From the microscope to the macroscopic: changing from the bench to portfolio management

A role in portfolio management is ideal for individuals who enjoy tackling challenges that have both technical and business components. Portfolio management provides objective insights and analytics to support research and development decision making and planning. Successful practitioners usually have strong analytical abilities developed from a background in either science or business. Portfolio managers often advise key decision makers at both the team and senior management level and thus require robust oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Day-to-day tasks are rarely the same, and comfort with change and the unknown is essential. Here I will discuss my experience as a portfolio manager in a larger biopharmaceutical company and the skills from academic research I leveraged to make the transition.