In a panel event held in September 2024, two MIT alums along with a Sanofi employee shared their insights and offered advice to those interested in careers in biopharma and health sciences. Read on for the summary of the event. Thank you to the panelists and to Kien Phuong ’26 (Computer Science & Molecular Biology major), MIT Biotech Group, who moderated the discussion.
- Eli Lilly – Nicole Yang ’15, Senior Advisor (MIT, PhD in Chemical Engineering; Postdoc at Harvard Medical School)
- Moderna – Bill Kelleher, Associate Director, Technical Development Operations (MIT, Chemical-Biological Engineering)
- Sanofi – Giulia Del Cane, Head of Ethics & Business Integrity Projects and Compliance Officer for Enabling Functions, Global Specialty Care (Università Cattaneo, MBA)
What are the differences between college and work?
Solving complex problems is something that takes place every day, and there is a different mindset to approaching complex problems. One such complexity would be combining technical thinking with organizational approach. This combination goes beyond what is typically done during an MBA program, for example. Also, at work one can finally understand how much research costs, and learn how to control this cost through the balance of risk management and making-things-happen approach.
What do you enjoy most about working in biopharma & health sciences?
The science, the fast-paced environment, the passion seen in others. Working in biopharma also offers an overall good learning experience. Roles are often very cross-functional, and involve working with digital teams, researchers, and manufacturers. As a result, one gets to wear a different hat in every meeting.
What challenges do you face in your work?
Work involves generating data every day. Some of this data is very important and requires adapting, good communication, and adjusting to other people. For example, some people need a lot of details when discussing a data set, but not everyone.
In industry you are a part of a team, while in grad school you work on your own project. Developing soft skills is very important, especially communication skills. These skills involve not only presenting, but most importantly conveying your points and adjusting to different audiences. Overall, understanding science was easy, but managing people was challenging and took some adapting.
At work, one needs to make decisions very fast and fully understanding other teams (e.g. R&D) can be challenging. If a team is international, potential language barriers can create additional challenges.
What advice do you have for those who want to pursue this field?
You study or have studied at MIT, so take a moment to appreciate how good you are and have the confidence. Trust yourself, but keep your options open. Definitely take the time to work on your soft skills: you can be great, but if you don’t convey your ideas well, you will not be selected for positions. Learn active listening, but understand and accept the fact that there will always be some miscommunication within teams.
Your goal should be to find your passion. The best way to do that is to talk to alums, explore and learn, follow up on things that get you excited, develop you leadership skills, learn how to run meetings and present.
When considering applicants for internships, employers look for technical skills, but also for what about the company stands out to a student and how that ties to their experience. Do your homework, research the company, and be strategic about what internships you apply for. Make sure you resonate with the company, and fit with their values and mission.
Lastly, become comfortable with failure. Build your bravery to take risks and mess up. One panelist shared that they used to be uncomfortable in front of leadership because of a fear of failure. Eventually, they ended up embracing failure and perceiving mistakes as a learning opportunity.
How do you achieve work-life balance?
This is definitely a challenge. After starting a family, working long nights is much more difficult, if at all possible. To balance work with life, define what you want to accomplish and seek a supportive network. It can also play to your advantage to look specifically for an employer who provides flexibility for working parents (so that they have the flexibility to catch up on work when available).
In general, aim to work for a company that reflects your values and recognizes your talents.
What is the future of technology and healthcare?
Artificial Intelligence is having a huge impact on the pharma industry. That comes with an unwritten requirement to use AI data in an ethical way, even when regulations are not yet in place. It is a very powerful technology, and the possibilities are amazing (with ChatGPT being a good example of that). The field of genetics medicine is also exciting and carries a lot of potential.
Written by: Kamila Madry, Career Fellow