by Angela Copeland | Jun 16, 2014 | Advice, Newsletter
Over the past few months, I’ve received multiple thoughtful letters from those working in the scientific research community. I (like you may be) was very surprised to be receiving questions from this group of extremely smart professionals.
Most likely, it’s because I’m located in Memphis, near St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and other medical research institutions. Scientists and engineers here are learning about (and developing cutting edge technology for) everything from orthopedic implants to new vaccines to cancer cures.
I debated about whether or not to share this feedback with the broad audience of my newsletter, but it applies to more than just researchers. Regardless of which industry you start in, and which one you transition into, the challenges are very similar.
Before I jump into my thoughts, lets start with the issue. Many PhD scientists have 3-5 year research contracts with their research institution (like St. Jude). At the end of the contract, they have to decide what they want to do next. They could either stay in research or transition to corporate. Or, some even consider starting their own business.
Often times, when a researcher gets to this crossroad, they are in their late 30s or early 40s. Although they have a lot of scientific knowledge, they have never worked in a corporate environment. That challenge would be intimidating to anyone!
In part because of this, and few resources available for making a career transition to corporate, many choose to stay in research. I’m sure you can relate to this in your own career. You may choose to stay in your current field because you’re unsure of how to begin a transition to a new field.
If you are in a similar situation, here’s a little advice to help you get started.
- Don’t focus too much on minimum requirements – Job descriptions are often packed full of minimum requirements. “Must have 3 years of experience managing employees.” “Must have 2 years of experience managing vendor relationships.” Whatever the requirements, don’t let them keep you from applying. If you’re confident that you can perform the role, apply. Companies rarely find the perfect candidate who meets all the requirements.
- Network – Get out in the field you want to work in, and meet new people. Ask for one-on-one meetings to learn more about what they do. Find out how they made the transition from research to corporate.
- Use LinkedIn – Connect to your school colleagues, professors, fellow researchers, and corporate contacts through LinkedIn. Use the site to showcase your skills, expertise, and accomplishments.
- Practice and be persistent – Even if you find interviews difficult, keep applying and keep interviewing. Every interview you don’t land is practice for the next one. You will get better!
- Don’t give up – You just need one hiring manager to take a chance on you. Once you’ve made the transition, you’re a corporate employee – and getting future corporate jobs will be easier.
And at the end of the day, it’s okay to ask for help. If your university has a career resources department, call them. Ask friends and colleagues to help you. And, if I can be of assistance during your transition, please feel free to reach out to me. I would love to help you with your career change.
As a reminder, the Copeland Coaching Podcast launched three weeks ago! This Tuesday and every Tuesday, I will interview an expert in the field of job searching – including coaches, recruiters, financial experts, and more!
You can listen to the podcast in two ways. First, it’s available for free download on Apple Podcasts. You can also listen on SoundCloud.com. So, whether you want to listen on your desktop, laptop, mobile phone, or tablet, you’re covered. Listen from wherever, whenever!
And speaking of finding a job, I’m searching for a Social Media Intern for Copeland Coaching.
This person should have extremely strong organization and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines. They should have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
At a minimum, they should have experience personally using social media. But, it’s not critical that they’ve used social media in business before. This will be a great learning opportunity for the right candidate.
This is a paid internship, and the intern may be located in Memphis or may work virtually.
The full job description is located here (note: this is a PDF document). Interested candidates are asked to send their resume, cover letter, and social media links to intern@CopelandCoaching.com.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
by Angela Copeland | Jun 16, 2014 | Job Posting
ServiceMaster is looking for a Director of Human Resources in Memphis, TN.
This person creates and administers human resources policies, programs and practices, including: planning, organizing, developing, implementing, coordinating, and directing. Manages and formulates company policies and procedures for the Human Resources Department and recommending policies and practices to senior management.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the ServiceMaster website here.
by Angela Copeland | Jun 16, 2014 | Job Posting
The American Heart Association is seeking a Senior Vice President of North Texas in Irving, TX.
Reporting to the Affiliate Development Officer of the SouthWest Affiliate. The Senior Vice President – North Texas is responsible for ensuring that revenue and mission goals are met within his or her assigned markets. This position ensures the implementation of effective revenue generation, health impact and communications by providing inspirational leadership, sound coaching, supervision, guidance, and support to staff in an effort to reach market potential and beyond. She or he works to ensure collaboration and is accountable for revenue generation, volunteer recruitment, and community development activities for each assigned market. He or she ensures the assigned markets have the right staff talent, skills, and volunteer resources to achieve goals.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the American Heart Association posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Jun 15, 2014 | Job Posting
Nike is searching for a Instant Customization Operations Manager in Memphis, TN.
Here’s additional information from the Nike posting:
As our Instant Customization Operations Manager, you’ll provide management support to the NASC Distribution Centers, assuring that all departmental safety, service, quality and financial objectives are met or exceeded. You’ll demonstrate leadership in creating a positive productive work force. Lead a successful and cohesive work group by demonstrating true commitment to continuous process improvement to inspire and motivate staff and promote a positive employee relationship. You’ll oversee the production processes to ensure products are produced on time and are of good quality. Setting quality standards, quality control programs and maintenance schedules. You’ll ensure health and safety guidelines are set and strictly followed.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Nike website here.
by Angela Copeland | Jun 15, 2014 | Job Posting
Eddie Bauer is seeking a District Director in Seattle, WA.
The District Director will drive profitable sales results through the selection and development of high performing store teams. Achieve regional sales goals as established by our Company and Stores’ Division objectives, while providing a consistent and legendary experience for the customer in all stores.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Drive district sales and control store expenses to drive store operating profit results by ensuring a consistent and high quality selling, service, brand presentation & customer experience in each store across the region.
- Develop a high performing team that loves to sell and is committed to engaging with customers and delivering excellent customer service.
- Build a selling culture where all individuals are held accountable for meeting or exceeding their specific individual and store sales goals as well as key business drivers.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Eddie Bauer posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Jun 14, 2014 | Job Posting
Smucker’s is looking for a Reliability Manager in Memphis, TN.
The Reliability Manager’s responsibilities include:
- Lead PM Pillar and associated activities for the sight.
- Lead capital projects as required.
- Develop technical mastery of the core production processes.
- Lead development of maintenance personnel.
- Actively participate in the Plant IM Pillar.
- Work with Plant Technical Resources for the maintenance of the Plant Technical Documentation Library.
- Own the HSE Key Element for Contractor / Visitor Safety and Hazardous Material Transportation.
- Proactively manage plant purchasing and the competitive bid process, including ensuring contractors are qualified, insured, and entered into the system.
- Manage the Plant Storeroom and ensure Storeroom Best Practices are established and followed.
- Manage invoices through IQ Backoffice.
- Track incoming plant chemicals and chemical transportation.
- Maintain eAM Superuser responsibilities.
- Maintain Storeroom / Plant Buyer responsibilities.
- Work with Finance department on accruals, expenses, and budgets.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Smucker’s posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Jun 14, 2014 | Job Posting
RetailMeNot is seeking an Account Director in Austin, TX.
Responsibilities include:
- Manage team of Partner Managers (approximately 4+) to maximize client satisfaction while growing and managing existing relationships.
- Build deep executive level relationships with top retailers partners.
- Conduct market research and evaluate partner needs when identifying opportunities.
- Deliver on team KPIs: revenue growth, partnerships being managed and sales targets.
- Work closely with cross functional teams to guide our retailer and marketing strategy.
- Be the voice of the Retailer within RMN, and strengthen our value proposition within team and cross-functionally.
To learn more, and to apply online, visit the RetailMeNot posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Jun 13, 2014 | Advice, Media
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “Career Transitions for Scientists.” In it, I provide advice on how to transition your job between different industries.
I’ve recently received multiple letters from scientists in the research community with questions about their career transitions. Most likely, this is because of Memphis’ thriving medical research community. After all, Memphians are developing new technologies for things from vaccines to cancer cures.
Researchers struggle with a problem workers in all sectors face: how to change industries. Most get into research with a three- to five-year contract. But this is not before completing a lengthy Ph.D. program. By the time their contract ends, the researcher may be in their 30s or early 40s.
With no experience in corporate America, and with little support about where to begin, many of these brilliant scientists struggle to decide what’s next. The most common choices are to continue in research or to take the corporate route. Often, staying on the same path is easier, but it is not always the most desirable choice.
To read my entire article, and learn about how you can transition to a new industry, visit the Memphis Daily News site here.
Also, if you have a friend who is in this situation (nearing the end of their research contract), please forward a copy of my article to them. I was truly surprised to learn how many people are struggling with the issue of whether or not to leave research, and how to get into corporate.
by Angela Copeland | Jun 13, 2014 | Job Posting
AT&T is seeking a Director of IT in Dallas, TX.
The director is responsible for leading the Organizational Effectiveness and Release Management function for Digital Experience Technology (DET) team. In this capacity, the director will provide overall team guidance, manage projects/initiatives focused on organization effectiveness, develop team members, manage budgets, lead a top notch Release Management function, and ensure compliance needs are met.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the AT&T posting here.
by Angela Copeland | Jun 13, 2014 | Job Posting
St. Jude is looking for a Scientific Manager for their Hematology Department in Memphis, TN.
The Scientific Manager will direct the Pluripotent Stem Cell (hPSC) Core Facility in the Department of Hematology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (SJCRH). The Facility will use NIH-approved hES and iPS cell lines to model normal hematopoiesis and related blood diseases, including leukemia. Services and expertise include maintaining current PSC cell lines, creating new ones from patients by cellular reprogramming, manipulating PSC cell genomes via DNA editing methods and differentiating PSCs into blood lineages. The Scientific Manager will oversee facility operations and personnel, participate in collaborative research projects with St. Jude Investigators, consult with research faculty on current and future service needs and pursue independent research in the area of PSC biology and hematopoiesis. (MJP)
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the St. Jude website here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.