Networking advice
Early chapters in the book give job hunting and networking advice that is most appropriate to students or the novice job hunter – if you've been working in your field for awhile you should probably already know much of what she offers for advice. However, we are always learning and you never know what little tidbit of information or advice will really strike home for you. In addition, each chapter ends with a list of internet and publication resources, as well as listing the top educational institutions for learning more about a particular job type.
I was disappointed to see that, from Ms. Freedman's perspective, biotechnology seems to encompass only the drug development industry and very little else in terms of food, environmental or other enzyme bioproducts industries. Perhaps a second book that delves deeper into these topics would be a natural follow-up to this one. It could also delve into the topic of cross-over disciplines like nanotechnology where a physics or chemistry background may be extremely valuable.
I also think that, as a resource, this book would have been just a little more valuable (to the rest of us non-Americans) if there were more references to educational institutions, governing bodies or other information from other countries, such as what major schools in Canada, Europe or other parts of the world might offer excellent biotech programs, or leading countries in various industries.
Overall, a VERY useful resource
For anyone who isn't sure what types of jobs the biotech industry offers, and the wide variety of positions to be found, even within a single company, this book provides a wealth of information. Descriptions of jobs in regulatory affairs and how to make the transition from industry to government and back again are also described. In addition, you will find information on jobs that you might never have thought of, like Bio-IT or document management for the computer scientist, recruiting for the people-person, and instrument development – a very important and often overlooked industry. Overall, I would use the book as a resource for reference, don't try to read it end-to-end, but certainly browse though and find an area you are interested in, and delve deeper into those chapters. There, you will find ideas that anyone can take and apply to their job hunt, or use to develop a career path from the beginning of their education to retirement.
