WHEN IN STEM

Thinking about studying biotechnology?Before you choose a biotech degree, there are a few things I wish someone had told me first.In this episode of *When in STEM*, I'm sharing 5 honest reasons you should think twice before studying biotechnology, from how competitive the job market can be, to the reality of layoffs, relocation, and the gap between what you learn in school and what companies actually expect you to know.This isn't meant to discourage you. I love biotech and have built my career in this industry. But if you're considering a degree in biotechnology, biology, life sciences, or a related STEM field, these are the realities you should understand before making your decision.

In this episode, we discuss:
🧬 Why a biotech degree alone may not be enough to get hired🧬 The importance of internships, co-ops, and research experience🧬 Why biotech careers are concentrated in a few major cities🧬 The difference between university labs and industry labs🧬 Biotech layoffs and industry volatility🧬 Why flexibility and career pivots are essential in STEMIf you're a student, recent graduate, or someone considering a career in biotech, I hope this episode helps you make a more informed decision.🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations about careers in STEM, biotech, science, and life sciences.#Biotechnology #BiotechCareers #STEMCareers #LifeSciences #Scientist #WomenInSTEM

In today's episode, I'm answering your most asked questions about my life, career, and journey in STEM.From why I chose biotech over medicine, to why I didn't pursue a PhD, how I got promoted in industry, and where I see myself in the future, this episode is a chance to get to know me beyond the lab coat.We'll also dive into personal questions about my routines, goals, life in Boston, favorite immune cell, travel dreams, and more.Whether you're a student exploring careers in STEM, an early-career scientist, or just curious about my journey, I hope this conversation gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the person behind the content.In This Episode:✨ My journey from pre-med to biotech✨ Why I chose industry over academia✨ Why I didn't pursue a PhD✨ My first job in science✨ How I approach goals and personal growth✨ How I deal with burnout✨ Where I see myself in the next 5 years✨ Life outside the labSubscribe for more conversations about careers, science, personal growth, and life in STEM.🎧 Listen to When in STEM on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.#STEM #Biotech #WomenInSTEM #ScienceCareers #Biotechnology #Premed #PhD #CareerAdvice #Scientist #Podcast #WhenInSTEMSubmit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner 👇HERESTREAM WHEN IN STEM : https://liinks.co/when.in.stem.podcast
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In today’s episode of When In STEM, I’m talking about some of the biggest lessons working in biotech has taught me in my 20s.
From navigating imposter syndrome in Boston biotech, to understanding how important networking and managers really are, to realizing biotech is way more business-focused than I ever expected… this episode is an honest conversation about the realities of working in STEM that nobody really talks about.
We’re discussing:
How your manager can shape your career

Why networking inside your company matters

The truth about biotech culture

Layoffs and instability in the industry

Why biotech is both science AND business

Career paths beyond the bench

Feeling lost, intimidated, and figuring things out in your 20s

Whether you’re a biology student, early-career scientist, pre-med student reconsidering your path, or someone trying to navigate the biotech/pharma industry, I hope this episode makes you feel a little less alone.
Subscribe for more conversations about biotech careers, STEM, women in science, career growth, and navigating your 20s in the life sciences.
#Biotech #STEM #WomenInSTEM #Biotechnology #ScienceCareers #BostonBiotech #Pharma #CareerAdvice #BiologyMajor #WomenInScience #STEMCareers #Podcast

Have you ever walked into a room and felt like everyone else belonged there more than you?
In this episode, we talk about imposter syndrome, confidence, leadership, and the pressure many women feel while navigating STEM careers. From feeling small in executive meetings to questioning our own accomplishments, this is an honest conversation about learning to take up space in rooms we already deserve to be in.
If you’ve ever doubted yourself in science, biotech, or leadership spaces, this episode is for you.

Ever felt like you're not smart enough for a career in science? This conversation is for you.
In this episode of When In STEM, I sit down with Nicole Richards, CEO of a biotech startup working on solutions for mining, PFAS removal, and water treatment, for one of the most honest career conversations I've ever had.
Nicole didn't follow a straight line. She "barely made it through" chemical engineering, took a job in the middle of nowhere as a 21-year-old, said yes to roles before she felt ready, and somehow ended up leading a biotech company.
We talk about why grades genuinely don't matter, how to network when you're an introvert who hates it, why you should speak in the first 5 minutes of every meeting, and the one mindset shift that changed her entire career.
If you've ever felt behind, unqualified, or like you don't have your career "figured out", please listen to this!
⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Intro02:14 Why she chose chemical engineering (the honest answer)04:34 "I barely made it through"07:55 Why grades don't matter09:15 Her first job in the middle of nowhere14:52 How to network when you hate networking21:57 The biggest misconception about what CEOs look for28:53 Saying yes before you feel ready40:29 The 5-minute rule for women in leadership45:15 Pushing back on workplace misconceptions47:32 Career Corner: listener questions

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