Consultant Spotlight - May 2022

How long have you been with miLEAD? 

I have been a part of miLEAD since Oct. 2021.

What is the focus of your research?

My research embarks on understanding how the brain carries out fundamental cognitive functions at the neuron population level -- in particular, deciphering neural activities for learning sensory and motor skills.

What are your career goals? 

Currently, I am interested in finding a job at a strategic consulting firm in 2023. I think consulting will provide a platform for me to experience the life science industry as a whole, instead of only in a niche area. As a consultant, I will be the bridge connecting science to business, helping ambitious scientists/entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams and facilitating scientific transformations in our society.

What roles have you played on projects? 

I was a consultant on two miLEAD projects, focusing on educational technology and biomedical device verticals. My job was to conduct secondary research and competitive landscape analysis for clients' latest products/services, and give recommendations in final deliverables on market entry strategies and fundraising pitching.

What led you so seek out milead?

Following my curiosity, I wanted to learn more about the business side of science. I learned about miLEAD through the graduate student community in my department who all recommended it for non-academic career exploration and preparation. To me, miLEAD is a great platform for gaining first-hand consulting experiences and improving business sense through practice. Not a lot of student organizations can be as competent as miLEAD. There are companies establishing long-term relationships with us, which speaks to the reliability of our consultants and our work. In addition, the community is also very supportive and inspiring, making me look forward to attending every event.

Since joining miLEAD, what skills have you been able to develop?

There are four major skills that I developed during my miLEAD journey: business research, team collaboration, client communication, and networking. First, consulting research is subtly different from scientific research in the sense that it doesn’t aim for finding a novel fact, rather it forms an argument supported by relevant evidence. Sometimes, there is no absolute right or wrong answer, it is more about tailoring a solution that is most suitable for the client. Second, as a consultant, working efficiently as a team matters the most. I was able to initiate actions in the projects, contribute my individual research to the final deliverables, and exchange constructive feedback within the team. Third, I was able to grasp some key components in client communication. One useful practice is to always clarify any ambiguity in client’s requests and make sure we are solving the right questions for them. Other skills I learned were to accept disagreement, be open for suggestions, and backup recommendations with solid evidence - our job is to advise not to decide for the clients. Lastly, miLEAD encourages me to network. Talking with people can be a way to advance knowledge on a broad scale, but what was important to me was stepping out of my comfort zone and learning to be authentic in public. That way, I can truly enjoy being part of the ‘net.’

What has been one of your most rewarding experiences thus far working with miLEAD? 

Being able to advise and discuss with leaders of many companies is definitely a confidence booster, especially knowing my work can actually influence their business decisions. Beyond work, it has been invaluable to make friends that are all interested in similar career paths as well as to find a community that learns together.