Lessons from a physician client
I’ve worked with many physicians that have successfully transitioned to pharma/biotech. These three items are ones that I see in everyone that makes the transition (even when it takes months to even close to a year!)
- Perseverance: Doing something despite difficulty or delay in achievement of success
I started working with this client about one year ago. When asked “how long will it take to find a job in pharma/biotech?” I usually provide a range of 6-12 months. This client is on the lengthier side of this range yet they persevered. They continued to apply for roles after being told no (or worse, after never hearing back from an application!). And, the perseverance paid off – offer in hand! Congratulations!!
- Mindset: the established set of attitudes held by someone
When working with clients, I can quickly predict who is coming in with a growth mindset and likely to successfully transition. They are clients who accept the process will be hard, understand that they may “fail” or be told “no” multiple times, and despite this are willing to keep trying. I can see grit and determination in their work throughout the coaching relationship. Despite not hearing from this client for several months, I had the distinct feeling that they were pushing forward in their career pursuit. And, yes! offer in hand! Congratulations!!
- Curiosity: a strong desire to know or learn something
As physicians, we often are scared of looking “dumb”, not knowing something. Yet, for careers in pharma/biotech, how can you expect to know – we are given very little, if any, exposure to pharma/biotech in our training. This client asked questions without apology. If they got disparate information from people they were networking with, they asked for clarification. Being curious is a trait that will help you succeed not only in making your career transition, but in your pharma/biotech career as well – so start practicing now! Ask questions, be curious. Open yourself to vulnerability and learning.
Ready to make a career transition to pharma/biotech… want to explore a way to use your medical training and knowledge in a fulfilling way without nights and weekends call or charting. Watch this webinar on Getting Past the Three Major Hurdles to a Career in the Pharma Industry HERE.