Key Career Lesson from a Software Engineering Manager at a Biotechnology Company
Danny's most significant career lesson is the importance of networking: "a lot of my jobs have been...who I have known from college," illustrating how strong relationships, from biochemistry classmates to clinical lab scientists, directly led to internships and full-time roles. This highlights the power of building and maintaining professional connections for career advancement.
Networking, Job Search, Career Development, Biotechnology, Communication
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Danny Tran
Manager, Software Engineering
Biotechnology Company
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
John Hopkins University - Bioinformatics M.S.
Biology & Related Sciences
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
LGBTQ, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Networking is crucial for career advancement: Many of Danny's job opportunities stemmed from his network and connections made during college and internships. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with peers and colleagues.
2. Seek out mentors and recommendations: Danny highlights how positive recommendations and networking with professionals significantly influenced his career progression, particularly in securing internships and jobs.
3. Maintain an open mind and actively network: Danny advises students to actively cultivate their networks, keep an open mind to opportunities, and recognize that the people they meet can significantly impact their career paths.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
One lesson is to network. Working closely with peers and helping them will also help you.
A lot of my jobs have come from people I've known since college. My first full-time job, for instance, was through someone I knew from my biochemistry class. She helped me get that position.
For my internship, I was working with a clinical lab scientist who was communicating with the QA engineering team. She told me about the internship opening and recommended me to apply. She also gave me a good review for the team, which is how I got that job.
All my other jobs have been because I knew somebody. So, do your best to keep an open mind and network. The people you meet might be the ones who help you advance your career.
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