MAPS-Metro New York: Careers in Life Sciences Panel Series – Industry Scientists

The WIB-Metro New York MAPS Committee hosted a career development webinar on March 19 for early- to mid-career scientists, featuring a panel of senior industry leaders, including Ishina Balwani, Sophie Dutheil, Rachel Liberatore, Durga Kolla, and Sophia Varriano. Together, they walked through what it really looks like to move from academia into industry, sharing how careers can evolve over time—including paths into senior leadership roles—and how the role of scientists continues to shift across drug discovery and development.

The conversation also touched on the differences between biotech and pharma, along with practical advice for navigating and advancing in each. One theme that came through clearly: transitioning to industry often means stepping into a more collaborative, cross-functional, and impact-driven environment. It’s not just about technical skills—mindset, adaptability, and communication matter just as much—and career paths are rarely linear, with opportunities to grow across both scientific and leadership tracks.

Special thanks to Raena Mina for moderating, to the panelists for sharing their insights, and to MAPS co-chairs Raena Mina, Julia Velez, and Pooja Vinay for organizing such a thoughtful discussion.

Submitted by Wendy Diller