How Identity Influenced A Regulatory Affairs Analyst's Career At A Medical Device Company
Ryan's South Asian heritage initially channeled career choices, stemming from "stereotypical immigrant pressure" to pursue healthcare, a field where their background provided both an advantage and, at times, a source of distraction. While initially benefiting from a large representation of similar backgrounds, the experience highlighted how standing out in certain environments can unexpectedly shift the focus away from professional contributions.
Career Exploration, Overcoming Challenges, Workplace Challenges, Industry Realities, Motivational Stories
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Ryan Perera
Regulatory Affairs Analyst
Large Medical Device Company
UCLA 2015
Boston University: Master’s in Medical Sciences (2018) UCLA: MBA (2024)
Biology & Related Sciences
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness
Operations and Project Management
Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Ryan's parents, immigrants, influenced his career choice in healthcare, reflecting common immigrant family pressures.
2. While initially benefiting from a high representation of Asians in healthcare, Ryan also noticed a shift when he pursued a non-medical career path.
3. Ryan highlights both advantages and occasional distractions arising from his identity, emphasizing the importance of awareness in diverse professional settings.
Transcript
As a South Asian male, how has that impacted how you navigate your career?
I was born in America to immigrant parents. On some level, I think the initial pressure to go into healthcare comes from a stereotypical immigrant pressure. My parents really wanted me in healthcare, and it made sense to me as well.
Because of that, it's kind of beneficial. I felt like I stood out less than I might have in other careers, as many people of Asian descent are in the healthcare field or interested in that path.
Once I decided to break away from going into medicine, the percentage of Asians definitely dropped a bit. It was still a high percentage of the country's population, but still, it dropped a bit.
So, I guess the biggest thing is that on some level, it's a privilege to be so common in the field. But on the same level, you can realize when you stand out in some circumstances, especially if you're communicating with places that have a different distribution of people.
It can be important. Sometimes people try to figure out where you're from, and that becomes a distraction. But I think for the most part, I have been fortunate that I haven't felt too disadvantaged because there were so many people like me in the field of healthcare.
Advizer Personal Links
No