D.X. wrote:Dave Jensen wrote:Thanks Nate.
I'm trying hard to make my answer something more than "network, network" but in DX's case that advice (classic as it is) comes across as sensible and correct. There ARE some other options. I'm trying to think of those right now, just as Abby is.
Colorado is a good example of one of the problems, not a solution. That is, it's a great State to live in for reasons that have nothing to do with work. You enjoy your life when you live there -- you have options outdoors to hike, climb, bike, ski and everything under the sun. It's the kind of place where companies can build up a presence (Amgen) and then lay people off, and the entire group of laid off people start driving cabs instead of going elsewhere and relocating for work. I don't have a quick answer. I'll talk to some experts and incorporate that advice into my column,
Dave
We talk about hub and non-hub, but alot of this conversation also applies to hub-Areas were supply, outweights demand - you can find similar situations of Folks keeping thier heads down, making those trade-Offs in interest of their outside work life (i.e. Family). Those as noted, risks of not finding a Job is lower, though the risk still exists - I can think of one other advice than Networking.... be entrepreneural and start a Company servicing an outsourced Need that non-hub Company may have. i.e. a medical writing Service? or a supply chain logistics Service, or i don't know ..blue sky thinking here - with the aim to leverage you contacts in that Company to give you Business. Enter Networking again.
DX
DX, You have to consider that most scientists in the life sciences are trained or received their degrees from Universities in non-hub locations. Furthermore, they aren't exactly rolling in the dough in these academic gigs. Networking from a long distance can be quite difficult (unlike the MBA or JD graduate in large non-hub like Atlanta or Dallas) and most academics don't want to see their best students or lab members bolt for industry. Of note, some academics will even try to block such a move with a bad reference (based on inaccurate statements) or hold-up their graduation with excessive BS.
When the supply outstrips the demand in a non-hub, it becomes quite difficult to find a job and the people in the area that hold a job in the biotech field become quite protective of their jobs, even become down right surly. I have seen just about every conceivable dysfunctional behavior when networking locally; jealously, narcissism, an unwillingness to help others, etc. Based on my work in other fields (medical device and legal) and talking with biotech professionals in hub cities, I know this problem is not with me, my behavior, or ability to network; it is their (i.e. some local biotech professionals) problem of job insecurity. Try networking with a local PharmD that is a MSL; you will get a cold shoulder and a statement that I don't think PhDs are qualified for this job; coupled with a smug attitude that they are always right (even when they are wrong and can be contradicted by a more qualified MSL in a hub city). Try asking a local mid-level biotech manager about a possible opening and what they would consider for the position. I get some of the most inconsiderate reactions when I network with local biotech professionals (vs hub professionals and local professionals in other fields). However, when I contact practically strangers in a hub city like Boston, I get a far more gracious response and/or willingness to help.
Starting a consulting firm or small business is often very difficult to do and you must have capital and some influential contacts. Scientists in the life sciences are considerably specialized. Further, they don't have the best understanding of business and finance. DX, this is much more difficult to do that it sounds and it might be easier to reeducate yourself for another profession that fits the local economy. I do agree with you if you stay in a non-hub, you must think outside the box in terms of transferable skills and network like a madman.
PS: I know two PhDs in analytical chemistry with substantial industry experience who are teaching at community colleges for wages that are less than minimum wage because they couldn't find anything more suitable given their background. This is sad. They tried to start their own business with SBIR grants and failed. One has a PhD from Harvard.