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

♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to YouTube♡Follow me on Instagram ♡Follow me on Tiktok

💌 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/

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🎧 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:

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• ⁠⁠YouTube⁠

#STEMCareers #STEMLife #CareerPivot #CareerAdvice