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Logan, Analyst at Hawkwood Biotech Partners, LLC: Advize Career Interview
A career journey through the dynamic world of biotech consulting is revealed in this interview with a Hawkwood Biotech Partners, LLC analyst.
The path started with research lab work and a research associate position, leading to a master's in chemical engineering data science and an internship at Impossible Foods.
Now, the analyst blends engineering and strategy, helping startups scale and commercialize through techno-economic modeling and securing funding.
Daily tasks involve juggling numerous projects, performing technical due diligence, and report writing, demanding strong information-finding, self-learning, and communication skills.
The analyst thrives in the collaborative culture, enjoys exposure to cutting-edge technologies pursuing a greener future, and emphasizes curiosity, humility, and the importance of networking.
A key lesson learned is the value of concise communication and prioritizing directional accuracy.
Entry-level advice includes pursuing internships at venture capital firms or research associate positions, building strong relationships, and focusing on recession-proof fields.
A low-income background fueled a commitment to lifelong learning and career stability, highlighting the importance of continuous self-improvement and a willingness to learn.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Logan Roberts
Analyst
Hawkwood Biotech Partners, LLC
UC Santa Barbara
University of Washington MS ChemE and Data Science
Biology & Related Sciences
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical
Data and Analytics
Honors Student, Greek Life Member
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Career Path of an Analyst at Hawkwood Biotech Partners
Logan's career path reflects a journey of exploration within the life sciences, starting with research lab work at UCSB and then a research associate position at Aptitude Medical Systems where they "helped develop...clinical diagnostic covid tests". Following this, a master's in chemical engineering data science at UDub and an internship at Impossible Foods solidified their interest in industrial biotechnology, leading to their current role at Hawkwood Biotech Partners, LLC, a consulting practice in this field.
Main Responsibilities of an Analyst at Hawkwood Biotech Partners LLC
As an analyst at Hawkwood Biotech Partners, LLC, Logan's role blends engineering and strategy, helping startups "scale that into like a bigger plant and commercialize it" through techno-economic modeling and strategic guidance on securing funding and partnerships. This involves "managing those projects, doing some like engineering and data analysis," and preparing reports, bridging scientific expertise with business development.
A Day In The Life Of An Analyst At Hawkwood Biotech Partners
A day for Logan, an analyst at Hawkwood Biotech Partners, involves prioritizing tasks from a daily check-in with their manager, juggling multiple projects ("10 to 15 projects at any given time"), and performing diverse duties such as "techno-economic model literature review[s]," technical due diligence on startups, and report writing. This variety reflects the dynamic nature of the analyst role and the demands of a small team working on numerous client engagements.
Most Important Skills For an Analyst at Hawkwood Biotech Partners
Logan, an Analyst at Hawkwood Biotech Partners, LLC, emphasizes the importance of "being able to find information from weird places" and "being a self-learner and a quick learner" for success in the role, while also highlighting the crucial shift required in communication skills, moving from the detailed precision of scientific training to confidently interacting with high-level clients.
Favorite Parts of Being an Analyst at Hawkwood Biotech Partners
Logan enjoys the close-knit, collaborative culture at Hawkwood Biotech Partners, LLC, describing the team as "pretty close," with "everyone friends with each other." The analyst also appreciates the exposure to "crazy cool technologies," such as a startup developing "carbon fiber from…stuff that bacteria make via fermentation," showcasing innovative work in the biotech industry.
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Analyst at Hawkwood Biotech Partners
Logan's biggest challenge as an Analyst at Hawkwood Biotech Partners is effectively communicating complex information concisely, saying that "presenting and communicating stuff in a very short form manner" is difficult. The service-based nature of the business adds another layer of complexity, forcing Logan to navigate client expectations while determining "what will make them happy is maybe not the best thing for them".
Favorite Parts of Working in the Biotech Industry as an Analyst
Logan's favorite aspect of the biotech industry is the "cool technology" with potential for a "greener future," driven by "brilliant people" and "crazy ideas." The main challenges involve scaling production to achieve economic viability and market competitiveness against established petrochemical alternatives.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Biotech Industry, According To An Analyst At Hawkwood Biotech Partners
Logan, a Hawkwood Biotech Partners Analyst, identifies curiosity, communication skills, and humility as key traits for success in the industry, noting that "people who are humble about what they know and what they don't know...are much easier to trust." This emphasizes the importance of genuine expertise and mutual respect over self-promotion in building trust and credibility within the biotech consulting field.
What an Analyst at Hawkwood Biotech Partners wishes they knew before entering Biotech
Logan, an analyst at Hawkwood Biotech Partners, LLC, learned the importance of "distilling things" and being "directionally correct" rather than striving for perfect accuracy in every communication, a crucial lesson for someone with an engineering background entering the industry. This involves tailoring the level of detail to the audience, understanding that a general overview may suffice instead of providing exhaustive information.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Analysts At Hawkwood Biotech Partners LLC
Entry-level life sciences positions for undergraduates include internships at venture capital firms focusing on "junior analyst positions or market research positions," or science-focused roles like "research associate" or engineering internships. Logan, an analyst who started with a "highly technical position," suggests that a research-focused start allows application of learning to later business or managerial roles, although other entry points exist.
Significant Career Lesson from an Analyst at Hawkwood Biotech Partners
Logan, an Analyst at Hawkwood Biotech Partners, LLC, emphasizes the importance of humility and a willingness to learn, stating, "never turn down an opportunity to learn." This approach, exemplified by Logan's unexpected embrace of billing despite lacking prior interest, has increased their value to the company by developing transferable skills and demonstrating initiative early in their career.
College Experiences That Helped An Analyst At Hawkwood Biotech Partners Succeed
Logan, an Analyst at Hawkwood Biotech Partners, LLC, emphasized the importance of "making friends," particularly those with similar career aspirations, noting that "the friends Logan made in college are just like so important for opening opportunities down the line." This networking, combined with strong academic performance, significantly contributed to Logan's career success in the biotech industry.
How Identity Has Influenced an Analyst's Career at Hawkwood Biotech Partners LLC
Coming from a low-income background, the analyst prioritized career stability by focusing on "recession-proof" fields like healthcare, recognizing the need to be indispensable. This experience fostered a commitment to lifelong learning and competitiveness, embodied in the mindset that "rent is due every day," driving continuous self-improvement by observing successful individuals and actively seeking opportunities for growth.
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