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.
Market Research 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.
Market Research 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.
Knowledge of how to build the right marketing mix (product, price, place, promotion) to achieve marketing objectives. This is complementary to the overall marketing strategy and more specifically drives the execution of new product launches as well as positioning of the core portfolio. This is refined annually to ensure it is aligned to the Brand positioning and it takes into account changes in the category or environment. For example, if the competition goes up in Price by 10%, this may provide an opportunity if you are using that Brand as a benchmark.
Knowledge of the process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting data about business’ target market, consumers, competitors, and the industry as a whole. Research is used often to gain consumer insights, make decisions on new product development, help to frame a big idea for a campaign, derive key claims that will resonate with consumers, and more. The possibilities are endless. But it is important to make decisions based on fact, but also taking the data into account with qualitative context as well.
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?
Being able to clearly articulate thoughts, needs and actions is a skill that can continue to be refined. I have been working on my communication throughout my career and I continue to do so on the daily. Proficient oral and verbal communication is the best tool to educate, delegate and to convert thoughts into action. This is a soft skill that I use everyday 24/7 whether at home or in the office. People need to be heard so that you can give them what they need and it’s important to make accurate and clear statements so that there is never any misinterpretation or miscommunication.
Every problem has a solution. To be an effective leader and valuable contributor to an organization, it is an asset to be able to look at the big picture and suggest ways to resolve issues or challenges. Many times problems can lead to untapped opportunities. To problem solve, you need to define the problem, determinine the cause of the problem, identify, prioritize and select alternatives for a solution, and understand how to implement a solution. Being able to resolve problems reduces stress and anxiety.
There is so much noise and potential distraction in the workplace. Clear prioritization and workload management is critical to be able to meet deadlines and deliver with excellence. It is important to efficiently allocate time to various tasks and responsibilities so that you are laser focused. I learned the hard way by saying yes to too many things and then in the end doing a lot of nothing as it was virtually imposible to close off projects/ tasks when there was so much on the go.
Caroline
’s personal path
Tell us about your personal journey in
Market Research Fellow
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Looking back at my personal career journey, I can see that I was quite lucky. I was that student that did not see the value in networking or researching too extensively where I wanted to work in terms of company, etc. so that I could manage expectations and I somehow thought that “everything would work out.” Fortunately, it did, but I realize now that things could have gone very differently and if I had to do it all again, I would have been much more proactive in my research of industry, category, and company so that I was intentional in my journey.
As I was finishing my final year, it finally dawned on me that I would no longer be a student, which meant I needed to figure out what I was going to do next. I used my university job posting site and found 2 companies whose postings called to me, Kraft Foods and Rubbermaid DeWalt. I applied to both and was called to both for interviews. I had booked some travel and had to do my first interviews after a red-eye flight, not smart. I remember my body felt numb and my mind was somehow disconnected from my body. I remember thinking, never do this again, make sure you get good rest, and you anticipate every possible question that may come up. Despite how poorly I thought I had gone, Kraft pushed me through to the next rounds and I was of course better prepared. In the final selection between myself and another candidate I was not selected. It was the first time in my life that I had been ‘rejected.’ I really did not know what I was going to do next, as I had bet on this option. Again, another life lesson popped up, never have all your eggs in one basket. Put yourself in a position where you thought through your plan A, B and C. I could not find anything that intrigued me over the summer, so I resolved that it would be ok to take my time if I found something by the fall. By some miracle, I got a call from Kraft at the end of the summer, 2 months after the rejection, and they offered me a job! Since joining Kraft, I have never looked back in terms of the trajectory of my career. Say yes to possibility and you will see that more doors will just automatically open.
What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?
Often, people have a preconceived notion of what success looks like because of societal and family expectations. Out of duty, many choose career paths that will please others, but it is not truly what brings the individual joy. It is important to also consider passion so that there is a true sense of purpose from what occupies most of our daily lives. A feeling of purpose is sustainable and drives longevity.
Final thoughts & tips
Always keep in mind that nothing worth having comes easy. It is very normal to go down different paths and try different things until you find what you’re most interested in and what drives you. Breadth of experience is as valuable as depth of experience. There is not just one way to get where you want to go. Be the owner of your career and success. No one else will drive it but you.
Resources to dig in more
15 jobs you can get with a Marketing Degree (Career Guide)
This link outlines 6 different potential marketing career paths, along with skills needed, and what could potentially be your best fit.
Marketing Careers: 6 Areas to Explore
This link outlines 6 different potential marketing career paths, along with skills needed, and what could potentially be your best fit.
What is Marketing? Definitions, Strategies and Best Practices
This article defines marketing, explains the benefits and advantages of marketing, provides examples of marketing strategies, best practices and FAQs.
