Entrepreneurship

Introductory Resources

Venturing further in this career area

Learning by doing job-related tasks

Job Simulations are job-related tasks that can be completed in a few hours, to help you assess how enjoyable and how much of a good fit a specific job could be for you. Intersect Job Simulations have been created by PhDs for PhDs, to support their career transitions into a wide range of careers. To make the most of job simulations, please set up SMART Goals to perform each simulation in a reasonable timeline. When you have completed the task, fill out the Self-Reflection Sheet, which will help you reflect on what you enjoyed (or did not enjoy) about the simulation, and how it can help inform your career exploration efforts.

Preparing your transition into this career area

 

 

  • Look for and join relevant thematic groups on LinkedIn, online and local communities, like:
    • ILSE Bio (Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship) – provides a 13-week Entrepreneur Training Program for life scientists.
    • Lab Central – Community lab space for biotech startups in Cambridge, MA.
    • LaunchBio – National network of life science innovators.
    • MassBio Drive – Innovation accelerator (BU is a member of Massbio, use your institutional email to register for their events).
    • MassLifeSciences – resources and incubators for Massachusetts entrepreneurs.
    • MassIncubators.
    • Nucleate is a student-led organization that provides elevator pitch workshops and competitions for entrepreneurs.
    • SciFounders (Offers a fellowship to support founders – SciFounders’ founders, Matt, Lucas, and Alex are scientists and company operators themselves (they started and are running Mammoth Bio – CRISPR Therapeutics, and Conception Bio – stem cell to egg) and want to help more technical founders who are working on important technologies. The easiest way to reach out is via hello@scifounders.com or to subscribe to their mailing list.)
    • StartUp Boston – volunteer-based startup community, events, and resources.
    • The Boston Entrepreneurs’ Network.
    • Look for centers of innovation, like the University of Cambridge Center for Social Innovation, who share similar interests with you and could enable you to find collaborators, mentors, financial support, etc.
    • Labiotech.eu – YouTube channel dedicated to Biotechs in Europe and advice for entrepreneurs.

 

  • Growing your network and having informational interviews with PhDs who have transitioned into careers of interest to you will enable you to learn more about the job’s daily responsibilities, hiring process, career progression, etc., and the sector as a whole.
    • Look for and join relevant thematic groups on LinkedIn, online communities, etc.
    • Look for BU Mentors and Alumni who have transitioned into this career area.
    • The Social Scientist enables early-career researchers to connect with folks who have transitioned in various career areas, including in communication and outreach.
    • Seek relevant startup, VC (Venture Capital), Pharma CVC, etc. events and networking events on eventbrite, lu.ma, and other event platforms, to meet with potential mentors and funders. Keep track of the people you meet and their specialty (e.g., in a spreadsheet), in order to reach back out to them when the right opportunity/time comes.