Job searching in biotech can feel like a full-time job with no feedback loop. You’re applying, refreshing, waiting—and still hearing nothing. So what actually works?In this episode of When in STEM, we’re pulling back the curtain on biotech recruiting with Joan Francesc Garcia Borràs, a life sciences recruiter at Hays.Joan shares what it’s really like behind the scenes of hiring: - What recruiters do (and don’t do) for candidates- What makes someone stand out on LinkedIn- Whether cover letters actually get read- How immigration status and location impact your chances- The truth about ghosting and why it happens more than you thinkThis episode is packed with actionable advice and real talk for anyone job searching in STEM, especially in competitive fields like biotech and pharma.🎧 Tune in for the job search clarity you’ve been looking for.📲 Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe so you never miss an episode that could change your career.👉 Connect with Joan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joanfrancescgarciaborras👉 Follow Hays for biotech job insights: linkedin.com/company/haysSTREAM WHEN IN STEM : https://liinks.co/when.in.stem.podcast ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to Youtube ♡Follow me on Instagram ♡Follow me on Tiktok 💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com
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How I’m Building a Stronger STEM Career: Mindset, Networking, and More
Are you navigating a STEM career filled with uncertainty, job search stress, and the pressure to “have it all figured out”? In this solo episode, I share how I’m applying mindset strategies I’ve learned from this month’s guests — so you can build confidence, resilience, and professional momentum in your own STEM journey.This episode is packed with actionable tips for early-career scientists, international students, biotech professionals, and anyone feeling stuck or burned out in the STEM world. Whether you’re building your network on LinkedIn, recovering from a layoff, or just trying to stay motivated — this episode gives you the tools to shift from survival mode to career growth.You’ll learn how to:• Build confidence through consistent, low-pressure networking• Strategically job hunt beyond the “easy apply” button• Bounce back from rejection with resilience techniques that actually work• Set personal and professional boundaries that protect your energyEpisode 1 (mentioned in EP): The Power of Networking and ConfidenceEpisode 2 (mentioned in EP): Just a Bachelor’s Degree—And Still Made It in BiotechEpisode 3 (mentioned in EP): Building Adaptive Resilience in STEM ⏱ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Why mindset matters in STEM1:20 – Networking & confidence: My weekly “networking sprint” strategy02:37 – Setbacks & job loss: How I apply Asmi’s story to stay proactive03:06 – My 4-step job search action plan04:01 – Building resilience: The “job description” exercise that changed my mindset05:30 – Tools I’m using now (podcast + workbook recs)06:05 – Final thoughts + your next step📘 The Resilience Journal: A Guided Workbook for Overcoming Challenges, Cultivating Strength & Moving Forward🎧 The Mindset Mentor PodcastThe Mindset Mentor is a podcast hosted by Rob Dial, focusing on motivation, mindset, and personal development. It's designed for anyone seeking direction and focus in life, blending insights from psychology and neuroscience. • Spotify • Apple PodcastsSubmit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner 👇 HERE STREAM WHEN IN STEM : https://liinks.co/when.in.stem.podcast ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to Youtube ♡Follow me on Instagram ♡Follow me on Tiktok 💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com
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Building Adaptive Resilience in STEM
In the high-stakes world of STEM—where pressure is constant and rejection is often personal—resilience isn’t just a skill. It’s survival.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jo Viney, career coach, biotech leader, and co-founder of Seismic Therapeutics. From co-leading the $1.85B acquisition of Pandion by Merck to navigating the invisible weight of leadership, Jo’s story is anything but linear. Behind the titles and milestones is a journey marked by rejection, hard pivots, and the kind of setbacks that quietly shape who we become.We explore the power of adaptive resilience—a mindset shift that helps STEM professionals not just endure, but evolve. This is the resilience that moves beyond grit. It's about learning to bend, not break.Together, we dive into:- The real meaning of adaptive resilience in STEM—and why it matters more than ever.- How to reframe rejection and stay grounded when your career feels stuck.- Practical tools for managing job search frustration, imposter syndrome, and long-haul goals in biotech, academia, and research.- How high-pressure environments challenge our mental and emotional strength—and how to protect both.- The single most powerful mindset shift Jo recommends for anyone feeling lost in their career.This episode isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about building the inner scaffolding to keep going—even when things fall apart.Because in STEM, the people who make it through aren’t just the most talented. They’re the most resilient.Time Stamps: 00:00 - The Journey of Resilience06:56 - Adaptive Resilience in STEM10:26 - Mindset Traps in Job Searching15:22 - Reframing Rejection and Setbacks19:18 - Maintaining Emotional Strength in STEM22:01 - Unique Challenges in STEM Careers24:30 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome26:08 - Shifting Focus from Goals to Purpose29:03 - Maintaining Work-LifeBalance in STEM33:30 - Creating an Empowering Work Environment36:09 - Navigating Career Challenges40:38 - The Importance of Mentorship#stempodcast #biotechcareers #womeninstem #overcomingrejection #mentalhealth #stem #jobsearchtips #science Submit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner 👇 HERE STREAM WHEN IN STEM : https://liinks.co/when.in.stem.podcast ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to Youtube ♡Follow me on Instagram ♡Follow me on Tiktok 💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com
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Just a Bachelor’s Degree—And Still Made It in Biotech
What do you do when you’ve done everything right — and it still falls apart?Asmi is an international student with only a bachelor’s degree trying to survive in one of the most competitive industries: biotech. No advanced degree. No safety net. Just pure determination.First, she got laid off from a startup.Then, 23 weeks into a new role— laid off again.Next? She landed another job… only to have the offer revoked.Her visa was expiring. Time was running out.This episode is about what no one talks about — the silent pressure of building a career when your entire future depends on it. The mental toll. The self-doubt. The near misses. The fear.But it’s also about what happens when you don’t give up.If you’ve ever questioned whether you're “qualified enough” to chase a career in biotech — this story might be the reminder you didn’t know you needed.Video Chapter: 0:00 Introduction to Biotech Careers4:31 Navigating Education and career choices 10:11 Breaking into Biotech: First Job Experiences 15:32 Challenges of Being an International Student 19:54 Coping with Layoffs and Job Searching 24:28 Resilience and Networking in Job Applications25:46 Networking: The Key to Job Applications31:43 Overcoming Setbacks: The Layoff Experience37:44 Resilience in The Face of Adversity 39:07 Finding Meaning in New Opportunities. Advice For International Students. 49:24 Career Corner: Navigating Job OpportunitiesSubmit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner 👇HERE STREAM WHEN IN STEM : https://liinks.co/when.in.stem.podcast ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more ♡Follow me on Instagram♡Follow me on Tiktok 💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com#biotechcareers #careerjourney #bachelordegree #stemcareers #careergrowth #internationalstudents #jobhunting #careerinspiration #nevergiveup #stemsuccess #biotech #stem #resilience #careermotivation #podcast #stempodcast
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The Power of Networking and Confidence
What if the biggest opportunities in your STEM career were just one conversation away?In this episode, I sit down with Jessi Rennekamp—a powerhouse in the STEM world whose journey is living proof that networking isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a career strategy. We talk about the often-overlooked truth: talent alone doesn’t always open doors, but relationships do.We dive into the moments that shaped Jessi’s confidence, how she made connections that changed the trajectory of her career, and the quiet power of showing up—authentically—in rooms that feel intimidating. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your next big leap, this conversation will challenge how you think about networking and give you real tools to build meaningful, strategic relationships in STEM.Because the truth is, no one builds a career alone.Resources:Healthcare Businesswomen's AssociationLife Science CaresChapter Timestamps: 0:00 - The Art of Storytelling in Biotech Communications4:52 - Navigating the Networking Landscape9:15 - Building Confidence in Networking13:48 - Authenticity in Networking18:41 - Crafting Your Narrative22:57 - Effective Follow-Up Strategies26:31 - Staying Motivated in Networking30:05 The Unasked Questions in Networking30:14 - Overcoming Networking Guilt30:23 - Building Meaningful Connections32:58 - The Importance of Mindset in Networking35:02 - Confidence Building Strategies37:39 - Common Networking Mistakes38:35 - Timing and Respect in Networking Requests40:23 - Leveraging Connections Respectfully42:10 - Final Thoughts on Networking and ConfidenceSubmit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner STREAM WHEN IN STEM ON ALL PLATFORMS♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to YouTube♡Follow me on Instagram ♡Follow me on Tiktok 💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com#stemcareers #networkingtips #womeninstem #careergrowth #stem #professionaldevelopment #networking #stempodcast #biotech #research
When in STEM is your go-to podcast for exploring the world of science, technology, engineering, and math through the eyes of those who live it. Hosted by Marie, each episode features conversations with professionals from across the STEM landscape, sharing their experiences, challenges, and the breakthroughs shaping the future. Whether you're a student navigating your path or a professional looking to elevate your career, When in STEM offers practical advice, inspiring stories, and the unfiltered truth about what it's really like to work in these dynamic fields. Tune in for a dose of motivation
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