Life Science Researchers as Rock Stars: Insights from the Career Coach

Tina Persson, a career coach who has guided over 1,000 graduates, recently released "The PhD Career Coaching Guide" to help doctoral graduates land a job. In an interview, she discusses the positive response to the book and how the life science industry differs from others. Persson notes that the industry is distinctive due to its long-term and investment-heavy research projects, requiring higher skills from doctors and top researchers. She also highlights the industry's recent boom thanks to the pandemic, which has resulted in growing interest and researchers being seen as "rock stars."

What response have you received to the book?
- The book came out just before the pandemic hit. I managed to get a release for it - good timing... But now the book is actually climbing the Amazon list. It is also in a book club circle at an American university. I have also received very positive feedback from postdocs. I don't teach how to write your CV in 100 pages, but it's more action.

How does the life science industry differ from others?
- In the life science industry, everything takes a little longer. The research projects are long-term and investment-heavy. With that, there is also a greater need for higher skills – doctors, preferably with specialist areas and top researchers. It is distinctive for the industry. Today in 2022, the industry has boomed thanks to the growing interest as a result of the pandemic. Life science has caught the eye and researchers have almost become a bit of rock stars.

Read the full interview here.

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