Sales and Marketing

Introductory Resources

• From a PhD in Quantum Physics to a Sales Manager Job, 8-min video.
• Marketing managers – general info, description, skills… (BU Vault).
• From Biophysics PhD to Technical Sales.

Venturing further in this career area

• Advice for moving into sales after a PhD/Postdoc, Addgene Blog Article.
• From Lab Rat to Sales Rep: Navigating the Science of Selling to Life Scientists (LinkedIn Pulse, by Vibhu Jain, PhD).

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. 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.

• Communications: Social Media Marketing Job Simulation.
• Application Specialist Job Simulation – Give a pre-sales seminar.
• Application Specialist Job Simulation – Troubleshooting Customer Questions.
• Virtual Job Simulation – Sales data analysis towards supporting sales growth.

Preparing your transition into this career area

• Focus on your skills, Nature article.
• Look for and join relevant thematic groups on LinkedIn, online communities, etc.
• Look for GMS Alumni who have transitioned into this career area.
• The Social Scientist enables early-career scientists to receive mentorship from folks who have transitioned into various careers – connect with industry mentors (scientists, founders, product managers, etc.).
• Analyze job descriptions to learn more about what institutions and organizations are currently looking for.
• Study company websites, follow them on social media and YouTube.
• 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.