Career Development Workshop – Preparing Scientists for Industry Careers

Join Life Science Washington for a free “How to Land Your First Job” Bootcamp workshop presented by SciPhD on October, 8, and 9, 2026.

About the Workshop

As career opportunities expand beyond academia, success in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and consulting industries requires more than scientific expertise. Employers seek scientists who can collaborate, manage projects, communicate effectively across disciplines, and translate scientific discoveries into commercial value.

Unlike traditional career programs, this two-day in-person workshop offers hands-on practice, simulations, real-world case studies, and business perspectives needed to thrive in professional life science organizations.

Who Should Attend?

• Graduate students and doctoral candidates
• Postdoctoral fellows
• Recent PhD graduates
• Experienced scientists transitioning into industry roles

Date and Format: The entire workshop will take place in-person at Bristol Myers Squibb’s conference space in downtown Seattle. This includes networking with company representatives from sponsor companies throughout the program. Students are expected to attend the majority of sessions.

Registration: There is no cost to participate in the workshop due to the generous support of Bristol Myers Squibb, but registration is required to receive course materials.

Benefits: As part of attending all the workshop, you will (1) receive access to Flamingo – the virtual career coach, to help guide you through the job search process, (2) access to network of industry professionals, and (3) certificate of completion.

Workshop Modules

• Entrepreneurial Thinking & Commercialization: Learn how scientific discoveries are translated not limited to starting companies. You will learn how to translate them into viable projects, products, and services by recognizing unmet needs, evaluating opportunities, and developing practical solutions that create value.
• Business of Science & Entrepreneurial Thinking: Understand industry value creation, company structures, targeted resume building, and the 24 core professional competencies.
• Communications for Scientists: Master technical literacy, interviewing communication, and social/emotional intelligence.
• Networking for Career Success: Learn strategies to initiate professional relationships, build a network, navigate career transitions, and prepare for interviews.
• Developing Your People (Team Leadership): Explore practical leadership techniques, team motivation, mentoring, and collaborative dynamics.
• Project Management: Gain tools for project planning, risk management, execution, and managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Behavioral-Based Interviews: Translate scientific achievements into compelling proof of employer value using behavioral interview techniques.
• Negotiations: Apply integrative negotiation strategies to gracefully leave academic labs and secure competitive job offers.

Schedule Overview

Day 1 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT)

• 8:00 – 8:30 AM: BMS Welcome
• 8:30 – 10:30 AM: Business of Science
• 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Communications for Scientists (Part 1)
• 12:00 – 12:45 PM: Lunch
• 12:45 – 2:45 PM: Communications for Scientists (Part 2)
• 3:00 – 4:30 PM: Building & Leveraging Your Network
• 5:00 – 6:00 PM: BMS Networking Reception

Day 2 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT)

• 9:15 – 10:00 AM: Behavioral-Based Interviews
• 10:15 AM – 12:00 PM: Leadership – Developing Your People
• 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00 – 3:00 PM: Project Management
• 3:15 – 4:30 PM: Negotiations (With PI & Hiring Manager)