🔬 🚀 How to Ask for Feedback Without the Fear Factor

In partnership with

Good morning, STEM enthusiasts!  Did you know that on April 3, 1969, surgeon Denton Cooley changed the future of medicine by implanting the first-ever completely artificial heart? This life-saving innovation kept a patient alive until a real heart was available, pushing the boundaries of cardiac surgery. Just like STEM itself, breakthroughs like this remind us that the impossible is only temporary—so keep dreaming big and innovating! 🚀 

Today’s issue:
🔎Career Spotlight: Translating Science into Solutions: The Pharma Sales Advantage
🎙️Ask A Scientist: From STEM Studies to Project Manager Extraordinaire: My Journey! — Will Everett
💡Skills Spotlight: How to Ask for Feedback Without the Fear Factor
🔥Career Glow-Up Challenge: 7-Day “Master Soft Skills” Challenge
📩Quick Links: Career Resources Inside

🔎STEM CAREER JOB OF THE WEEK
Translating Science into Solutions: The Pharma Sales Advantage

A Pharmaceutical Sales Representative in the biotech and pharma industry is like a science storyteller and dealmaker rolled into one. They don’t just sell medications—they connect groundbreaking treatments with the doctors and pharmacists who need them. Imagine blending cutting-edge science, persuasive communication, and a little bit of strategy to help bring life-saving drugs to patients. If you love science but don’t want to be stuck in a lab, and you have a knack for building relationships and making an impact, this career could be your perfect mix of brains, business, and big opportunities!🔬

Major:
- Biology, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences, Business (with a focus on sales or marketing), Biotechnology, or other related science degrees.

Job functions:
A pharmaceutical sales rep's role is dynamic, often involving travel, relationship-building, and strategic selling. Their daily tasks typically include:
🔎Meeting with Healthcare Professionals (HCPs): Scheduling and attending meetings with doctors, pharmacists, and healthcare providers to present products.
🔎Product Demonstrations & Education: Explaining the benefits, side effects, and clinical data of medications to HCPs.
🔎Attending Conferences & Training: Staying updated on new pharmaceutical advancements, regulations, and company policies.
🔎Reporting & Compliance: Documenting sales activities and expenses and ensuring all sales tactics align with medical regulations (e.g., FDA, HIPAA).

Skills Needed:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Persuasive sales and negotiation abilities
- Time management and organization
- Resilience & adaptability

Salary Landscape:
- The salary range varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and skill level.
- An entry-level QC Analyst can expect an annual salary ranging from $27,140 - $116,456, with the average at $71,576 per year in the United States.  Source: Zip Recruiter) 

🎙️ASK A SCIENTIST (OR BOSS!)
From STEM Studies to Project Manager Extraordinaire: My Journey! — Will Everett

Q: What was your major, and how did it shape your career path?
A: I majored in Mechanical Engineering, but honestly, I wasn’t sure what specific career path I wanted to take at first—I just knew I wanted to be in STEM. Internships were a game-changer for me. I explored roles in Quality Control, Manufacturing, and Engineering, which gave me a hands-on look at different career paths.

Q: What’s your current job title, and what do you do?
A: I’m a Project Manager II at Concuir, Inc. My role is all about keeping projects on track—coordinating between different teams, facilitating meetings, and making sure everything runs smoothly. I also handle key project documentation, like reviewing and approving User Requirement Specifications (URS). Basically, I make sure things get done on time.

Q: What advice would you give to young STEM professionals looking to break into the Pharma/Biotech industry?
A: Internships are hands down the best way to get your foot in the door. Try to secure one at a pharmaceutical or biotech company as early as possible—it helps you gain real-world experience and start building a professional network. Also, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Talk to professors, family, and friends—someone in your circle might have a connection that can help open doors.

Q: What technical and industry-specific skills do you think are essential for the next generation of STEM professionals?
A: Technical writing is huge—there’s a ton of documentation in this industry. Learning project management tools like Smartsheet and Microsoft Project is also a big plus. If you’re still in college, take a Project Management class! And don’t overlook your lab reports and senior projects—they’re a great way to practice documentation and project tracking, which will be valuable in your career.

Q: How can students and early-career professionals develop these skills while still in college or during internships?
A: My experience at Heron Therapeutics as an intern was incredibly valuable—it gave me firsthand experience in manufacturing and engineering, which eventually helped me land my current role. If you have the chance to intern, take it! Also, take on leadership roles in group projects, learn to write reports professionally, and get familiar with project management tools now—it’ll make your transition into the workforce much easier.

Q: What’s the most rewarding part of working in the Pharma/Biotech industry?
A: The impact. Knowing that the work I do contributes to life-saving and life-improving drugs is extremely fulfilling. This industry is always pushing the boundaries of innovation, and it’s amazing to be a part of something that truly makes a difference in people’s lives.

Q: Beyond technical expertise, what soft skills or personal qualities do you think are essential for long-term success in this industry?
A: A results-driven mindset is key, especially in a consulting role like mine. You need to work well in a team, be open to new ideas, and always be eager to learn. Adaptability and problem-solving skills will set you apart in an industry that’s constantly evolving.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I’m really into cars—detailing, restoring, and working on them whenever I get the chance. I also hit the gym regularly and love rock climbing.

Q: Favorite movie?
A: I’m a huge fan of all Marvel movies—can’t pick just one!

💡SKILLS SPOTLIGHT
How to Ask for Feedback Without the Fear Factor

Let’s be honest: getting feedback can feel scary. Even the most confident STEM professionals hesitate when it’s time to ask, “How am I doing?”

But here’s the truth: constructive feedback is one of the most powerful growth tools you have. It reveals your blind spots. It strengthens your performance.

And it shows that you're someone who wants to improve—one of the most admired traits in leadership. So why do so many people avoid it?

Why STEM Professionals Avoid Feedback
If you’ve ever hesitated to ask for feedback, you're not alone. These are the most common reasons professionals in STEM hold back:
✅Fear of hearing something negative
✅Worry it’ll damage their reputation
✅Past experiences with vague or unhelpful feedback
✅Not wanting to look like they don’t already “know it all”

But here’s the shift: asking for feedback doesn’t make you look less competent—it signals strength, self-awareness, and leadership maturity.

And the more intentional you are in how you ask, the better the feedback you’ll get.

3 Strategies to Ask for Feedback the Right Way

1. Be Specific
General questions like “Do you have any feedback for me?” often lead to vague responses. Instead, try: “I’m working on improving how I communicate my technical ideas to cross-functional teams. Was I clear in yesterday’s meeting?”

2. Ask for Observations, Not Judgments
People are more comfortable giving feedback when you ask for observations instead of evaluations. Try this: “What did you notice about the way I handled the discussion during that stakeholder call?”

3. Make It Safe for the Other Person
Let them know you’re genuinely open and not fishing for praise. “I’m looking to grow and would really value your honest perspective. Is there one thing I could do differently to be more effective?”

Your Challenge for the Week:
Ask one trusted colleague or supervisor for feedback using one of the scripts above. It doesn’t have to be formal or lengthy—just start the conversation. Why it works:
✅You’ll get data you can actually use
✅You’ll build stronger working relationships
✅And you’ll stand out as someone who takes ownership of their growth

Feedback isn’t something to fear—it’s fuel for your future. Every great leader gets better by asking, listening, and applying what they’ve learned.

So this week, be that leader. You’ve got this!!!

🔥CAREER GLOW-UP CHALLENGE: 
7-Day “Master Soft Skills” Challenge

🔥🔥 Become the scientist that managers LOVE to work with!

Daily Actions:
✅Day 1: Practice explaining a technical concept in simple terms
✅Day 2: Learn & apply one active listening technique in a conversation
✅Day 3: Improve email communication (fix one unclear email)
✅Day 4: Give constructive feedback to a peer (practice professionalism)
✅Day 5: Join a professional discussion & contribute an insight
✅Day 6: Learn to handle workplace conflicts (watch a short video or read an article)
✅Day 7: Ask a coworker, mentor, or friend for feedback on your communication skills

📢Bonus: Share your biggest takeaway and get a shoutout!