Career Development

Introduction Many engineers share the same anxiety If you come from an engineering background and are exploring biomedicine or life sciences, you may have asked yourself similar questions: Will I ever be “biological” enough? Is my engineering training holding me back? What should I keep, and what should I unlearn? These concerns are common—and valid. Three hidden advantages of an engineering background Through my own transition from engineering into biomedicine and bioinforma

Cross-Disciplinary Learning Is Not Talent: How I Self-Learned My Way from Engineering to Biomedicine and Bioinformatics I didn’t start on the “right” path My academic training began in engineering—chemical engineering and civil engineering. At the time, biology felt distant and abstract. Molecular mechanisms, cellular signaling, and biological data analysis were not part of my formal education. What engineering gave me was not certainty, but a habit of structured thinking: br

Introduction If you are reading this article, congratulations. It likely means you have: completed your applications , written your SOPs and CVs , waited through months of uncertainty, and finally received one or more U.S. graduate school offers . At this stage, many applicants realize something unexpected: Applying was hard—but choosing is often harder. To compare U.S. graduate school offers can be more stressful than the application process itself. This article is meant to

Introduction In U.S. graduate school applications, the Curriculum Vitae (CV) often plays the most important role during the initial screening stage. However, once applications move into deeper review, the document that truly differentiates candidates is the: U.S. graduate school SOP (Statement of Purpose). Because the SOP and cover letter share very similar structure and logic , this article discusses them together and provides a unified framework you can apply to both. If y

Introduction Following the previous articles on application documents (SOP) , school selection , and emailing professors , this article focuses on another critical—but often underestimated—component of U.S. graduate school applications: The U.S. graduate school CV (Curriculum Vitae). Typical U.S. graduate school applications may include: Statement of Purpose (SOP) Curriculum Vitae (CV) (For some programs) Diversity Statement (For some programs) Research Interest or Personal S

Introduction In the previous articles, I discussed how to prepare application documents (SOP and CV) and how to choose a U.S. graduate school . In this article, I focus on one of the most frequently asked—and misunderstood—questions: How should you email professors for U.S. graduate school applications? Whether you are applying for a master’s program, a PhD, or a postdoctoral position, emailing professors for U.S. graduate school is often your first direct academic interacti

Introduction In the previous article, I discussed how to prepare key application documents for U.S. graduate school, including the Statement of Purpose (SOP) and CV . In this article, I want to focus on a question that almost every applicant struggles with: How should I choose a U.S. graduate school PhD program? Choosing a graduate school is similar to choosing a university major in Taiwan: Should you prioritize the school , the program , or the advisor ? This decision often

Introduction As a biomedical scientist who immigrated to the United States, I would like to share my personal experience applying for a U.S. green card (permanent residency) through the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (EB-2 NIW) category. This article is not legal advice , but a first-hand account intended for fellow scientists, PhD students, postdocs, and researchers who are considering long-term career development in the U.S. and exploring employment-based immigration pathw

Introduction Many job candidates believe that being honest about a negative work experience demonstrates transparency and maturity. However, from a hiring manager’s perspective, speaking negatively about a previous job or employer is one of the most common job interview red flags . This article explains why criticizing past roles raises concern during job interviews, how interviewers interpret these signals, and how candidates can discuss difficult experiences without trigger

Preparing for a biotech interview requires more than technical skills — it’s about confidence, clarity, and communication. This guide shares practical strategies and online tools for mastering mock interviews, including apps, the STAR method, and setup tips to boost your presence and performance. Whether you’re aiming for a research, technical, or leadership role, learn how to turn practice into confidence and elevate your biotech career.

Introduction When it comes to job searching , most people rely heavily on online job boards—scrolling LinkedIn, Indeed, or a company’s website and sending out resumes. But true career progress requires more than applications. That’s why mastering networking strategies for job seekers has become one of the most powerful ways to access the hidden job market. 💡 Studies show that over 70% of job opportunities come through referrals or personal connections —not online platforms.

Job Interview Red Flags: Why “I Don’t Make Mistakes” Is a Major Warning Sign (Interview Red Flags – Series #1) Introduction Many job candidates believe that presenting themselves as flawless is the safest interview strategy. However, from a hiring manager’s perspective, statements like “I don’t really make mistakes” are among the most common job interview red flags . This article examines why this response raises concern during job interviews, how interviewers interpret this

Introduction | AI in Pharmaceutical Drug Development The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a profound shift as AI in pharmaceutical drug development and digital transformation reshape how modern medicines are discovered, tested, manufactured, and delivered. In Part I of this series, we explored the essential functions inside pharma companies. In Part II, we examined how drugs navigate the regulatory approval process, market access, and post-market surveillance. In this t

Exploring the Pharmaceutical Industry: An Overview of the Journey from Regulatory Approval to Market Access and Post-Market Surveillance. Introduction In Part I, we explored the key departments that drive the pharmaceutical industry — from R&D and CMC to clinical trials and business development. But even after a drug proves safe and effective in clinical trials, the journey is far from over. Before a treatment can reach patients, it must pass through one of the most complex p

The pharmaceutical industry is more than just lab coats and experiments — it’s a complex ecosystem where science, engineering, and business intersect. From R&D and manufacturing to clinical trials, regulatory affairs, and business development, each department plays a critical role in transforming a molecule into a life-changing medicine. Explore how these teams work together to bring innovation from the lab to the patient.

In Part 1 , we explored how to decode job descriptions and approach the application journey strategically. In Part 2 , we transformed those insights into a data-driven résumé that gets noticed. Now in Part 3 , we’ll take the next crucial step — turning interviews from high-pressure tests into strategic conversations . 1. Research Beyond the Basics Preparation isn’t just memorizing company facts. Ask deeper questions: What’s the company’s growth story? How does this role contr

How to Prepare an Effective Resume That Gets You Interview Invitations A resume is the most important document when it comes to finding a job. Previously, I shared about the Curriculum Vitae (CV) required for school applications. But what exactly are the differences between a resume and a CV ? And how can we prepare an attractive resume that increases our chances of getting an interview invitation from hiring managers? In this article, I’ll walk you through what a resume

Graduating soon and feeling unsure about your job search? This guide shares seven practical tips to help you clarify your goals, build a strong resume, leverage networking, and stay positive through the process. Perfect for biotech and science students preparing to enter the industry.

Original Text Do not exalt the worthy, and the people will not contend. Do not value rare treasures, and the people will not steal. Do not display what arouses desire, and the hearts of the people will not be disturbed. Therefore, the sage governs by: Emptying their minds, Filling their bellies, Weakening their ambitions, Strengthening their bones. Always keeping the people unknowing and without desire, So that the clever ones do not dare to act. Act through non-action (wu we

The giant in biomedical engineering, Robert Langer Introduction As a former postdoctoral researcher in Professor Robert Langer’s MIT lab , it is both an honor and a pleasure to introduce my mentor and share my personal journey into one of the most creative and influential research environments in the world. Professor Robert Langer at MIT is not only a pioneer in biomedical engineering but also a scientist whose work has fundamentally reshaped modern medicine, drug delivery,