Alumni Spotlight - January 2021

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

I was at miLEAD for just over a year and a half. I joined first as a consultant, then managed and advised projects. I also served on the miLEAD Board of Directors and gained experience in helping a nonprofit fulfill its vision.

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

miLEAD introduces you to so many industries, ranging from pharma to automotive, that it’s difficult to settle on just one. I recall one project where we performed market research on behalf of a biotech client. Our team conducted a series of interviews with clinician Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) to gather insights on standards of care and current prescribing practices. This was interesting both for its content and as an opportunity to develop my interviewing and communication skills. It's rewarding to see how a new therapy could address gaps in patient care and to support companies along that journey.

How did miLEAD help you obtain your current position?

Job searching is daunting, especially when transitioning directly from academia. My time at miLEAD connecting with clients and solving practical business questions allowed me to gain the confidence of experience and feel more sure-footed in my professional path.

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

My team uses real world data to address challenges in healthcare, such as developing machine learning algorithms to accelerate time to diagnosis for rare diseases. My day might include a mix of internal and external strategy meetings, reviewing and troubleshooting code, and collaborating on tools or experiments to improve our project delivery. It’s an engaging balance between technical, clinical and commercial considerations.

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

miLEAD is a wonderful opportunity to develop teamwork skills, especially through its fast-paced projects that span a matter of weeks. It was a great place for me to learn how to trust my teammates during tight deadlines and to pick up new skills from more experienced members. My current role often involves tight delivery, and I continue to benefit from the diverse experiences and backgrounds of my teammates. 

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

miLEAD is a great place to build lasting relationships with like-minded and motivated individuals. And it provides a network of people to learn about and explore different career directions. People can be surprisingly generous with their time and support if you reach out. 

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

It’s been inspiring to witness miLEAD expand and thrive over the years. This is a testament to the hard work and entrepreneurship of its members and their creative outreach to local and nonlocal businesses. I hope that others have a similarly rewarding experience and continue to contribute to the miLEAD community.