Roberta de Ceglia, PhD, PMP - Associate Project Manager
Roberta de Ceglia, PhD, PMP - Associate Project Manager at Merck Group
Where are you from and what is your educational background? Where did you study?
I was born and raised in Italy and completed my high school education in scientific disciplines. Subsequently, I pursued my higher education always in Italy, specializing in Biotechnology.
Why did you decide to pursue the PhD/Post-doc journey?
My passion for science and research fueled my pursuit of knowledge and drove me to delve deeper into uncovering discoveries and understanding complex biological phenomena. Therefore, I decided to pursue a PhD in Neuroimmunology in Italy. After that, I followed my passion and my desire to do research in Switzerland as a Postdoc in Neuroscience.
It is often said that the PhD is a marathon not a sprint race. What are your thoughts about it?
Yes, definitely! The journey of a PhD is akin to scaling a mountain – while reaching the top is a significant achievement, the real essence lies in the perseverance, resilience, training, and growth fostered throughout the climb. Every challenge overcome and every lesson learned along the way contributes to your holistic development as an individual.
During undergraduate and graduate studies, you acquire knowledge, but it is during your doctoral studies that you learn how to work independently and, in a team, how to organize your work, how to deal with unforeseen events, how to find solutions quickly and creatively. It is a continuous learning process that will eventually lead you to acquire all these multifaceted skills.
When did you decide that you didn’t want to pursue an academic career? Was it before starting your PhD journey or during your PhD Studies (at the start, mid, at the end or after)?
My transition away from an academic career occurred a few years post my Post-doc. This decision was matured during my Postdoc tenure and, influenced by various factors and reflections on my professional trajectory.
When did you transition into industry?
My transition into the industry occurred recently, following several years dedicated to Postdoctoral research. I had the opportunity to participate in the Swiss BNF program, designed to facilitate the reintegration of highly skilled professionals into the job market. This experience is a unique opportunity to cooperate with renowned institutions and companies expanding your professional networks and qualifications, thereby embarking on a new chapter in your career journey.
What is a current position? What was/were your previous job(s) (If this is not your first job in private)?
My current position is Associate Project Manager in the R&D division of an international pharmaceutical company.
Is your job related to what you have done during your PhD/Post-doc?
My current role amalgamates elements from my academic and Post-doc endeavors, albeit with a shift in focus and objectives. While my previous experiences laid the groundwork, I now utilize my expertise to manage projects within the R&D domain, aimed at producing innovative drugs to target human pathologies.
Which are the aspects that you like the most about your job?
As in academic research, it is never boring! I collaborate with experts and colleagues with different competencies who foster continuous learning while striving for continuous improvement.
How has your work-life balance changed since moving to industry?
Transitioning to the industry introduced a different work dynamic. Similarly to academia, industry demands full schedule and multitasking characterized by efficient time management and prioritization; however, it is focused on delivering tangible outcomes in a limited amount of time. Balancing work and personal life remains vital, the structured nature of industry fully respects your private life outside of working hours.
How did you adapt to the cultural and operational differences between academia and industry?
Adaptability, coupled with a proactive and open-minded approach, facilitated my transition into the corporate milieu. Encouraging principles of respect, collaboration, and accountability enabled smooth integration into the corporate environment, despite disparities in cultural and operational models.
Were there any new skills or knowledge areas you had to develop for your role in the industry?
During my last period in academia as a Senior Scientist, I was fascinated by project management. Therefore, I decided to become a certified Project Manager (Project Management Professional (PMP)® from Project Management Institute). The exam to get the certification was demanding and challenging, while extremely valuable to provide insight into industrial practices and terminology. Although the basic concepts are the same, different terminology is used in the academic and industrial environments.
How difficult was it, to gain the required knowledge when you first started your job(s)?
When you go to the gym for the first time you are a beginner and, you need to give yourself some time to get familiar with the new discipline. It is the same when you start a new job, you have to learn several new things. You’ll need some time to metabolize everything and adapt to the new environment. It is challenging, but it allows you to improve your skills and, finally, to be satisfied when you have achieved your new goals.
What was your experience concerning the transition into industry? What were some of the challenges you faced during your transition?
Like all changes, it is challenging and after many years in academia, you have to change your mindset. However, I would like to highlight one aspect: in a new job you are part of a team and teams are made up of people. Therefore, all the knowledge gained in the past years about how to interact with people with different experiences and backgrounds was essential for a smoother transition. At the same time, working in a corporate environment is different from working in an academic environment: you are part of a team, but your team is a gear in a big engine composed of teams that rely on each other. The challenges of interacting within and between teams are therefore exponentially increased.
What helped you before the transition (career events, workshops, contacting people on LinkedIn, friends)?
It was extremely useful to get feedback and support from friends who had already made the transition. Friends and new contacts who shared their experience and networks helped me to find my way. At the same time, each person has their own unique story and experience, so it is up to you to be proactive and gather as much information as possible by attending career events, and events organized by companies, contacting people, and doing a proactive search in LinkedIn. I would recommend not rejecting any new contact a priori because sometimes you can get great support and willingness to help from an unexpected profile.
According to you which are the personal/soft skills that are mostly needed to undergo a successful transition into industry?
The transition into industry necessitates a repertoire of soft skills, including effective communication, adaptability, teamwork, and a proactive attitude.
In your case which personal/soft skills helped you during your transition into industry?
Cultivating the aforementioned attributes facilitates integration into the corporate ecosystem and fosters professional growth if supported by respect, honesty, and humbleness.
What advice made a difference in your professional development?
Several friends told me to be patient, and proactive and not to give up when several applications are not even selected for an interview.
What aspects of your academic studies helped you during your transition in industry (ppt presentation, public speaking, teaching, scientific project management, teamwork, multitasking etc)?
The academic studies helped me in several ways:
Managing and reviewing projects taught me to organize, produce, present and archive data and arrange them in an appropriate format for peer-reviewed journals, learning how to follow strict guidelines and maintain consistency. At a higher level, I expanded my knowledge and learned how to deal with unforeseen events while working as a part of a team to achieve a common goal.
Generating and presenting research data in PowerPoint presentations, as well as teaching trainees, taught me how to streamline and synthesize complex information and communicate scientific concepts effectively to different audiences. While attending conferences, workshops, and academic events, even those outside of my scientific discipline, improved my networking skills and helped me create new connections. It also allowed me to fine-tune my interactions with individuals of varying expertise and seniority level.
Last but not least, multitasking is essential in several jobs. Being able to efficiently handle it is a valuable skill.
It is also said that networking plays an important role in transitioning into industry. Was it the case for you?
Yes, building your network and having supportive connections is crucial. The saying 'a friend of a friend' holds true: introducing by yourself is an option, however being introduced by someone can be even more beneficial, as a common connection establishes a first link and creates familiarity.
Did you do one or multiple internship(s), traineeship(s), BNF project(s), in the private sector after your PhD studies or Postdoc before being hired for a more “permanent” job in this sector? If yes, was it via the unemployment program?
I did one internship with the BNF program. During this period, there was a temporary position opened, and I applied for it and got the position.
What advice would you give to PhDs and postdocs who are willing to look for opportunities outside research academia or in industry?
I would say:
Dare to apply for a position even if it does not fully match your expertise because your personality and attitude will play a fundamental role. Furthermore, doing interviews will make you understand how they are conducted and how you can improve your pitch. Take every opportunity to enter the private sector (internship or similar) to know the environment and create more opportunities and, tailor your CV to highlight the characteristics relevant to the job advertisement.
Do not lose hope in finding a position. Persevere and take advantage of all events and networks to find the unique opportunity that will trigger your career switch. Having a PhD or a Post-doc is an added value, and you possess several skills that are valuable in a corporate setting. We need to share our expertise with the industrial sector, which often misjudges and underestimates our skills.
If you could go back, would you change anything about your career path?
No. I have no regrets about what I have achieved (so far 😊). I would probably make the same choices again and I embrace the lessons garnered along the way. Every step I have taken has taught me something and led me to the next. Has it been a straight line? No. Has it been full of difficulties and challenges? Yes, it is from the struggles that you learn how to deal with challenges and that allows you to know yourself better.
What can I wish you for the next coming years?
To always be passionate about what you are doing and living for, to learn something new every day, and to always stay open-minded.
