
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.
Weโll be dropping quick tips, cool opportunities, and ways to level up without missing out on the fun.
So grab your shades, and letโs make this summer count. ๐
Todayโs issue:
๐Career Spotlight: Decoding Data. Advancing Science: Data Scientist in Action!
๐กSkills Spotlight: Lead with Quiet Confidence (No Shouting Required)
๐ฅCareer Glow-Up Challenge: Digital Declutter Challenge (4 Days)
๐Job Trends: Early-Career Professionals Face Steep Climb in Tight Market
๐ผResource: Breaking into Biotech: A Guide to the Biotech & Pharma Industry

๐STEM CAREER JOB OF THE WEEK
โ๏ธDecoding 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.
๐Major:
- Data Science, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering (data focus), or other related science degrees.
Job functions:
โ๏ธAs an entry-level Data Scientist/Engineer, you help companies turn complex data into smart decisionsโwhether itโs predicting drug outcomes, improving research efficiency, or spotting trends in clinical trials. Some key responsibilities include:
๐Clean, organize, and analyze large datasets from clinical, genomic, or R&D sources
๐Develop machine learning models to support drug discovery, patient stratification, or risk prediction
๐Visualize complex results using tools like Tableau, Python, or R
๐Help automate data pipelines and improve data workflows
๐Support experimental design and statistical analysis for lab or clinical studies
๐Present insights and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences
๐ง 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
- Communicationโespecially 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
๐ฐSalary 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

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๐กSKILLS SPOTLIGHT
๐ฃ๏ธLead with Quiet Confidence (No Shouting Required)

โจ๐ฃ๏ธLetโs clear something up: not every leader needs to be the loudest voice in the room.
In fact, some of the most respected, effective leaders Iโve coached in STEM arenโt the ones who dominate conversationsโtheyโre the ones who lead withย quiet confidence.
๐ฃ๏ธThey listen deeply.
๐ฃ๏ธThey speak with intention.
๐ฃ๏ธThey create calm in high-stakes environments.
This week, letโs talk about how to develop a leadership presence that doesnโt rely on volume or bravadoโespecially if youโre someone who values reflection, clarity, and thoughtful communication.
Here are a few quiet leadership behaviors that make a powerful impact:
ย โ๏ธUse strategic pauses to reclaim the room and direct attention
ย โ๏ธSummarize whatโs been said to clarify thinking and guide next steps
ย โ๏ธAsk a well-placed question instead of always offering an answer
ย โ๏ธModel emotional steadiness in tense or uncertain situations
You donโt need to change your personality to be seen as a leaderโyou 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 donโt 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 knowโor tag me if you post about it on LinkedIn!

๐๏ธ๐ฅCAREER GLOW-UP CHALLENGE:
Digital Declutter Challenge (4 Days)

๐ฅ๐๏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:
Letโs be honestโbetween 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 onlineโbecause yes, they do check.
Day 1: Desktop & Downloads Detox
Focus: Clean the clutter where you work every day.
๐๏ธDelete those random icons covering your desktop
๐๏ธMake folders for stuff like โResumes,โ โClass Projects,โ โJob Apps,โ etc.
๐๏ธClear out your Downloads folder (goodbye 12 versions of that PDF)
โจโจBonus: Pick a new wallpaper that gets you hypedโcareer goals, vision board, or just something chill
Day 2: Inbox & Email Glow-up
Focus: Make your inbox less of a black hole.
๐ซArchive or delete old stuff clogging up your inbox (looking at you, job alerts from 3 months ago)
๐ซUnsubscribe from newsletters you donโt even open
๐ซCreate folders like โJob Apps,โ โNetworking,โ or โFollow Upโ so things donโt get lost
๐ซUpdate your email signatureโadd your LinkedIn, website, or digital portfolio
Day 3: Cloud & Career Docs Refresh
Focus: Get all your important files in one easy-to-find spot.
๐Rename your files clearlyโno more โfinal_FINAL_resume_v3.docxโ (e.g., โJordan_Resume_Biotech.pdfโ)
โ๏ธCreate a โCareer Toolkitโ folder in Google Drive or Dropbox with:
- Updated resume(s)
- Cover letter templates
- Reference list
- Certificates or transcripts
- Work samples or portfolio pieces
โ 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 ๐๏ธRefresh your headline and About sectionโmake it sound like the you of today
๐๏ธDelete old bios or posts that donโt reflect your current goals
๐๏ธAdd any new jobs, awards, or cool stuff youโve done lately
๐๏ธUpdate your profile pic and banner (clean, friendly, professional-ish)
๐๏ธGoogle yourselfโsee what shows up and clean up anything questionable
โจWrap-Up Task: Pin a project, post, or article that shows off your skill (project, article, or pitch deck).
๐๐ฏBonus Tip: Your digital space should work for youโnot 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.

๐๐JOB TRENDS:
Early-Career Professionals Face Steep Climb in Tight Market

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

๐ผPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Breaking into Biotech: A Guide to the Biotech & Pharma Industry!
๐ผHey thereโthinking about a career in biotech?
Youโre 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 aboutโand 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. Weโll 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.
Letโs get into it!

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