Immersion and Learning:A Pathway to Career Transition

Anita RussellSkill Development Manager

Bristol-Myers Squibb

Anita D Russell

Scientist in Academia Scientist in Pharma Industry Center for Science Education R&D Science Education Associate R&D HR Skill Development Manager R&D New Employee Integration Global Learning & Development Masters in Educational Leadership

Major Transitions:Academia to industryBench to Business

Point of Transition: Academia to Industry

Challenges:• Training in drug development process• Changing from basic science to applied science • Working knowledge of the industry • Highly regulated environment • Managing research as projects (teams, goals,

objectives, cost, timeline)• Expect to make changes in how and why

research is conducted

The Marketplace“View the employment marketplace as an array of specific opportunities, each with its own characteristics. Look at it open-mindedly and without any prejudice. There will be good and bad positions offered in both academia and industry.“

Source: http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_magazine/previous_issues/articles/2009_05_22/caredit.a0900066

A Point of Transition: From Bench to Business

Center for Science EducationThe BMS Center for Science Education (CSE) was established in 1989 to provide continuing scientificand science-related education to scientists as well as non-scientific and non-R&D employees.

The center's goal is to:• Advance scientific and business knowledge • Promote good communication practices • Build research and leadership skills • Foster creativity and innovation

The Road toLearning & Development

Managing the CSE put me on a path towards developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to evolve into a corporate learning professional.

Transition: Multiple Development Streams

Drug Discovery Scientist:

Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics

R&D HR:Skill Development Manager &Learning Professional

Mechanism of Action:• Immersion & Learning• Volunteering• Networking

From Bench to Business

Know Thy Self: Technical Professionals Are Unique

AchievementLike a challenge and are driven to accomplish goals that require considerable skill or effort.

Collegial Support and Sharing

Value idea sharing and networking because they identify so closely with other experts and share a desire for personal development.

Participation in Mission and Goals

Can be reluctant to commit to mandated goals unless they understand how they and the organization will benefit from their efforts.

Autonomy

Crave self-management and independence.

Prefer a high level of discretion and control over their work conditions, pace, and content.

To Keep Current –

Want to know the latest and be the first to try the newest ideas or gadgetry.

Obsolescence is unacceptable.

Professional Identification

Tend to identify with their fields of interest or profession first and their organization second.

Source: Blessing White, http://www.blessingwhite.com/Content/Articles/enews/July2006.asp

“Our research and experience indicate that technical professionals have a combination of needs and concerns that distinguish them from the workforce at large. These expert employees want…”

Know Thy Constraints

Education is Key:• PhD• Master• Bachelor

I came into Pharma knowing that I would be constrained by my level of education. Q: How do I circumvent my status as a non-PhD scientist?

AdvancementExpertiseManagement

Be Willing to Take the Road Less Traveled

A: Continuously look for new…• Opportunities• Exposure• Experiences• Relationships

My Goal: Expand my horizons beyond the scientific community

Goal: Expand Horizons Beyond the Scientific Community

Identified opportunities to learn about areas of the company beyond my familiarity

Participated in volunteer work that exposed me to colleagues outside of the scientific community Science education reform African American Employee Resource Group Mentoring

Goal: Expand Horizons Beyond the Scientific Community Unique experiences

National Science Resource Center (NSRC) SVP mentor Travel to South Africa R&D Scientific Symposium

Unique relationships Work with corporate executives Company foundation Colleagues across R&D and commercial

Own your learning and development, and ultimately your career

Take risks

Own your learning and development, and ultimately your career

Take risks

My Philosophy

Immersion and learning beyond area of expertise Look beyond constraints and limitations Continuously acquire new knowledge, build new

skills, expand capabilities Look for new applications of knowledge, skills, and

abilities Seek new experiences to further hone your skills Build cross-functional, cross-divisional relationships

Most Important!

Final Thoughts…

"A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions." Anonymous

"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"Always look beyond the obvious."Anita Russell