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What factors did you consider when you started your research into your current career field, what did you find the most important factor when you did said research?
#research #health-care #career #career-exploration
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5 answers
Updated
Jenny’s Answer
I work in tech sales, and I have fell into it inadvertently:)
I initially studied biotech and worked in the Pharma industry in a sales support role, where I was first exposed to account management/sales and I was instantly intrigued and drawn to the challenge, monetary reward and solving business problems for clients.
After that experience I decided to pursue a master in international business and got into software sales post graduation after researching different organisations, their respective software solutions, company vision/mission and culture.
The three key factors that helped me to decide on the key companies I would like to target and apply for were:
1. Growth trajectory of the company (e.g., global expansion, revenue/market share aspirations etc)
2. Its key value proposition and how it helps their clients across various industries
3. Career growth and financial reward
I initially studied biotech and worked in the Pharma industry in a sales support role, where I was first exposed to account management/sales and I was instantly intrigued and drawn to the challenge, monetary reward and solving business problems for clients.
After that experience I decided to pursue a master in international business and got into software sales post graduation after researching different organisations, their respective software solutions, company vision/mission and culture.
The three key factors that helped me to decide on the key companies I would like to target and apply for were:
1. Growth trajectory of the company (e.g., global expansion, revenue/market share aspirations etc)
2. Its key value proposition and how it helps their clients across various industries
3. Career growth and financial reward
Updated
Manashree’s Answer
I considered a few things when I was considering getting my PhD -
1. I loved biology as a subject in school. For me that was important and a good starting point.
2. I did summer internships in a research lab to see if I liked working in a lab .
3. I thought about what I could do after a PhD. Back then I only knew about becoming a professor or working for pharma companies as a scientist and I was okay with both options.
4. Money for higher education - PhDs are usually fully funded so I didn't have to worry about getting an education loan etc.
For me most important was enjoying my work. A PhD is a long time commitment and its hard in the best of circumstances. I wanted to be sure that my work made me happy so I could stay motivated. In hindsight I realized that I should have considered a other things as well. For example,
1. The lifestyle of a graduate student: its long working hours with very little time for friends or hobbies.
2. Money matters, a student stipend is just enough for basic needs and does not leave a lot of room for savings etc.
To summarize, these are the most important things to consider while researching any career option ( in my opinion)
1. Interest in work
2. Day to day life in that job and whether that matches your lifestyle ( work-life balance)
3. Career progression opportunities
4. Compensation
5. Social impact (once you reach a certain age, this starts to matter).
1. I loved biology as a subject in school. For me that was important and a good starting point.
2. I did summer internships in a research lab to see if I liked working in a lab .
3. I thought about what I could do after a PhD. Back then I only knew about becoming a professor or working for pharma companies as a scientist and I was okay with both options.
4. Money for higher education - PhDs are usually fully funded so I didn't have to worry about getting an education loan etc.
For me most important was enjoying my work. A PhD is a long time commitment and its hard in the best of circumstances. I wanted to be sure that my work made me happy so I could stay motivated. In hindsight I realized that I should have considered a other things as well. For example,
1. The lifestyle of a graduate student: its long working hours with very little time for friends or hobbies.
2. Money matters, a student stipend is just enough for basic needs and does not leave a lot of room for savings etc.
To summarize, these are the most important things to consider while researching any career option ( in my opinion)
1. Interest in work
2. Day to day life in that job and whether that matches your lifestyle ( work-life balance)
3. Career progression opportunities
4. Compensation
5. Social impact (once you reach a certain age, this starts to matter).
Updated
Selim’s Answer
I work in Tech Sales too and I hadn't planned to work in this area when I graduated from college.
I have a degree in Business Administration and started my career as an accountant. After a few months, I felt like I needed a role where I could communicate with customers, rather than a back office job. At that point, I started looking for opportunities in Customer Support and Sales.
To me, the most important thing is learning and being challenged in my role. Challenge motivates me and I find it interesting to deal with different customers & issues. So, to work in an area that is interesting to you is equally important.
I have a degree in Business Administration and started my career as an accountant. After a few months, I felt like I needed a role where I could communicate with customers, rather than a back office job. At that point, I started looking for opportunities in Customer Support and Sales.
To me, the most important thing is learning and being challenged in my role. Challenge motivates me and I find it interesting to deal with different customers & issues. So, to work in an area that is interesting to you is equally important.
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
I work in sales with a SaaS business and I found the most important things to be the following:
1. How does the organization I want to work to invest in new talent? (i.e. onboarding and supplemental training)
2. What growth opportunities are available within this organization? (i.e. what is the typical career path for the role you're seeking)
3. What skills do I need to build to be successful in this industry?
1. How does the organization I want to work to invest in new talent? (i.e. onboarding and supplemental training)
2. What growth opportunities are available within this organization? (i.e. what is the typical career path for the role you're seeking)
3. What skills do I need to build to be successful in this industry?
Updated
Zach’s Answer
I, personally, think life has a crazy way of working out. I work in tech sales (which still feels surreal) but it really happened by an accident of me following my passion. So I would say when it comes to doing research about the field that you want to work don't be afraid to follow your heart even if the money is not necessarily there from the jump. I absolutely love being in sales which was never taught to me in college. Do something you wouldn't mind doing for free then find a way to make money from it.