WHEN IN STEM

Lab Skills Academy

When in STEM is your go-to podcast for exploring the world of science, technology, engineering, and math through the eyes of those who live it. Hosted by Marie, each episode features conversations with professionals from across the STEM landscape, sharing their experiences, challenges, and the breakthroughs shaping the future. Whether you're a student navigating your path or a professional looking to elevate your career, When in STEM offers practical advice, inspiring stories, and the unfiltered truth about what it's really like to work in these dynamic fields. Tune in for a dose of motivation

  1. 2d ago

    5 Reasons You Should NOT Study Biotechnology | (From a Biotechnologist)

    Thinking about studying biotechnology?Before you choose a biotech degree, there are a few things I wish someone had told me first.In this episode of *When in STEM*, I'm sharing 5 honest reasons you should think twice before studying biotechnology, from how competitive the job market can be, to the reality of layoffs, relocation, and the gap between what you learn in school and what companies actually expect you to know.This isn't meant to discourage you. I love biotech and have built my career in this industry. But if you're considering a degree in biotechnology, biology, life sciences, or a related STEM field, these are the realities you should understand before making your decision. In this episode, we discuss: 🧬 Why a biotech degree alone may not be enough to get hired🧬 The importance of internships, co-ops, and research experience🧬 Why biotech careers are concentrated in a few major cities🧬 The difference between university labs and industry labs🧬 Biotech layoffs and industry volatility🧬 Why flexibility and career pivots are essential in STEMIf you're a student, recent graduate, or someone considering a career in biotech, I hope this episode helps you make a more informed decision.🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations about careers in STEM, biotech, science, and life sciences.#Biotechnology #BiotechCareers #STEMCareers #LifeSciences #Scientist #WomenInSTEM

    16 min

  2. Jun 3

    I Answered Your Most Asked Questions About STEM, Life & My Career

    In today's episode, I'm answering your most asked questions about my life, career, and journey in STEM.From why I chose biotech over medicine, to why I didn't pursue a PhD, how I got promoted in industry, and where I see myself in the future, this episode is a chance to get to know me beyond the lab coat.We'll also dive into personal questions about my routines, goals, life in Boston, favorite immune cell, travel dreams, and more.Whether you're a student exploring careers in STEM, an early-career scientist, or just curious about my journey, I hope this conversation gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the person behind the content.In This Episode:✨ My journey from pre-med to biotech✨ Why I chose industry over academia✨ Why I didn't pursue a PhD✨ My first job in science✨ How I approach goals and personal growth✨ How I deal with burnout✨ Where I see myself in the next 5 years✨ Life outside the labSubscribe for more conversations about careers, science, personal growth, and life in STEM.🎧 Listen to When in STEM on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.#STEM #Biotech #WomenInSTEM #ScienceCareers #Biotechnology #Premed #PhD #CareerAdvice #Scientist #Podcast #WhenInSTEMSubmit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner 👇HERESTREAM WHEN IN STEM : https://liinks.co/when.in.stem.podcast ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to my channel for more: Youtube♡Follow me on Instagram ♡Follow me on Tiktok💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com

    16 min

  3. May 27

    7 Harsh Truths About Working in Biotech

    In today’s episode of When In STEM, I’m talking about some of the biggest lessons working in biotech has taught me in my 20s. From navigating imposter syndrome in Boston biotech, to understanding how important networking and managers really are, to realizing biotech is way more business-focused than I ever expected… this episode is an honest conversation about the realities of working in STEM that nobody really talks about. We’re discussing: How your manager can shape your career Why networking inside your company matters The truth about biotech culture Layoffs and instability in the industry Why biotech is both science AND business Career paths beyond the bench Feeling lost, intimidated, and figuring things out in your 20s Whether you’re a biology student, early-career scientist, pre-med student reconsidering your path, or someone trying to navigate the biotech/pharma industry, I hope this episode makes you feel a little less alone. Subscribe for more conversations about biotech careers, STEM, women in science, career growth, and navigating your 20s in the life sciences. #Biotech #STEM #WomenInSTEM #Biotechnology #ScienceCareers #BostonBiotech #Pharma #CareerAdvice #BiologyMajor #WomenInScience #STEMCareers #Podcast

    13 min

  4. May 12

    Why Grades Don't Matter: A Biotech CEO's Honest Career Advice

    Ever felt like you're not smart enough for a career in science? This conversation is for you. In this episode of When In STEM, I sit down with Nicole Richards, CEO of a biotech startup working on solutions for mining, PFAS removal, and water treatment, for one of the most honest career conversations I've ever had. Nicole didn't follow a straight line. She "barely made it through" chemical engineering, took a job in the middle of nowhere as a 21-year-old, said yes to roles before she felt ready, and somehow ended up leading a biotech company. We talk about why grades genuinely don't matter, how to network when you're an introvert who hates it, why you should speak in the first 5 minutes of every meeting, and the one mindset shift that changed her entire career. If you've ever felt behind, unqualified, or like you don't have your career "figured out", please listen to this! ⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Intro02:14 Why she chose chemical engineering (the honest answer)04:34 "I barely made it through"07:55 Why grades don't matter09:15 Her first job in the middle of nowhere14:52 How to network when you hate networking21:57 The biggest misconception about what CEOs look for28:53 Saying yes before you feel ready40:29 The 5-minute rule for women in leadership45:15 Pushing back on workplace misconceptions47:32 Career Corner: listener questions 📱 Follow on Instagram: @labskillsacademy🎵 Follow on TikTok: @labskillsacademy For brand inquiries: labskills@viralnationtalent.com 📌 New episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you subscribe and rate this podcast!

    47 min

  5. May 6

    From MIT to CEO: Rachel Sha on Big Pharma, Startups & Leading as a Woman in Biotech

    📌 Note: this episode was recorded when the company was still called Vaxess Technologies. It has since rebranded to Terrestrial Bio, Inc. (Terrestrial). What does it actually take to go from MIT chemistry to running your own biotech company?Rachel Sha is the CEO of Terrestrial Bio (formerly Vaxess Technologies). Before that, she spent over a decade at Sanofi and earned her MBA at Harvard. We sat down to go deep on the *actual* path , not the polished one. In this conversation:– why she pivoted from chemistry into business, and what an MBA actually does for a science career– how she stood out and rose at Sanofi (a 100,000-person company)– the politics of big pharma and the lessons that stuck– why she eventually left corporate to become a CEO– what nobody tells you about leading a startup in life sciences– leading as a woman in a still-male-dominated industry– the advice she'd give her younger self at MIT– plus listener questions on MBAs, early-career strategy, and pivoting If you're navigating the bridge between science and business or wondering what your next step looks like, this one's for you! 🎙️ Hosted by Marie Follow @wheninstem and @labskillsacademy on Instagram for more 📩 Brand inquiries: labskills@viralnationtalent.com

    46 min

  6. Apr 29

    From English Major to Life Sciences Leader — How?!

    Can you work in the life sciences with a BA in English? In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with Rosie from Life Science Cares Boston to talk about her nontraditional path into the life sciences. From studying English to working at the intersection of biotech, nonprofit leadership, and social impact, Rosie’s journey challenges what we think a “STEM career” should look like. We talk about how she broke into the industry, what Life Science Cares actually does, and why your background might be more valuable than you think. If you’ve ever questioned whether you belong in STEM, this episode is for you.

    38 min

  7. Apr 22

    Career Paths You Can Take With a Chemistry Degree

    You got a chemistry degree… now what? Most people think it means staying in the lab forever, but that’s far from the truth. In this episode, I break down what a chemistry degree actually gives you and the different career paths you can take in biotech, from R&D and QC to project management, supply chain, regulatory, and even tech and business roles. We also talk about salary progression and how to pivot your career without starting over. If you’ve ever felt stuck in STEM, this episode is for you. Your degree is not your job, it’s your starting point.

    19 min

  8. Apr 15

    She Made It to Leadership at Bayer… With Just a Bachelor’s

    She made it to leadership at Bayer… with just a bachelor’s. So how did she do it?In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with Kristen Landgren, a chemical engineering graduate who went from starting her career in the lab to leading innovation and science at Bayer, without a PhD.We break down her full career journey, the risks she took, and the skills that actually helped her stand out and move into leadership in the pharmaceutical industry.If you’ve ever felt like you need more degrees to succeed in STEM, this episode might change how you think about your path.

    34 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

When in STEM is your go-to podcast for exploring the world of science, technology, engineering, and math through the eyes of those who live it. Hosted by Marie, each episode features conversations with professionals from across the STEM landscape, sharing their experiences, challenges, and the breakthroughs shaping the future. Whether you're a student navigating your path or a professional looking to elevate your career, When in STEM offers practical advice, inspiring stories, and the unfiltered truth about what it's really like to work in these dynamic fields. Tune in for a dose of motivation

Information

  • Creator
    Lab Skills Academy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lab Skills Academy
  • Show Website
    WHEN IN STEM

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