What Type of Person Thrives in the Biotech Industry According to an Assistant Program Manager at American Biotech Co
Angel, an Assistant Program Manager at American Biotech Co., wishes they had "learned more about biological sciences" before entering the industry, as a background in political science left them initially lacking technical expertise. However, this lack of knowledge surprisingly fosters "a humble heart" and strong listening skills, allowing for effective collaboration and project planning.
Project Management, Communication, Biological Sciences, Humble Listening, Overcoming Challenges
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Angel Torres
Assistant Program Manager
American Biotech Co.
University of California, Davis
University of Oklahoma, Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (2022); University of California, Los Angeles, Masters in Business Administration (2025)
Political Science, American Studies
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical
Operations and Project Management
Disabled, Scholarship Recipient, Veteran
Video Highlights
1. To succeed as an Assistant Program Manager in Biotech, a strong foundation in biological sciences is beneficial, even if not strictly required.
2. While a background in biological sciences is helpful, a lack of such expertise can foster humility and active listening, crucial for understanding team needs and project success.
3. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential for program managers in biotech to effectively orchestrate project plans based on input from technical experts.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
When it comes to this role, I probably would have appreciated it if someone had told me to learn more about biological sciences. When I was younger, I studied political science in college.
We have a lot of project managers here, and none of them came up through the biotech industry. None of them have a technical background in engineering or biological sciences either.
So, I wish I had learned about that a little more. That way, I could be quicker and more on my toes about what I'm being told. But I think that lack of expertise is also a good thing.
It forces me to listen and learn with a humble heart about what people are advising me of and what they need. This allows me to orchestrate the plan to accomplish what they need.
So, although I would have appreciated a more extensive understanding of biological sciences, I do appreciate what not having that allows me to gain. It forces me to be humble and a good listener.