You have to give a presentation!?!?
During the interview process, it is not unusual to be asked to provide a presentation to an audience. The goal of the presentation includes:
- Determining your ability to analyze information and/or data
- Assessing your presentation skills
- Understanding your behavioral style and ability to answer questions
Most teams will ask you to choose a topic (as opposed to assigning one). In deciding what to present, consider the following:
- Have you conducted any primary research you can share?
- Is there a clinical question you’ve recently encountered that you needed to research?
- Is there overlap with a topic of relevance to the company where you are interviewing?
A few other tips:
- Triple check for consistency in formatting and typos
- If you are asked a question you don’t know the answer to, thank the person that asked for the thoughtful question, acknowledge you are interested in pursuing an answer and that you will consider the question further – avoid defensiveness!
- Follow directions – keep your presentation to the time allotted
Years ago, during my residency, a faculty member gave me a pointer I use to this day: Practice your presentation OUT LOUD at a minimum of three times prior to delivering. This has been an important part of my preparation of any presentation for more than 25 years now!
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.