For many scientists, the lab feels like the ultimate career goal. But what happens when, after years of working at the bench, your interests begin to change?

In this solo episode of When in STEM, I reflect on one of the biggest questions I've been asked throughout my Careers Beyond the Bench series:Why would someone spend years working in research only to eventually leave the lab?

I share my own journey, from wanting to go to medical school, to falling in love with research, to discovering that I also love the business side of biotech, and why changing your career goals doesn't mean you've failed. It often means you've grown.

We'll also compare three popular careers beyond the bench Quality Control, Regulatory Affairs, and Business Development, including who each role is best suited for, the transferable skills they all have in common, and practical advice for exploring new career paths without leaving your current company.

Whether you're just starting your STEM career or you're wondering if it's time for a change, I hope this episode reminds you that your identity isn't tied to a laboratory bench. There are countless ways to make an impact in science.

In this episode, we discuss:

– Why scientists choose to leave the bench

– My personal career journey and how my goals evolved

– Why it's okay to change your mind

– Quality Control vs. Regulatory Affairs vs. Business Development

– The transferable skills that open doors beyond research

– How to explore new career paths through coffee chats, shadowing, and internal networking

– Other exciting careers beyond the bench to consider

💬 I'd love to hear from you in the comments:

Have you ever thought about leaving the lab? If so, what career are you most interested in exploring?

🎧 Listen to the full Careers Beyond the Bench interviews:

– Quality Control

– Regulatory Affairs

– Business Development

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who's figuring out their next step in STEM.