In this interview with Charles Chen, a senior scientist in Big Pharma specializing in lipid chemistry, he shared his journey from earning a bachelor’s in chemical engineering at Michigan State University to completing a PhD in chemistry at King’s College London and a postdoc at MIT. Charles discusses topics including but not limited to: differences between academia and industry, provides valuable advice to PhD students and postdocs interested in transitioning to industry, emphasizes the importance of networking, and the value of acquiring diverse skills. This conversation is part of the Alumni Voices in Industry interview series where we speak to MIT alumni to learn about professional careers outside of academia.
Hosted by MIT Career Advising and Professional Development (CAPD) is MIT’s hub for where we work across the Institute to connect students, postdocs, and alumni with resources and support that empower them to build a rewarding career that makes a difference in the world.
Key takeaways from the interview with Charles Chen
Why industry?
Motivation for change: After spending significant time in academia, Charles was eager to explore how research is conducted in industry. The different setting, pace, and collaboration style intrigued him.
Boston’s dynamic Biotech scene: Charles was excited to work in Boston, which is a hub filled with top-tier talent and innovation in Biotech.
Exposure to diverse expertise: In Big Pharma, you can collaborate with professionals from various scientific backgrounds, which allows for knowledge sharing and a broader skill set.
Differences between academia and industry
In academia, you typically lead your own project, collaborating with external experts as needed. In Big Pharma, teamwork is the norm. Cross-functional teams work together toward shared goals, such as advancing a drug pipeline to clinical trials. Industry is focused on collective goals. The focus is on pushing projects forward as a team, rather than individual-driven results.
Interview preparation tips
Research the company thoroughly
Company website: Understand their therapeutics pipeline, recent publications, and ongoing projects.
Social media and news: Stay updated on recent announcements, partnerships, or funding rounds.
Glassdoor and LinkedIn: Use platforms like Glassdoor to check salary ranges, employee reviews, and interview experiences.
Leverage your network
Connections are key: Talk to former colleagues or friends who work at the company. Gain insights into the company culture, interview process, and team dynamics.
LinkedIn outreach: Reach out to employees on LinkedIn for informational interviews. Ask about the team, role expectations, and company culture.
Ask questions during the interview
Interviewing is a two-way street. Use the phone screen and interviews to ask insightful questions about the role, team culture, and expectations. This shows genuine interest and helps you assess if the position is a good fit.
