In partnership with

Good morning, STEM enthusiasts!ย  Happy first day of summer! Whether you're wrapping up finals, starting a job, or just vibing, this is your time to chill and glow up.

Weโ€™ll be dropping quick tips, cool opportunities, and ways to level up without missing out on the fun.

So grab your shades, and letโ€™s make this summer count. ๐Ÿ˜Ž

Todayโ€™s issue:
๐Ÿ”ŽCareer Spotlight: Decoding Data. Advancing Science: Data Scientist in Action!
๐Ÿ’กSkills Spotlight: Lead with Quiet Confidence (No Shouting Required)
๐Ÿ”ฅCareer Glow-Up Challenge: Digital Declutter Challenge (4 Days)
๐Ÿ“‰Job Trends: Early-Career Professionals Face Steep Climb in Tight Market
๐Ÿ’ผResource: Breaking into Biotech: A Guide to the Biotech & Pharma Industry

๐Ÿ”ŽSTEM CAREER JOB OF THE WEEK
โš›๏ธDecoding Data. Advancing Science: Data Scientist in Action!

A data scientist or engineerย in biotech or pharma helps make sense of theย huge amounts of data generated from research, clinical trials, genomics, drug discovery, and patient outcomes. Their work supports everything from identifying promising drug candidates to predicting how patients will respond to therapies.

These data scientists build models, analyze patterns, and generate insights that enable scientists, researchers, and business leaders to make better decisions more quickly.

๐ŸŽ“Major:
- Data Science, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering (data focus), or other related science degrees.

Job functions:
โš›๏ธAs an entry-level Data Scientist/Engineer, you help companies turn complex data into smart decisionsโ€”whether itโ€™s predicting drug outcomes, improving research efficiency, or spotting trends in clinical trials. Some key responsibilities include:
๐Ÿ”ŽClean, organize, and analyze large datasets from clinical, genomic, or R&D sources
๐Ÿ”ŽDevelop machine learning models to support drug discovery, patient stratification, or risk prediction
๐Ÿ”ŽVisualize complex results using tools like Tableau, Python, or R
๐Ÿ”ŽHelp automate data pipelines and improve data workflows
๐Ÿ”ŽSupport experimental design and statistical analysis for lab or clinical studies
๐Ÿ”ŽPresent insights and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences

๐Ÿง Skills Needed:
Technical:
-Programming: Python, R, SQL
- Machine learning basics (scikit-learn, XGBoost, etc.)
- Data visualization: Tableau, Power BI, Power Automate, Appian, Clout Sync, Qlik
- Understanding of statistics, probability, and experimental design

Soft Skills:
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Communicationโ€”especially translating technical results into clear insights
- Curiosity and willingness to learn complex science topics
- Collaboration with researchers, engineers, and product teams
- Time management and attention to detail

๐Ÿ’ฐSalary Landscape:
- The salary range varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and skill level.
- You can expect an annual salary ranging fromย $29,093 to $128,763, with an average ofย $70,711ย per year in the United States. Source: Zip Recruiter)ย 

Donโ€™t snooze on student loans

June is the sweet spot to start planning how youโ€™ll cover what FAFSA doesnโ€™t.

Youโ€™ve got time to compare options, talk it over with a co-signer, and find a private loan that actually fits your life.

Think beyond tuitionโ€”the right student loan can cover housing, meal plans, and even your laptop.

View Moneyโ€™s best student loans list to find a lender, apply in as little as 3 minutes, and start the semester on the right foot.

๐Ÿ’กSKILLS SPOTLIGHT
๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธLead with Quiet Confidence (No Shouting Required)

โœจ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธLetโ€™s clear something up: not every leader needs to be the loudest voice in the room.

In fact, some of the most respected, effective leaders Iโ€™ve coached in STEM arenโ€™t the ones who dominate conversationsโ€”theyโ€™re the ones who lead withย quiet confidence.

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธThey listen deeply.
๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธThey speak with intention.
๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธThey create calm in high-stakes environments.

This week, letโ€™s talk about how to develop a leadership presence that doesnโ€™t rely on volume or bravadoโ€”especially if youโ€™re someone who values reflection, clarity, and thoughtful communication.

Here are a few quiet leadership behaviors that make a powerful impact:
ย โœ”๏ธUse strategic pauses to reclaim the room and direct attention
ย โœ”๏ธSummarize whatโ€™s been said to clarify thinking and guide next steps
ย โœ”๏ธAsk a well-placed question instead of always offering an answer
ย โœ”๏ธModel emotional steadiness in tense or uncertain situations

You donโ€™t need to change your personality to be seen as a leaderโ€”you just need to use itย on purpose

Try this:
In your next meeting, practice one quiet leadership move:
โ†’ Pause before responding.
โ†’ Reframe the conversation.
โ†’ Anchor the group in the big picture.

You donโ€™t have to shout to be heard.
You just have to lead with intention.

Which quiet leadership move will you try this week? Hit reply and let me knowโ€”or tag me if you post about it on LinkedIn!

๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ๐Ÿ”ฅCAREER GLOW-UP CHALLENGE:
Digital Declutter Challenge (4 Days)

๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Goal: Tidy up your online presence and workspaces so you can think clearer, work smarter, and show up with confidence in any career moment.

Why It Matters:
Letโ€™s be honestโ€”between classes, job apps, and late-night group projects, your digital space can get messy. All those random screenshots, unread emails, and chaotic folders? They make it harder to focus and could totally hide your best work when it matters most.

This 4-day Digital Declutter Challenge will help you clean up your digital space, get organized, and ensure your digital self looks just as sharp as your real one. Especially when recruiters, classmates, or future mentors look you up onlineโ€”because yes, they do check.

Day 1: Desktop & Downloads Detox
Focus: Clean the clutter where you work every day.
๐Ÿ—‘๏ธDelete those random icons covering your desktop
๐Ÿ—‘๏ธMake folders for stuff like โ€œResumes,โ€ โ€œClass Projects,โ€ โ€œJob Apps,โ€ etc.
๐Ÿ—‘๏ธClear out your Downloads folder (goodbye 12 versions of that PDF)

โœจโœจBonus: Pick a new wallpaper that gets you hypedโ€”career goals, vision board, or just something chill

Day 2: Inbox & Email Glow-up
Focus: Make your inbox less of a black hole.
๐Ÿ“ซArchive or delete old stuff clogging up your inbox (looking at you, job alerts from 3 months ago)
๐Ÿ“ซUnsubscribe from newsletters you donโ€™t even open
๐Ÿ“ซCreate folders like โ€œJob Apps,โ€ โ€œNetworking,โ€ or โ€œFollow Upโ€ so things donโ€™t get lost
๐Ÿ“ซUpdate your email signatureโ€”add your LinkedIn, website, or digital portfolio

Day 3: Cloud & Career Docs Refresh
Focus: Get all your important files in one easy-to-find spot.
๐Ÿ”ŽRename your files clearlyโ€”no more โ€œfinal_FINAL_resume_v3.docxโ€ (e.g., โ€œJordan_Resume_Biotech.pdfโ€)
โ˜๏ธCreate a โ€œCareer Toolkitโ€ folder in Google Drive or Dropbox with:
- Updated resume(s)
- Cover letter templates
- Reference list
- Certificates or transcripts
- Work samples or portfolio pieces

โœ… Make sure you can access it all from your phone

Day 4: LinkedIn Clean-Up & Digital Footprint Check
Focus: Show the internet your best professional self.
ย ๐Ÿ–Š๏ธRefresh your headline and About sectionโ€”make it sound like the you of today
๐Ÿ–Š๏ธDelete old bios or posts that donโ€™t reflect your current goals
๐Ÿ–Š๏ธAdd any new jobs, awards, or cool stuff youโ€™ve done lately
๐Ÿ–Š๏ธUpdate your profile pic and banner (clean, friendly, professional-ish)
๐Ÿ–Š๏ธGoogle yourselfโ€”see what shows up and clean up anything questionable

โœจWrap-Up Task: Pin a project, post, or article that shows off your skill (project, article, or pitch deck).

๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽฏBonus Tip: Your digital space should work for youโ€”not stress you out. Give yourself 15 minutes a day this week to declutter, organize, and level up. Use this workbook to keep you on track.

Digital Declutter Checklist.pdf

Digital Declutter Checklist.pdf

113.49 KB โ€ข PDF File

iStock, Agdekon Media Visuals

Some companiesโ€™ preferences for individuals with existing industry experience, combined with the tough job market, are among the hurdles that those just starting out in biopharma must navigate, two recruitment experts told BioSpace.

Early-career biopharma professionals seeking employment are facing multiple employment challenges due to employer preferences, a tough job market, and an ever-changing industry, according to two recruitment experts.

One key factor affecting these professionals is that some companies prefer job candidates who already have industry experience over those who have just received their Ph.D., according to Carina Clingman, founder and CEO of Recruitomics Consulting,ย which specializes in talent acquisition and talent strategy for startup biotechs.

โ€œItโ€™s incredibly hard for our new grads and folks trying to move from a postdoc into their first industry position,โ€ she told BioSpace. โ€œItโ€™s incredibly competitive.โ€ (source: Biospace.com)

๐Ÿ’ผPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Breaking into Biotech: A Guide to the Biotech & Pharma Industry!

Breaking into Biotech - A Guide.pdf

Breaking into Biotech - A Guide.pdf

12.43 MB โ€ข PDF File

๐Ÿ’ผHey thereโ€”thinking about a career in biotech?
Youโ€™re in the right place. Whether you're deep into your STEM major or just starting to explore career options, this Breaking into Biotech Career Guide is here to help you figure out what the biotech world is all aboutโ€”and how you can be a part of it.

Biotech is where science, innovation, and real-world impact come together. From cutting-edge research to creating life-saving therapies, there's a place for almost every interest and skill set. Weโ€™ll break down what the industry looks like, what kinds of jobs are out there, and what steps you can take now to get your foot in the door.

Letโ€™s get into it!

Keep Reading