In a recent panel discussion, a group of accomplished professionals shared their experiences and insights on navigating careers that blend science and business. The event, moderated by Rony Roofie, Assistant Director of Physical Sciences, aimed to guide students in understanding the diverse opportunities available to them beyond traditional science roles.
Career Center Overview
Before diving into the panel discussion, Rony provided an overview of the career center's resources available to students. The center offers various services, including:
- One-on-One Appointments: Students can schedule 30-minute sessions to discuss career paths, internships, and graduate school options.
- Drop-In Sessions: Short, 15-minute sessions available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for quick questions and guidance.
- Handshake Platform: A comprehensive resource for job postings, internships, and career events.
- VMOCK: An online resume critique tool that helps students polish their resumes.
- Alumni Services: Graduates can access career counseling for up to three months post-graduation and continue using Handshake for a year.
Panelist Introductions
The panel featured four distinguished alumni:
Harold Tan
- Education: B.S. in Cognitive Science and a minor in Mathematics from UCLA; MBA from Anderson; Graduate degree in Information Systems from Harvard.
- Current Role: Co-founder of Gigawatt, a solar company, with a history of founding successful e-commerce businesses.
Christine
- Education: B.S. in Computational and Systems Biology from UCLA.
- Current Role: Healthcare consultant at Cloudmed and co-founder of an EdTech startup.
Jennifer (JJ)
- Education: B.S. in Computational and Systems Biology from UCLA; Graduate degree in Clinical Trials from Columbia University.
- Current Role: Works at L'Oreal in their technology incubator, managing a team to develop innovative cosmetic products.
Derek Lee
- Education: B.S. in Neuroscience from UCLA; MBA from Kellogg School of Management.
- Current Role: Director of Revenue Strategy and Operations at DaVita, focusing on patient education and healthcare strategies.
Choosing a Science Major
The panelists discussed their motivations for choosing their respective science majors:
- Harold: Chose cognitive science out of fascination with reality and science.
- Derek: Initially pre-med, he found that the analytical skills from his major were transferable to business.
- Jennifer: Selected computational systems biology for its interdisciplinary nature, combining biology and technology.
- Christine: Pursued a major that allowed her to explore both biological sciences and entrepreneurship.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
The panelists shared insights into their typical workdays:
- Derek: Focuses on managing teams, analyzing data, and collaborating across departments.
- Jennifer: Balances project management with technical oversight and team support.
- Christine: Manages people and projects, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
- Harold: As an entrepreneur, he deals with operational challenges and strategic growth.
Challenges and Rewards
Each panelist reflected on the challenges and rewards of their roles:
- Derek: Finds fulfillment in improving patient outcomes and enjoys the variety of projects.
- Jennifer: Faces challenges in developing innovative products but finds joy in leading teams and creating impactful solutions.
- Christine: Enjoys training new consultants and solving technical issues, while also facing the challenge of managing diverse teams.
- Harold: Values the freedom of entrepreneurship but finds it challenging to manage employee performance and navigate regulatory hurdles.
The Impact of COVID-19
The panelists discussed how the pandemic has influenced their industries:
- Derek: Noted the rise of telemedicine as a lasting change in healthcare.
- Jennifer: Highlighted the shift towards online consumer engagement in the beauty industry.
- Christine: Emphasized the importance of adapting to new consumer behaviors and technology integration.
Pursuing Advanced Degrees
The panelists shared their thoughts on pursuing advanced degrees:
- Derek: Stressed the importance of having a clear career goal before deciding to pursue graduate education.
- Harold: Advised against pursuing degrees for the sake of status, emphasizing the value of practical experience.
- Jennifer: Encouraged students to gain work experience before committing to graduate school to clarify their career objectives.
Advice for Students
The panel concluded with valuable advice for current students:
- Networking: Building connections is crucial for career advancement.
- Internships: Gaining practical experience through internships can significantly enhance employability.
- Enjoy the Journey: Students should take time to enjoy their undergraduate experience and explore diverse interests.
- Tell Your Story: Learning to articulate personal experiences and skills is essential for job applications.
Conclusion
The panel discussion provided invaluable insights into the intersection of science and business careers. Students are encouraged to leverage available resources, seek internships, and build networks to navigate their career paths successfully. The journey may be challenging, but with the right guidance and determination, students can find fulfilling careers that align with their passions and skills.
