Words of Wisdom from Regeneron Scientists

Career and Professional Development recently hosted a panel discussion with scientists from Regeneron titled: A Day for Doing Good, Future Scientists Panels at Mercy University. The panelist were phenomenal and shared a great deal about their work as scientists and their experiences with the company. Yet, on an unexpected note, I realized that much of the advice they gave students, transcended science majors and was applicable to other majors as well. So here is a snapshot of what some of that advice included:

  • Be Flexible – Things will not always go as planned, so be ready to adapt when needed.
  • Remain Positive – Make an effort to look on the brighter side of things and see what the benefits are.
  • Utilize Help from Peers – We all have people around us, do not be afraid to ask for support, advice, or recommendations. That’s what friends are for.
  • Reach out to your network for research opportunities, possible internships, or employment experiences – Utilize your professional network of professors, current employers, potential employers, or those who work in the field of your interest. Talk to them about the industry, ask for informational interviews, and stay in touch with your accomplishments.
  • Get recommendations – Ask those from your professional network who can vouch for your as a student or employee to write a recommendation letter to strengthen work or grad school applications.
  • Use LinkedIn as a Resource – This tool is an excellent way to connect with other professionals. Check out our series: Dive Into LinkedIn here.
  • Be able to communicate your experiences well – Start with your elevator pitch and work your way to preparing for an interview where you will have the opportunity to talk about your experiences. Learn more from our Career Academy, Smart Networking: 6 Strategies for Success here.
  • Read scholarly papers from your industry to learn new things – Journal articles can be found through Mercy’s library and other online publications to stay informed.
  • Have a passion and interest in the field you are going into – Pursue your field with enthusiasm. If you are still deciding what you want to do, explore your career here.

I hope you can apply at least one of these pointers today and begin work on the rest, because each will surely aid in your career success. If you would like help from Career schedule an appointment with a coach by sending an email cpd@mercy.edu. To watch the Regeneron: A Day for Doing Good, Future Scientists Panels at Mercy University event, click here.

By Joi Sampson
Joi Sampson Associate Director of Career and Professional Development