brand.Plus, I’ll break down real steps you can take today if you’re feeling stuck, curious, or ready for more.STEM isn't one-size-fits-all anymore. And your careerdoesn’t have to be either.In this episode, you’ll learn:How real scientists pivoted into untraditional careersThe mindset shifts that open new door in STEMPractical resources to start exploring new pathsWhy staying “safe” in your career isn’t always safe at allWhether you’re a student, early-career scientist, or justwondering "what's next?", this episode is your permission to think bigger.🔗 Resources Mentioned:AngelList (startups + tech roles): https://angel.co/jobsScismic (STEM jobs outside academia): https://scismic.com/jobsLinkedIn Learning: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/STEM Peers: https://www.stempeers.org/🎧 Hit play — and let’s rethink what success in STEM really looks like.Have a question or scenario you’d like us to discuss? Submit it here We’ll feature select questions and scenarios on Career Corner, providing personalized tips, insights, and advice from our host and guest experts.Stay connect and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more updates and career tips:InstagramTikTokYouTube#STEMCareers #STEMLife #CareerPivot #CareerAdvice
You’re not stuck — you’re just playing by someone else’srules. In this episode, I’m talking to a pharmacist who walkedaway from the traditional path and said NO to the hospital grind, NO toretail, and YES to a role that actually lights her up:Medical Communications at L’Oréal. Yes, that L’Oréal. She took everything she learned in pharmacy school andflipped the script. Now she’s working at the intersection of science andstrategy, helping translate medical insights for one of the biggest beautybrands in the world. We get into: 💥 How she broke away from the "safe" path🧠 What a career in Medical Communications actually looks like🛠️ How to use your degree as a launchpad, not a life sentence🔥 The mindset shift that helped her take the leap If you’re sitting there thinking “I didn’t go to schoolfor this” — good. That means you’re ready to redefine success on yourterms.Stop waiting. Start building a career that actually fits.Submit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner STREAM WHEN IN STEM : ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to my youtube channel for more♡Follow me on Instagram ♡Follow me on Tiktok💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com