In the high-stakes world of STEM—where pressure is constant and rejection is often personal—resilience isn’t just a skill. It’s survival.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jo Viney, career coach, biotech leader, and co-founder of Seismic Therapeutics. From co-leading the $1.85B acquisition of Pandion by Merck to navigating the invisible weight of leadership, Jo’s story is anything but linear. Behind the titles and milestones is a journey marked by rejection, hard pivots, and the kind of setbacks that quietly shape who we become.

We explore the power of adaptive resilience—a mindset shift that helps STEM professionals not just endure, but evolve. This is the resilience that moves beyond grit. It's about learning to bend, not break.

Together, we dive into:

- The real meaning of adaptive resilience in STEM—and why it matters more than ever.

- How to reframe rejection and stay grounded when your career feels stuck.

- Practical tools for managing job search frustration, imposter syndrome, and long-haul goals in biotech, academia, and research.

- How high-pressure environments challenge our mental and emotional strength—and how to protect both.

- The single most powerful mindset shift Jo recommends for anyone feeling lost in their career.

This episode isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about building the inner scaffolding to keep going—even when things fall apart.

Because in STEM, the people who make it through aren’t just the most talented. They’re the most resilient.

Time Stamps:

00:00 - The Journey of Resilience

06:56 - Adaptive Resilience in STEM

10:26 - Mindset Traps in Job Searching

15:22 - Reframing Rejection and Setbacks

19:18 - Maintaining Emotional Strength in STEM

22:01 - Unique Challenges in STEM Careers

24:30 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

26:08 - Shifting Focus from Goals to Purpose

29:03 - Maintaining Work-LifeBalance in STEM

33:30 - Creating an Empowering Work Environment

36:09 - Navigating Career Challenges

40:38 - The Importance of Mentorship

#stempodcast #biotechcareers #womeninstem #overcomingrejection #mentalhealth #stem #jobsearchtips #science

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What do you do when you’ve done everything right — and it still falls apart?Asmi is an international student with only a bachelor’s degree trying to survive in one of the most competitive industries: biotech. No advanced degree. No safety net. Just pure determination.First, she got laid off from a startup.Then, 23 weeks into a new role— laid off again.Next? She landed another job… only to have the offer revoked.Her visa was expiring. Time was running out.This episode is about what no one talks about — the silent pressure of building a career when your entire future depends on it. The mental toll. The self-doubt. The near misses. The fear.But it’s also about what happens when you don’t give up.If you’ve ever questioned whether you're “qualified enough” to chase a career in biotech — this story might be the reminder you didn’t know you needed.Video Chapter: 0:00 Introduction to Biotech Careers4:31 Navigating Education and career choices 10:11 Breaking into Biotech: First Job Experiences 15:32 Challenges of Being an International Student 19:54 Coping with Layoffs and Job Searching 24:28 Resilience and Networking in Job Applications25:46 Networking: The Key to Job Applications31:43 Overcoming Setbacks: The Layoff Experience37:44 Resilience in The Face of Adversity 39:07 Finding Meaning in New Opportunities. Advice For International Students. 49:24 Career Corner: Navigating Job OpportunitiesSubmit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner 👇

HERE STREAM WHEN IN STEM : https://liinks.co/when.in.stem.podcast ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more ♡Follow me on Instagram♡Follow me on Tiktok 💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com#biotechcareers #careerjourney #bachelordegree #stemcareers #careergrowth #internationalstudents #jobhunting #careerinspiration #nevergiveup #stemsuccess #biotech #stem #resilience #careermotivation #podcast #stempodcast

What if the biggest opportunities in your STEM career were just one conversation away?

In this episode, I sit down with Jessi Rennekamp—a powerhouse in the STEM world whose journey is living proof that networking isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a career strategy. We talk about the often-overlooked truth: talent alone doesn’t always open doors, but relationships do.

We dive into the moments that shaped Jessi’s confidence, how she made connections that changed the trajectory of her career, and the quiet power of showing up—authentically—in rooms that feel intimidating.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your next big leap, this conversation will challenge how you think about networking and give you real tools to build meaningful, strategic relationships in STEM.

Because the truth is, no one builds a career alone.

Resources:

Healthcare Businesswomen's Association

Life Science Cares

Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 - The Art of Storytelling in Biotech Communications4:52 - Navigating the Networking Landscape9:15 - Building Confidence in Networking13:48 - Authenticity in Networking18:41 - Crafting Your Narrative22:57 - Effective Follow-Up Strategies26:31 - Staying Motivated in Networking30:05 The Unasked Questions in Networking30:14 - Overcoming Networking Guilt30:23 - Building Meaningful Connections32:58 - The Importance of Mindset in Networking35:02 - Confidence Building Strategies37:39 - Common Networking Mistakes38:35 - Timing and Respect in Networking Requests40:23 - Leveraging Connections Respectfully42:10 - Final Thoughts on Networking and ConfidenceSubmit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner STREAM WHEN IN STEM ON ALL PLATFORMS

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💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com#stemcareers #networkingtips #womeninstem #careergrowth #stem #professionaldevelopment #networking #stempodcast #biotech #research

When I graduated with my STEM degree, I thought there were only two options: get a PhD or spend the next 40 years working in a lab.
But what if that’s not true? What if there’s a whole worldof creative, impactful STEM careers no one ever told us about?

In today’s solo episode, I’m sharing my own journey — howfollowing the “traditional” path in STEM led me to start questioning everything.
You’ll hear highlights from past guests who made brave pivots into patent law, biotech project leadership, and even medical communications at a global beauty brand.
Plus, I’ll break down real steps you can take today if you’re feeling stuck, curious, or ready for more.

STEM isn't one-size-fits-all anymore. And your careerdoesn’t have to be either.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How real scientists pivoted into untraditional careers
• The mindset shifts that open new door in STEM
• Practical resources to start exploring new paths
• Why staying “safe” in your career isn’t always safe at all

Whether you’re a student, early-career scientist, or justwondering "what's next?", this episode is your permission to think bigger.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• AngelList (startups + tech roles): https://angel.co/jobs
• Scismic (STEM jobs outside academia): https://scismic.com/jobs
• LinkedIn Learning: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/
• STEM Peers: https://www.stempeers.org/

• 
  

🎧 Hit play — and let’s rethink what success in STEM really looks like.

Have a question or scenario you’d like us to discuss? Submit it ⁠⁠here ⁠⁠

We’ll feature select questions and scenarios on Career Corner, providing personalized tips, insights, and advice from our host and guest experts.

Stay connect and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more updates and career tips:

• ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠YouTube⁠

#STEMCareers #STEMLife #CareerPivot #CareerAdvice

You’re not stuck — you’re just playing by someone else’srules.

In this episode, I’m talking to a pharmacist who walkedaway from the traditional path and said NO to the hospital grind, NO toretail, and YES to a role that actually lights her up:
Medical Communications at L’Oréal.

Yes, that L’Oréal.

She took everything she learned in pharmacy school andflipped the script. Now she’s working at the intersection of science andstrategy, helping translate medical insights for one of the biggest beautybrands in the world.

We get into:

💥 How she broke away from the "safe" path
🧠 What a career in Medical Communications actually looks like
🛠️ How to use your degree as a launchpad, not a life sentence
🔥 The mindset shift that helped her take the leap

If you’re sitting there thinking “I didn’t go to schoolfor this” — good. That means you’re ready to redefine success on yourterms.

Stop waiting. Start building a career that actually fits.

Submit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner STREAM WHEN IN STEM : ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to my youtube channel for more♡Follow me on Instagram ♡Follow me on Tiktok

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After a decade in academia — from a master’s in nutrition to a PhD and postdoc — Stephanie Hershman found herself burned out, disillusioned, and facing a question so many researchers silently ask: Was it all worth it?

In this episode, Stephanie opens up about her journey from the academic grind to leading projects in biotech. She shares the emotional toll of chasing publications, the identity crisis that comes with walking away from research, and the brave decision to forge a new path.

This isn’t just a career pivot — it’s a story about reclaiming purpose, breaking away from expectations, and learning to choose yourself. Whether you're thinking about leaving academia or simply searching for clarity in your own career, this raw and honest conversation will resonate deeply.

Have a question or scenario you’d like us to discuss? Submit it ⁠here ⁠

We’ll feature select questions and scenarios on Career Corner, providing personalized tips, insights, and advice from our host and guest experts.

Stay connect and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more updates and career tips:

• ⁠Instagram⁠
• ⁠TikTok⁠
• ⁠YouTube⁠

In this episode of WHEN IN STEM, we dive deep into the unconventional STEM career pivot with Chloe Kirk, also known as @chloethescientist on Instagram. Chloe shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from the lab to the world of patent law, proving that you don’t have to stay in the lab to be a successful STEM professional. We also talk about the struggle many STEM professionals face when leaving the lab—losing your identity as a scientist.

Chloe opens up about how it felt to make the shift and how she managed to keep her scientist identity intact while pursuing a career in intellectual property. Her background in science gave her a unique advantage in the legal field, allowing her to continue applying her scientific expertise.

If you’re curious about how you can leverage your STEM skills in a nontraditional career or how a STEM background sets you apart in law, this episode is a must-listen!🎧

What you’ll learn:

• How to transition from a research role to a legal career
• The skills you need to thrive in patent law
• Why STEM professionals make great intellectual property lawyers
• The importance of embracing nontraditional career paths in STEM
• Tips for STEM career shifts and staying true to your scientific roots
• How to avoid losing your identity when moving out of the lab

Be sure to follow Chloe on Instagram @chloethescientist for more insights into her journey and tips for aspiring STEM professionals looking to pivot.

Have a question or scenario you’d like us to discuss? Submit it ⁠here ⁠

We’ll feature select questions and scenarios on Career Corner, providing personalized tips, insights, and advice from our host and guest experts.

Stay connect and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more updates and career tips:

• ⁠Instagram⁠
• ⁠TikTok⁠
• ⁠YouTube⁠

🎙 STEM Resources You NEED to Know! | Scholarships, Mentorships & Biotech Career Tips STEM careers can feel overwhelming—no one tells us where to start, and so many people miss out on opportunities just because they don’t know they exist!

But today, we’re breaking down game-changing resources to help you find mentorship, secure scholarships, and land jobs in STEM—whether you’re a student, career changer, or international professional.

• Scholarships You Should Apply For (So Much Free Money!)

Most people don’t apply for scholarships because they assume they won’t qualify. But there’s so much free money out there—why not take your shot?

Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship

CIA Undergraduate Scholarship Program

BAFTX Women in STEM Scholarship

Best Fully Funded Scholarships

• Mentorship Programs to Help You Navigate STEMHaving a mentor can make all the difference in your STEM career. If you don’t have one yet, here’s where to start:
• Million Women Mentors FabFems MentorNet ADI Mentorship Program 🔹 Breaking into Biotech (Even Without a Biology Degree!)
• If you’re trying to break into biotech, especially from a non-traditional background or as an international student, check out these resources:H1BGrader.com (Find biotech companies that sponsor visas)LinkedIn Jobs (Use "Visa Sponsorship" filter) MassBio Job Board (Biotech jobs in Massachusetts)

📌 All links & resources mentioned in this episode are in the description!🔔 Subscribe for more STEM career insights & tips!👍

Like this video? Comment below & share your favorite STEM resource!

#STEMCareers #STEMScholarships #WomenInSTEM #BiotechJobs #CareerAdvice #Mentorship #VisaSponsorship #Scholarships #STEMEducation