In our last post, we focused on how to leverage your personal development plan (PDP) when you’ve already identified what role you are targeting. If you are unclear about what you want to do next, no worries! You can tailor one of the goals in your PDP to help you determine what direction you may or may not want to go.
We all enjoy some of our job responsibilities more than others. Perhaps you’re ready to spend less time on the road and more time at home but still want to stay close to the science? Or perhaps you enjoy working with pipeline molecules more than commercially available products? Maybe working on clinical trials is more your speed? Take time to reflect on the aspects of your role (or pervious roles) that you truly enjoy or areas in which you would like to grow your expertise.
Do you know what opportunities within your company that align with your likes/dislikes? If not, this is an opportune time to ramp up your networking skills and learn about the possibilities. Who have you met in the company that does something interesting that you believe aligns with your interests? Set up a 30-minute coffee (or virtual coffee) to learn more about the details of their role. You may find it is not what you thought it would be, or you may learn it’s just what you want to do… Regardless, you will learn something. I guarantee they will help you make other connections with colleagues that would be happy to discuss their role with you. Connect via LinkedIn. Let the networking begin!
More in our next post…