The stage is set for your future

Making the move from academia to industry can raise a lot of questions. As a project manager in manufacturing, she has experienced the transition firsthand: after completing her PhD, her current position became her first step into industry.

At ScieCon, she is happy to share her personal experience and practical insights. Come and talk to her about questions such as: Is a PhD the right choice for my career goals? Which skills from academic research are valuable in industry? And how can I confidently showcase these skills (for example, in a job interview)?

Dr. Ilieva is Head of Clinical Research at Engelhard Arzneimittel, a German mid-sized pharmaceutical company. After earning her PhD in Biochemistry, she started her career in Clinical Research at Novartis, progressing from Clinical Research Associate and Study Manager to Study and Project Lead, and ultimately to her current role as Head of Department.

At ScieCon, she shares practical insights into clinical research and drug development – from the early stages of molecule development and preclinical research through clinical trials, regulatory approval, and post-launch studies. She also shares her personal experience of pursuing a PhD and starting her career, and talks about her own transition from academia to the pharmaceutical industry and her experience working in both a global corporation and a traditional German mid-sized company.

Her career has been shaped by several pivotal decisions: pursuing a PhD, initially out of necessity but ultimately without regret, joining a large pharmaceutical company straight after her PhD and taking on a field that was new to her, and later moving to a mid-sized company, where she stepped into her first leadership role. Returning to a full-time position after parental leave was another important milestone.

At ScieCon, you can ask her about entering the pharmaceutical industry, transitioning from academia to industry, and career opportunities in clinical research, as well as leadership, building a career as a woman and mother, and balancing career and family life.

He began his career in sales before transitioning to the HR field through a human resources consulting firm. A particularly formative stage of his career was his time at Deutsche Bahn, where he worked in the Group Recruitment Management team. In addition to his primary focus on recruiting, he also took on responsibility for projects in the areas of talent development, workforce planning, and leadership. Subsequent roles at Fresenius, Fissler, and a medium-sized company eventually led him to head the HR department. Today, he works as an independent HR consultant and supports medium-sized companies as an “external HR department.”

For his own career path, the serendipitous transition from sales to HR was particularly decisive. This step showed him how important it is to find a role that aligns with one’s own strengths and interests. While he was able to put his skills to good use in sales, he was able to apply and further develop them in an even more targeted way in HR.

His consulting focuses on entering the industry, career transitions, leadership, and the question of whether one’s own aspirations and strengths align with a company and its culture—the so-called “culture fit.” For specific questions about academic career paths or doctoral programs, he recommends drawing on the expertise of the other career advisors.

First and foremost, you should be clear about what you want to achieve professionally, where you want to go in your career, and which path best aligns with your strengths and aspirations. The start of your career, in particular, can set the course for your future professional development. Equally important is presenting yourself in a coherent and authentic way—from your resume all the way through to your personal demeanor during the application process.
 

Niklas Frieling is currently responsible for risk management related to the construction of two modern biologics manufacturing sites in Frankfurt and Beijing. In this role, he works closely with nearly all departments and brings extensive experience from more than seven years in the pharmaceutical industry. During this time, he has held a total of nine different roles (including in operations management, design transfer & industrialization, project management, quality management, product management, laboratory management, quality control, and clinical trials). This means he can provide valuable insights into project planning, problem-solving, team building, concept development, and FDA regulatory requirements in the biologics sector. At the same time, he has a good understanding of the pros and cons of a broad professional background compared to early specialization.

Anyone interested in entering the pharmaceutical industry or considering their next career steps can approach him at ScieCon with questions about direct entry, trainee programs, or application and assessment center processes, as well as career paths without a Ph.D.You can also discuss with him the option of joining large pharmaceutical companies through temporary positions (using Sanofi as an example). He provides an overview of nearly all relevant career fields in the industry (with the exception of research and development) and shares his personal experiences from various roles and career stages.

An important part of his career path was the deliberate effort to build a broad range of experience through regular job changes. He repeatedly opted for challenging and risky career moves. His experience shows that a temporary senior position can be more valuable in the long run than a permanent entry-level role with predominantly routine tasks. New challenges support personal growth, expand one’s network, and open up a wide range of development opportunities.

At ScieCon, your career takes center stage – and that is exactly why our panel discussion focuses on key questions within the life sciences industry.

Together with representatives from various companies, we will discuss the topic “Focus on People: Personal Development as a Key to Success”. We’ll explore the significance of continuous learning as part of corporate culture and the importance of specialization compared to broad expertise. In addition, we’ll discuss the impact of technological change in the wake of rapid advances in AI and automation. In this context, we’ll examine the requirements for personal development and the skills needed in the future in the life sciences sector. Another key focus is on evaluating the importance of soft skills compared to university degrees and good academic performance from a corporate perspective.

Take this opportunity to gain practical insights, ask your questions, and discover which career path best suits you.

Would you like to know what a real job interview looks like and what kind of questions you can expect? Then don’t miss our live session at ScieCon Frankfurt.

Experience firsthand how a student – who previously applied for a real job opening with her CV – takes part in an authentic interview conducted by a company representative from Sanofi. Afterwards, she will receive direct feedback, while you gain valuable tips and strategies on how to stand out in your own job interviews.

Take this opportunity to ask your questions – whether about the interview process, common interview questions, or the best ways to prepare.

Are you wondering which jobs truly match your strengths and interests? Or would you like to find out which companies align best with your values and working culture?

With ScieMatch, we offer a tool that connects you with suitable career paths and companies in a targeted way. At the ScieMatch booth (No. 2), you can easily create a free profile and take part in the matching process on site. In addition, you will find a nearby career poster that illustrates the wide range of career opportunities available to you with a degree in the life sciences.

Take the chance to explore exciting career options and learn more about the corporate cultures of different companies.

Tip: Use ScieMatch before ScieCon to prepare in the best possible way. More information can be found at https://bts-ev.de/sciematch.

With the ScieMatch event feature, you can stay in touch with company representatives even after ScieCon and further develop valuable contacts. This gives you the opportunity to reconnect with interesting companies after the event and continue your conversations.

In addition, you will gain access to all information about the upcoming ScieCons 2027 in Munich and Münster, as well as other features of the ScieMatch platform – including matching with companies and suitable career profiles.