Introduction
Hello everyone, my name is Gauri Kulkarni. I embarked on my academic journey in India with a clear vision and passion for the research industry. While my peers aspired to become doctors, I knew that my calling lay in the world of scientific exploration and discovery. This led me to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering in Instrumentation and Control with a major in Biomedical Engineering.
During my undergraduate years, I developed a solid understanding of engineering principles. In my final year, I had the incredible opportunity to work on a project aimed at developing a device to detect Parkinson’s disease. This experience ignited a deep interest in neurodegenerative diseases, propelling me towards a future focused on understanding and finding solutions for these conditions.
To further my education and delve deeper into the field of Biomedical Engineering, I knew that pursuing a Master’s degree was essential. I soon realized that gaining admission to reputable schools in the United States without work experience would be challenging. Determined to acquire practical skills and knowledge, I decided to work for a year in a pharmaceutical company in India. This invaluable experience provided me with hands-on exposure to a wet lab environment and allowed me to work with cutting-edge analytical lab equipment.
In 2018, I made the decision to pursue my Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering in the United States. I was accepted into Binghamton University, where I immersed myself in my studies. With a particular focus on neurodegenerative diseases, I continued my research, eager to contribute to the growing body of knowledge and make a tangible impact in this field. I focused on detecting Alzheimer’s disease using digital biomedical engineering techniques. This research not only deepened my understanding of the field but also exposed me to various programming languages and software tools, enhancing my technical skills.
During my Master’s program, I also had the opportunity to collaborate with a PhD student. This collaboration sparked my initial interest in the field of oncology, as I witnessed the profound impact that research could have on improving cancer treatments and patient outcomes.
Upon completing my Master’s degree, I secured a job as a biomedical engineer. In this role, I primarily worked in process development, applying the engineering principles I had learned throughout my education. After a few months, I realized that my true passion lay in the research aspects of my work, particularly in the field of immuno-oncology.
Motivated by my passion for research and the desire to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in cancer treatment, I made the decision to join as a research associate in a biotechnology industry company. Here, I have been fortunate to work on groundbreaking research aimed at developing transformative cancer treatments for patients. Along the way, I have gained valuable skills, both technical and interpersonal, that have furthered my growth as a researcher.
Throughout my journey, I have come to realize that my training in engineering has been instrumental in my ability to excel in the research field. The problem-solving mindset, analytical thinking, and attention to detail that I developed during my engineering education have proven to be invaluable assets in my research endeavors.
As I look back on my experiences and the skills I have acquired, I am grateful for the opportunities that have shaped my path. With each step, my passion for research and dedication to improving patient outcomes in the field of immuno-oncology continue to drive me forward. From my beginnings in India to pursuing my passion in a foreign land, I have encountered numerous challenges along the way. But my determination and unwavering commitment to making a difference have propelled me forward.
Finance Fellow
career options
The biotechnology and biomedical engineering fields offer a wide range of career options for individuals interested in applying science and technology to improve human health and advance medical research. These fields involve the use of biological systems, engineering principles, and technology to develop innovative solutions and products. The different careers offer opportunities for research, development, manufacturing, and consulting in various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology companies, research institutions, and medical device companies.
The field of biotechnology and biomedical engineering is vast, with many diverse career paths. A few options have been described below, but these only encompass some career paths.
Finance Fellow
skills
What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Aseptic techniques in the biotechnology industry are essential for maintaining the sterility and integrity of biopharmaceutical products. These techniques involve creating a sterile environment, ensuring personnel are properly trained, sterilizing equipment, and performing aseptic manipulations. Regular monitoring and validation are also crucial to ensure the effectiveness of these techniques. By implementing aseptic techniques, biotechnology companies can prevent contamination and ensure the quality and safety of their products, meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining product integrity.
Excel is essential for building financial models, analyzing large data sets, and performing sensitivity analysis, while PowerPoint is used to present findings, investment theses, and recommendations. I use Excel daily for financial modeling and valuation work, while PowerPoint is critical for preparing presentations to communicate insights to portfolio managers and team members.
This skill involves evaluating a company’s business model, competitive advantages, industry positioning, and management quality to understand long-term growth potential and risks. I use fundamental analysis when conducting stock pitches, especially when I start to get to know about new businesses.
Data analysis skills are crucial in biotechnology and biomedical engineering, allowing for interpreting and extracting insights from complex datasets. Proficiency in statistical analysis, knowledge of data analysis techniques, and familiarity with software and statistical packages commonly used in these fields are essential for effective data analysis.
What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Investors must evaluate new information daily, and objectively assess their investment theses even when the data challenges their views. Intellectual honesty allows investors to recognize when they are wrong, cut losses early, and reallocate capital to better opportunities.
Public markets can be stressful, given they are inherently uncertain and subject to short-term volatility. Perseverance helps investors weather drawdowns, maintain conviction in well-researched positions, and continually refine their approach.
Effective communication in a timely manner is critical for gaining buy-in on investment ideas. Analysts must distill detailed research into actionable insights and convey the rationale behind their recommendations to their portfolio managers in a compelling, concise manner. Strong communication also helps foster collaboration and build credibility within investment teams.
Public market investing requires handling multiple responsibilities—researching companies, monitoring earnings, reacting to breaking news, and updating financial models—often simultaneously. Effective time management ensures analysts focus on critical opportunities and deliver timely insights, enabling swift decision-making in fast-moving markets.
Networking enhances an investor’s ability to source unique investment ideas and understand industry trends better. Strong relationships with management teams, industry experts, and buyside contacts can provide critical context around a company’s operations, strategic priorities, and competitive positioning, which is invaluable for investment analysis.
Danielle
’s personal path
Tell us about your personal journey in
Finance Fellow
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I always felt I was behind others when I first started. When I first joined high school in the UK, I barely spoke any English, and I still remember how my college consultants told me I wouldn’t have much of a chance to get into an Ivy League school or Oxford/Cambridge. Years later, I found myself at Princeton University, but the challenges didn’t stop there. When I was looking for a job in college, most firms didn’t even bother to interview me because public market roles directly out of undergrad were rare, and the fact that I did not have permanent work authorization made the process even more difficult. I knew I had to take a different approach to stand out. I spent countless hours cold-calling firms, sending follow-up emails that often went unanswered. To demonstrate my passion for investing, I built detailed stock pitch decks and analyzed companies to prove I could think like an analyst. Not being a naturally eloquent speaker, I practiced interviews relentlessly—whether with friends or in front of a mirror—until I felt confident. I repeated this same process years later when breaking into the hedge fund industry, pushing through the challenges with persistence and preparation.
Throughout my career, Covid and my personal problems have further exacerbated the hardships. Both mentally and physically challenged, there are countless times where I just wanted to give up. However, ultimately I found myself the right opportunities as I persevered through and realized that’s what makes my everyday job more meaningful.
What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?
I’d tell my younger self to remember that your career is a two-way street. While it’s important to deliver value to your employer, it’s just as critical to evaluate what they can offer you in terms of career development and opportunities. Instead of sitting back and waiting for the perfect project, the best team, or the ideal role, actively put yourself in situations that stretch your skills and knowledge. When you take control of your career path and demand challenges that align with your long-term goals, you increase the likelihood of being in the right place at the right time.
Final thoughts & tips
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that career paths are rarely linear. Early on at Lord Abbett, I was frustrated that I had to cover so many different sectors instead of focusing solely on technology stocks, which was my true passion. At the time, it felt like a distraction, but in hindsight, it became one of my greatest strengths. Having exposure to such a broad range of industries taught me to quickly analyze any type of business—an ability that many sector specialists struggle to develop. What initially seemed like a setback ended up giving me a critical edge in my investing career.
I’ve also had my fair share of rejections. There were funds I desperately wanted to join but didn’t even get interviews for, and some of those firms eventually went out of business. Looking back, I realize I was better off not having joined them. These experiences taught me that as long as you give your best in every moment, things often work out in ways you never expected. What feels like bad luck in the moment can sometimes turn into better luck in hindsight.
The key is to embrace challenges and stay resilient. It’s okay to stumble or fall, as every obstacle—whether you overcome it or not—will help you grow, not just as a professional but as a stronger, more resilient person. Keep pushing forward, stay curious, and seize every opportunity to learn. You might not see the results immediately, but over time, your perseverance will shape a career that is uniquely yours.
Resources to dig in more
Market Wizards, Updated: Interviews with top traders
Description: This is one of my favorite investing books that is easy to follow. This resource is highly valuable for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of what drives success in investing and trading, making it a must-read for aspiring public market investors. Through a series of in-depth interviews, Schwager explores the strategies and principles that have enabled these traders to achieve extraordinary success. Each chapter provides unique insights into how these individuals approach risk management, decision-making, and market dynamics.
Wall Street Oasis financial courses
Description: Wall Street Oasis (WSO) offers a comprehensive suite of financial courses, covering essential topics such as financial modeling, valuation techniques, accounting fundamentals, Excel proficiency, and advanced concepts like M&A, private equity, and hedge fund strategies. These courses are known for their practical, real-world applications, providing step-by-step instruction, case studies, and exercises that help you well-equipped for job interviews.
Linkedin Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers a wide range of courses on industry technicals, if you are looking to specialize your research career in a specific sector. For example, Artificial Intelligence (AI) course at LinkedIn Learning is tailored for professionals at all levels, from beginners to advanced learners. These courses cover key AI concepts such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and neural networks, as well as practical applications of AI in industries like finance, healthcare, and technology.
