Q&A with a Bioanalytical Analyst III
In honor of STEMtember, we’re giving you an insider’s look at the growing science industry through Analynn Crowe, a bioanalytical analyst III. Crowe has been in her position at Worldwide Clinical Trials for the past three years and in the interview below, she shares how she prepared for a STEM career, talks about the hiring process and gives some practical advice for breaking into the field.
First off, what does a bioanalytical analyst III do?
I work in a lab where I perform chemical extractions of different drugs from plasma, blood and urine samples of dosed subjects in order to determine how much is in their system after each administration. From there, the client compiles the data and submits their formulation to the FDA for approval and is subsequently able to manufacture said drug for public consumption.
Is this the type of work you’ve always wanted to do?
I’m not really sure what I thought I would be doing at my job when I accepted the position. I knew nothing about contract research organizations or the pharmaceutical industry. I just knew I would be working in a lab and that’s all I really wanted to do.
How much school did you need to get your job?
I was well into my junior year of college before I decided what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. During those years, I took my core classes and changed majors three times… After deciding on chemistry, I had to tack on three more years to complete my degree courses. These included general chemistry, physics, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and physical chemistry.
Was it difficult to get hired?
I went on two interviews before I interviewed with my current company.
Are there certain qualities employers look for when hiring STEM employees?
In general, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required. This is especially true if you want to move up within a company. Sometimes if you have no degree and experience, or an associate’s (degree), you can get in with an entry-level position. But you won’t be able to get much further than that. A few other qualities include being able to communicate information effectively, problem solve and having a proficiency with specific instruments or computer software.
For people without a degree, but prior experience, what do you recommend doing? Apply for entry-level jobs or go back to school for a degree?
Some companies will help pay for you to take classes so it just depends. If they have experience in the specific field and are able to land an entry-level position, I would say go for it and talk to the employer about what they need to be able to move up within the company. If they have no experience, your best bet would be going to school to get a degree and then going from there. That piece of paper really does wonders in STEM careers.
Is there something specific people should focus on when writing their resumes?
Focus on the experience you have and elaborate on that. Take each job posting for the company you are applying to and tweak your resume specifically for each application. Make sure your resume covers most of the skills they are looking for and of course, change it with each company and/or position.
After going through a group interview, what advice do you have for others who may be in that situation?
Be confident. Everyone else is equally as nervous. Sell yourself in a way that lets the company know that you will be an asset and are interested in growing within the company. We have stopped doing group interviews at my company, but I do feel it is a common practice elsewhere.
How should you handle the technical part of the interview?
Make sure you know about what you put on your resume. For example, I listed a mass spectrometer as being an instrument I had experience using and I was asked specific questions about the functionality and use… Learn the basics of whatever instruments, programs and tools you said you are familiar with and you should be fine. If they ask you something you don’t know, just say that you are unsure or unfamiliar with that, but are willing to learn about it.
What advice do you have for people interested in STEM careers?
Get as much experience as you can by either joining STEM groups in school, doing internships, volunteering, getting certifications or licenses. A big part of my resume listed the specific classes I took and the different laboratory instruments I was familiar with. I also highlighted my senior project where I performed my own experiment and I was able to elaborate on this during my interviews.
Are there a lot of advancement opportunities in your field?
Yes, there are. My company offers many opportunities in many different departments. There’s a wide range from working in the lab or clinic to managing projects or business development. I know someone who started his career in a lab, moved up to be a study manager and now works as part of the business development team.
Is there a STEM position you would consider to be “hot” or on the fast track right now?
Definitely programming. If you are able to program, there are many, many opportunities for you out there.
Finally, do you think it’s possible to enter the STEM field as a second career?
Sure, I don’t see why not. It’s never too late to change your path in life.
