Alumni Spotlight - October 2020

How long were you a member of miLEAD? What positions did you hold?

I was a member of miLEAD for two years. I joined in 2017 and started my first project the Fall of 2017. During those two years, I was involved in 4 projects - 2 as Consultant, 1 as Project Manager and another as Advisor. In 2018, I joined the board and served as Director of Public Relations and Director of Professional Development.

What was the most interesting project you were involved with while part of miLEAD?

I worked on a project for a technology accelerator that had developed a novel therapeutic delivery system for the treatment of infectious diseases. For this project, the team conducted comprehensive market analysis, including IP analysis, and developed a business plan for future commercialization. Our client was awarded an SBIR-Phase II grant from the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases (NIAID), securing approximately $3M to further drive development and commercialization of this technology. Seeing how our work contributed to this accomplishment made me realize the impact of the work that we did (and is still being done) at miLEAD.

How did miLEAD help you obtain your current position?

Being in miLEAD not only gave me the opportunity to experience what consulting is and develop the necessary skills for this type of job, it also allowed me to connect with people who were able to offer professional advice, introduce me to incredible opportunities, and even serve as job references during my interview process. I honestly think that miLEAD is such a rich experience that helps you stand out when you are applying and interviewing for jobs.

What is your day-to-day life like in your current position?

My day-to-day changes depending on the project I am working on. However, I am continuously juggling tasks that span across 5 main functions: coordinating / having meetings with experts or clients, conducting research (qualitative or quantitative), analyzing data and elucidating the best growth path(s) for our clients, synthesizing findings to present to stakeholders, and doing some administrative work.

What did you learn through miLEAD that you apply to your current position?

Through miLEAD I learned how to frame problems with a business mindset and how to “tell the story”. You can have a surmountable amount of data that drives your case, but if you cannot impart that knowledge in a way that is clear to those who benefit from your analysis, then you are not bringing anything of value to the table. miLEAD taught me that you don’t always have to come off as the most intelligent person in the room - your work will speak for you. In my line of work, I engage with really smart people that bring in different and very unique perspectives that might not necessarily align with the way I see things, but being open to input has served me in my continued growth as a consultant. miLEAD also taught me to value relationships. In the business of consulting, preserving those relationships with clients, colleagues, and experts is key – after all we are in a people business.

What advice would you give to current or prospective miLEAD consultants?

Explore, explore, explore, and network, network, network. I know it is hard to juggle Ph.D. duties (e.g. lab research, teaching, fellowship applications / grant writing, etc.) with other extracurricular activities, but there is no better way to know if you really like something unless you try it out and actually do it. The Ph.D. experience is so unique in many ways, especially because it is this weird hybrid of school and work. As such, treat it as a school for figuring out what your ideal future work situation or passion is. Get out of your comfort zone, sacrifice a little. What you’ll get in return will be greatly beneficial to your future career, which is the confidence to make informed decisions once you become a doctor.