As Quyen Bui began exploring careers in the life sciences industry, she already had years of experience in scientific research. As a Postdoctoral Associate at UMass Chan Medical School, she spent her time studying molecular and cellular biology and contributing to cancer research.

But despite her scientific background, there was still a lot she didn't know about the industry.

"I understood the science behind biologics and therapeutic development," Quyen says. "But I had limited exposure to how discoveries move into manufacturing, quality control, and regulated environments."

As she explored opportunities beyond academia, Quyen realized that the life sciences industry offered many different career paths — many of which she had never been exposed to before.

Looking for a way to better understand the industry, she enrolled in a workforce training program through Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).

The experience helped her see how scientific discoveries move from the research stage to the people who need them. Just as importantly, it gave her a clearer understanding of the many roles that contribute to that process.

"The program clarified career pathways and showed how different roles contribute to patient impact," she says. "It gave me confidence and a clear direction during a career transition."

Her experience reinforced an important lesson: there is no single path into the life sciences industry. People come from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds, and workforce training can help them build the skills and knowledge needed to pursue new opportunities.

The training also helped Quyen better understand how her existing skills could translate into industry roles.

"The program helped me overcome barriers related to industry entry, confidence in GMP environments, and understanding how my academic skills translate into industry roles," she says.

Today, Quyen is exploring opportunities within the biotech industry where she can continue contributing to work that ultimately improves people's lives.

"I would strongly encourage it," she says. "Workforce training programs provide practical skills, industry insight, and confidence that are difficult to gain through traditional education alone."