From lab coats to life paths, a day of career discovery

One day after showcasing their research breakthrough in a symposium at The Inn at Virginia Tech, graduate students gathered in the cozy confines of the commons area at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Commons. The scenery change matched their focus shift from scientific data to personal futures.

Welcome to the inaugural Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences Professional Development Day, where microscopes gave way to mentors. 

"During graduate studies, you can develop tunnel vision on your research question," explained Audrey Ruple, the Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences graduate program director. "We wanted students to look up from their lab benches and see the possibilities waiting for them."

Personal branding and professional identity 

Michael D.L. Johnson, associate professor of immunobiology at the University of Arizona, opened the day with a session entitled "Prequel to Networking." The University of Arizona immunobiology professor didn't come to talk about copper homeostasis in Streptococcus species. Instead, his interactive session had participants scrambling for phones and notebooks to identify their professional "brand" in five words or less.

"If you don't know who you are," Johnson challenged the roomful of scientists more comfortable with data than self-promotion, "you won't know what you're selling." 

As participants practiced introducing themselves using values rather than research descriptions, Johnson offered advice that echoed through the day: "Closed mouths don't get fed,” Johnson said. “People can't read your mind about what you want in your career."

Career paths beyond academia 

Bill Tyrrell, co-chief medical officer at CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets and a 1992 Virginia Tech veterinary college graduate, provided insights about specialty practice opportunities outside academia.

"I thought I was going to be an orthopedic surgeon," he said. "Then I was certain neurology was my path — until suddenly it stopped making sense to me. Cardiology wasn't even on my radar, but it was the perfect fit." 

Tyrrell described teaching himself ultrasound techniques, which led to connections that ultimately secured his residency position. "That's how I met the cardiologist at Angell where I matched for residency. Without that connection — without selling them an ultrasound machine— I probably wouldn't have gotten my residency."

Now leading a network of 28 cardiac care locations with over 60 specialists, Tyrrell emphasized the importance of networking: "It's not what you know, it's who you know." 

Five paths, one starting point

The day continued with introductions from alums who'd all begun in the same program but landed in remarkably different places. 

Giulio Menciotti: From Italy to the Virginia Tech faculty.

Kristin Eden: From veterinary practice to teaching medical students. 

Tom Brickler: From academia to Google to biotech leadership.

Jacob Kocher: From norovirus research to corporate virology. 

Anne Nichols: From Southwest Virginia to NIH-funded researcher.

"Xin M. Luo deserves immense credit for gathering this dream team on a weekend," Ruple said, acknowledging the assistant department head for graduate studies who orchestrated the alumni lineup. 

Conversations over lunch

Following the morning presentations, panelists hosted individual tables for intimate conversation. No podiums. No slideshows. Just career veterans and career seekers breaking bread and barriers. 

At Menciotti's table, talk turned to lasting connections. "Make friends," he urged. "The friendships that I've made during my Ph.D., I think, are long-lasting and very strong. I was at somebody's wedding last week in D.C. Make friends, it helps for everything else that we have learned — not just networking but also friendship."

Practical advice for today's market 

The afternoon panel discussion addressed practical concerns facing graduate students: navigating today's job market, exploring international opportunities, and overcoming imposter syndrome.

Kocher shared specific industry resources. "Look at different blogs and websites that follow the biotech and pharma space,” Kocher said. “Every day while I'm having my coffee, which takes about an hour, I check Biospace and Fierce Biotech. They post layoff trackers and funding situations, so you can identify who's pulling in money and where the field is finding interest." 

When asked about inevitable setbacks, Eden offered perspective: "Be okay with failing something, because you will fail at something at some point in your life. And I know we're all high-achieving people, and the thought of failing at something is terrifying, but it will happen to you. It does not reflect who you are as a person or your self-worth or how smart you are."

Nichols suggested using NIH Reporter to track newly funded grants and quickly connect with investigators before they're inundated with applications. 

Appreciating the journey

As the formal program concluded, alums offered reflections on the graduate school experience itself. 

"This is such a special place. I'm so happy to be back," said Brickler, visiting for the first time since graduation. "I want to make it kind of a yearly thing, just because I'm so happy here."

Tyrrell urged current students to appreciate their environment. "Some of your friends in your lab or your cohorts in your residency program will be your best friends for the rest of your life,” Tyrrell said. “Take advantage of southwestern Virginia. There are so many amazing hikes around here. You'll work for the rest of your life, but enjoy this time." 

Nichols added with a knowing smile, "Graduate school is tough. It's a tough time, but it's also one of the best times you'll have. I know it's ridiculous for me to sit here and tell you that because people told me that, and I was like, 'Yeah, right.' But it's tough in the moment—just enjoy the ride for what it is."

Scientists who can speak human 

The Professional Development Day created a perfect bookend to the previous day's Research Symposium. Friday showcased technical discoveries; Saturday revealed how to translate that same precision into career navigation.

"This wasn't just about job paths," Ruple reflected as students exchanged contact information with their new mentors. "It was about building career resilience — seeing what's possible when scientific training meets self-awareness." 

For a group accustomed to measuring results in nanometers and statistical significance, the day offered a different kind of accuracy: the ability to articulate personal values, forge meaningful connections, and chart a course through uncertain professional waters.

 "Your science matters,” Johnson said. “But how you communicate that science — and who you are as a scientist— will ultimately determine where your research takes you."