🔬🌍How Will You Spend 67 Minutes? 🌍 #MandelaDay

Did you know July 18th is Nelson Mandela International Day?  
It’s not just a date—it’s a global movement. Every year on Mandela’s birthday, people around the world are encouraged to spend 67 minutes doing something good. Why 67? Because that’s how many years Nelson Mandela dedicated to fighting for justice, equality, and human rights.

Whether you lend a hand in your community, support a local cause, or simply show kindness to someone who needs it, your actions matter!

Today’s issue:
🔎Career Spotlight: People Power: How HR Keeps Biotech Moving Forward
💡Skills Spotlight: Self-trust is your secret career advantage!
🔥Career Glow-Up Challenge: The Coffee Chat Challenge: Building Your Professional Network One Conversation at a Time
🔥Professional Resources: Massive Investment in US Manufacturing Triggers Wave of Career Opportunities
💼Resource: Breaking into Biotech: A Guide to the Biotech & Pharma Industry

🔎STEM CAREER JOB OF THE WEEK 
🌱🌱People Power: How HR Keeps Biotech Moving Forward

An HR Associate in the biotech/pharma industry helps power the people side of science, supporting hiring, onboarding, training, and employee engagement. They handle everything from job postings and benefits to maintaining records and ensuring processes comply with industry regulations.

🎓Major:
- Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, communication, STEM majors with strong people or admin skills, or other related science degrees.

Job functions:
🌱🌱A Human Resource Associate provides comprehensive HR support while navigating the unique regulatory and operational requirements of life sciences companies. This role combines traditional HR functions with industry-specific compliance and talent management challenges. Some key responsibilities include:
🔎Support the recruitment process (posting jobs, reviewing résumés, coordinating interviews)
🔎Assist with onboarding new hires (training schedules, documentation, compliance checks)
🔎Maintain HR databases and employee records (often in platforms like Workday or ADP)
🔎Coordinate employee training and compliance tracking (GMP, OSHA, harassment prevention, etc.)
🔎Help organize wellness programs, events, or employee engagement activities
🔎Answer questions about benefits, time-off policies, or company guidelines
🔎Provide support for performance reviews, promotions, and internal communications
🔎Ensure all practices comply with labor laws, company policies, and industry regulations

🧠Skills Needed:
Technical:  
- Familiarity with HRIS systems (e.g., Workday, SAP, ADP)
- Basic understanding of labor laws, benefits administration, and recruiting tools
- Comfort with Microsoft Office (especially Excel, Outlook)
- Strong organizational and record-keeping skills

Soft Skills:  
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Discretion and ability to handle confidential information
- Teamwork and multitasking
- Problem-solving and flexibility
- Attention to detail, especially in compliance-heavy environments like biotech/pharma

💰Salary Landscape:
- The salary range varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and skill level.
- You can expect an annual salary ranging from $28,127 to $85,367, with an average of $53,298 per year in the United States. Source: Zip Recruiter) 

💡SKILLS SPOTLIGHT
Self-trust Is Your Secret Career Advantage!  

✨✨Let’s be real—confidence doesn’t just magically show up when we land the promotion, finish the degree, or get the job title. Confidence is a muscle—one you build by honoring your word to yourself.

That means:
✨Showing up for your goals when no one’s watching
✨Noticing the progress you do make (instead of only what’s missing)
✨Recognizing the value you bring, not just the tasks you complete

The truth is, most high achievers in STEM don’t struggle because they’re unqualified. They struggle because they underestimate themselves. They’ve gotten so used to chasing the next win that they forget to acknowledge the ones they’ve already earned.

How to Start Cultivating Self-Trust
Try this 3-part “confidence audit” this week:

1.     List 3 recent wins—big or small—that you haven’t given yourself credit for.

2.     Write down 2 ways you kept a promise to yourself this month (even if no one else knew).

3.     Name 1 strength you’ve relied on lately. Bonus: Ask someone you trust what they see as your strengths.

Self-trust isn’t about pretending you’re not nervous. It’s about showing yourself that you’re reliable, resourceful, and resilient—even when the stakes are high.

🎯This week’s challenge:
Complete your confidence audit and share one overlooked win with me. I’d love to celebrate you.

You’ve got this!

🔥☕CAREER GLOW-UP CHALLENGE:
The Coffee Chat Challenge: Building Your Professional Network One Conversation at a Time

🔥 _☕Goal: Build real connections—one cup at a time

🔥 _☕ Why It Matters: In today’s job market, who you know can open just as many doors as what you know. Coffee chats (a.k.a. quick, informal virtual meetups) are a low-pressure way to learn, build relationships, and gain insider advice from professionals in your field. This challenge helps you practice outreach and relationship-building—two career superpowers most people avoid because they feel awkward.

📅Weekly Plan (Repeat for 4 Weeks)
Step 1: Choose a Target
Each week, identify one person to connect with. Ideas:
☕Someone on LinkedIn in your field
☕A speaker from an event or panel you liked
☕Alumni from your school or major
☕A recruiter or hiring manager at a company you're curious about
☕A peer who interned somewhere you’d love to work

Step 2: Reach Out
Send a short, polite message via LinkedIn or email. Example:
“Hi [Name], I’m a [student/professional] interested in [field]. I admire your work at [Company/Role], and I’d love to hear a bit about your career journey. Would you be open to a 15-minute virtual coffee chat sometime this week or next? I know your time is valuable and would truly appreciate it!”

✅Tip: Keep it friendly, specific, and low-pressure.

Step 3: Prepare Your Questions
Don’t show up empty-handed. A few solid questions:
☕How did you get into your current role?
☕What do you wish you knew at my stage?
☕What’s something people misunderstand about your job or industry?
☕How do you stay sharp in your field?
☕What advice would you give someone just starting out?

Step 4: The Chat
Keep it short, curious, and focused on them.
☕Thank them for their time
☕Let the convo flow, but watch the clock
☕Ask thoughtful follow-up questions
☕Take notes—there’s gold in what they share!

Step 5: Follow Up
After the chat:
☕Send a thank-you message or email
☕Mention one thing you learned or appreciated
☕Stay in touch—connect on LinkedIn or send an occasional update

Weekly Reflection Prompt
After each chat, journal your takeaways:
☕What surprised or inspired you?
☕What advice will you apply?
☕Would you want to stay in touch with this person?

💭💭Bonus Motivation
“Your dream job might be one conversation away. Be brave, be curious, and remember—most people love talking about themselves!”

💼RESOURCE
Massive Investment in US Manufacturing Triggers Wave of Career Opportunities?