Weekly Update
This week in Digital Writing and Publishing:
I used AI advice on what recruiters are looking for from Biomedical Science majors and tailored my content to what I learned making sure to clarify my audience in the process. I wanted to successfully target a section of biomedical science recruiters in sales, management, or coordinator positions. I am continuing to work on content creation outside of my portfolio before adding it to my page. I have final touches to put on my research review of Chang’s 2016 primary literature article, “Receptor-Mediated Sorting of Typhoid Toxin during Its Export from Salmonella Typhi-Infected Cells.”
For next week:
I plan to upload my finished research review, edit my portfolio, resume, and about me for cohesion, and create a cover letter of a sort which will express what skills I have acquired at GSU that will transfer into a workspace.
Weekly Update
This week in Digital Writing and Publishing:
I was able to correct my mistakes from the previous week and bring some clarity to my portfolio. I added a writing sample and more content to my About Me page. Then I brainstormed how to incorporate the skills I acquired while at GSU. This way I may establish a clear purpose for my future and give examples of what I can offer in the biomedical science field.
For next week:
I plan on making my audience clearer; this way my target audience will be reached successfully. I am steadily working on content as I finish research projects for this semester. Once those are finalized I can use that content to further represent myself as a professional.
I will be using AI to help me understand what recruiters are looking for from Biomedical Science majors and get a look at how the industry is projected to grow or change in the next 5 years. Then I will use that knowledge to tailor my content to what I learn.
AI Portfolio Work
ChatGPT: Advice on a Medical Sales Rep Portfolio
Katlyn: I am graduating from Georgia State University in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science and enterprise. I want advice on searching for entry-level positions in either industry science or the industry of wellness. The position will ideally be client-facing with the ability to advance to a management position and future leadership positions after that. I search for open positions on a variety of job posting sites. My next step is to complete an online portfolio. What should a portfolio for a medical sales employee include?
ChatGPT: Congratulations on your upcoming graduation and your proactive approach to securing a position in either industry science or the wellness industry. Building an online portfolio is an excellent step to showcase your skills and accomplishments. For a medical sales position, consider including the following elements in your portfolio:
- Introduction and Bio:
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- Start with a brief introduction about yourself, emphasizing your passion for biomedical science and enterprise.
- Include a professional bio highlighting your education, relevant coursework, and any notable achievements or experiences.
- Resume/CV:
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- Upload a detailed resume or curriculum vitae that outlines your academic background, work experience, and any relevant skills.
- Highlight specific achievements, projects, or responsibilities in your previous roles that demonstrate your ability to succeed in a client-facing role.
- Skills:
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- Create a section dedicated to your skills, both technical and soft skills. This can include skills such as communication, problem-solving, relationship-building, and any specific technical skills relevant to medical sales.
- Portfolio Highlights:
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- Showcase specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to excel in a client-facing role.
- Include examples of successful interactions with clients or projects where you demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills.
- Client Testimonials:
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- If applicable, include testimonials or quotes from clients or colleagues who can speak to your abilities and positive impact in a professional setting.
- Educational Background:
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- Provide details about your academic journey, highlighting any coursework or projects that are particularly relevant to medical sales.
- Certifications:
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- If you have obtained any relevant certifications, include them in a dedicated section.
- LinkedIn Integration:
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- Embed or link to your LinkedIn profile to provide additional context and show that your online presence is consistent and professional.
- Sales Metrics and Achievements:
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- If you have metrics or quantifiable achievements from previous sales or client-facing roles, include them to demonstrate your impact.
- Professional Development:
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- Mention any workshops, conferences, or additional training you’ve completed to enhance your skills.
- Contact Information:
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- Include your professional email address and any other relevant contact information. Make it easy for potential employers to reach out to you.
Remember to keep your portfolio visually appealing and easy to navigate. Use professional design elements and ensure that the content is concise and focused on showcasing your capabilities. Regularly update your portfolio as you gain more experience or achieve new milestones in your career. Good luck with your job search!
ChatGPT: You can find inspiration by searching for portfolios on platforms like LinkedIn, personal websites, or other professional networking sites.
Katlyn: Using this from my resume create a better version for a future employer to read about my postion at the distillery of modern art and how the skills ive cultivated there are transferrable to sales.
Professional Experience Hospitality | Distillery of Modern Art Chamblee, GA | March 2023 to Current • Customer-based role in a fast-paced environment which actively develops organization, attention to detail, adaptability, and commitment. • Involves close communication with team members, collaboration on Research and Development, and insights into entrepreneurship • Provided an immersive experience for guests as they experience modern art, and the process of distilling spirits and cocktail service.
ChatGPT: Certainly! Here’s a revised version of your experience at the Distillery of Modern Art, emphasizing transferable skills for a sales position:
Professional Experience
Hospitality | Distillery of Modern Art Chamblee, GA | March 2023 to Current
• Cultivated customer-centric skills in a fast-paced environment, fostering exceptional organizational abilities, attention to detail, adaptability, and unwavering commitment.
• Demonstrated effective communication within the team, actively collaborating on Research and Development initiatives, and gaining valuable insights into entrepreneurship.
• Provided guests with an immersive experience, guiding them through the worlds of modern art and the intricate processes of distilling spirits, showcasing adept cocktail service.
Transferable Skills Highlights:
- Customer-Centric Approach: Developed strong customer-focused skills by providing an immersive experience, fostering a keen understanding of customer needs and preferences.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Engaged in close communication and collaborated effectively with team members, contributing to Research and Development projects, highlighting a strong team player ethos.
- Entrepreneurial Insights: Gained valuable insights into entrepreneurship, showcasing adaptability and a keen interest in innovative approaches to business.
- Effective Communication: Honed communication skills by guiding guests in the processes of modern art and distillation, showcasing the ability to convey complex information engagingly.
- Adaptability: Thrived in a fast-paced environment, showcasing adaptability and a commitment to excellence in providing a unique and memorable experience for guests.
This version aims to explicitly showcase the skills developed at the Distillery of Modern Art and how they can seamlessly transfer to a sales position.
Objective Statement
Katlyn: Now help me write an objective statement for my resume using what you now know about me. Something like: Creative individual seeking a coordinator position at a company that aligns with my values of innovation, inclusivity and intention
ChatGPT: Absolutely! Here’s a tailored objective statement for your resume:
Objective Statement:
Determined and creative individual with a proven track record in fast-paced environments, seeking a dynamic coordinator position at a forward-thinking company. Passionate about health and wellness, I am eager to contribute my exceptional organizational skills, adaptability, and innate ability to foster innovation. Known for my unwavering commitment to excellence and calm demeanor, I am poised to thrive in a role that aligns with my values of innovation, inclusivity, and intention. Excited to bring my unique blend of skills to a team that values initiative and transformative leadership.
Feel free to adjust the language to better fit your personal style and preferences!
Katlyn: make it shorter more concise
ChatGPT: Absolutely, let’s make it more concise:
Objective Statement:
Creative and determined professional seeking a coordinator position at an innovative company in the health and wellness sector. Bringing proven adaptability, organizational skills, and a commitment to excellence. Eager to contribute to a team that values innovation, inclusivity, and intention.
This version is more succinct while retaining the key elements of your skills and what you’re looking for in a position.
Biography
I gave ChatGPT a copy of the information on my resume for it to generate my biography. It created a solid baseline for me to edit from and add some of my own voice and tone to for a personal biography for my portfolio. If I fed it more information about the way I write and my perspectives on the work that I have done I’m confident it could capture more of my voice in the text.
ChatGPT: Certainly! Here’s a suggested biography for your portfolio:
Biography: [Your Full Name]
Hello and welcome to my professional portfolio! I am a dedicated and creative individual with a passion for health and wellness. My journey at Georgia State University has been marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, culminating in my upcoming graduation with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science and Enterprise, where I have maintained an exceptional GPA of 3.98.
In my current role at the Distillery of Modern Art, I have embraced a customer-centric position in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. This experience has not only honed my organizational skills but also fostered adaptability and a keen attention to detail. I actively collaborate with team members on Research and Development, gaining valuable insights into entrepreneurship and the intricate processes of modern art and distilling spirits.
My previous role as a Sales Manager at Mantra Boutique Fitness in Orange County, CA, was a transformative experience where I thrived in a high-pressure environment, managing a team of 12 women. I excelled in client services, exceeding quarterly and annual sales goals while overseeing studio operations and spearheading marketing initiatives. My commitment extended to managing purchase orders, training personnel, and ensuring a seamless workflow within the team.
My diverse professional background includes roles as a Sales Associate at Pale Blossom Organics Skincare, a Certified Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, and various fitness-related positions. Each role has contributed to my well-rounded skill set, blending customer success, sales, and a genuine commitment to promoting health and well-being.
Complementing my professional endeavors, I’ve been actively engaged in WomenLead @ GSU, an organization that fuels women’s leadership and achievement, fostering connections between students and professionals to create a community of empowered leaders.
My academic journey has been enriched by coursework in Scientific Communication, Entrepreneurship, Digital Writing + Publishing, and Health + Culture, providing me with a solid foundation in diverse fields. Courses such as Biomedical Research + Ethics, Anatomy and Physiology I & II, and Molecular Cell Biology have equipped me with a robust understanding of the scientific landscape.
Known for my detail-oriented and highly organized approach, I am a natural problem solver who thrives in a team environment. Whether it’s collaborating on projects, leading teams, or working independently, I bring a self-motivated and cross-functional perspective to every endeavor.
As I embark on the next chapter of my career, I am seeking a coordinator position at a health and wellness company that aligns with my values of innovation, inclusivity, and intention. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experiences to a dynamic and forward-thinking organization.
Thank you for visiting my portfolio, and I look forward to connecting with like-minded professionals and potential collaborators!
Best regards, [Your Full Name]
Reflection
After getting an idea of what a portfolio includes I began using ChatGPT to revise some of my current documents. I would plug in portions of my resume and ask for revisions or better verbiage to engage a future employer. Most sales representatives do not showcase their skills in an online portfolio. Having one will be a plus and a way to get ahead of others in the field. ChatGPT began with very general guidelines and advice until I pushed it to combine my documents into different forms ie objective statements, previous experiences, and a biography. ChatGPT is great for grammar advice and ideas on adding personality to the stale language that is standard for professional portfolio writing. I will continue to utilize AI to refine and enhance my portfolio documents, however, I find that asking for examples is better left to Google.
Can Claude be my new career coach?
Synthesis
I am graduating from Georgia State University in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science and enterprise. I want advice on searching for entry-level positions in either industry science or the industry of wellness. The position will ideally be client-facing with the ability to advance to a management position and future leadership positions after that. I have specific skills that are transferrable across industries that are specified in my resume, and will I tailor each cover letter needed to fit the job description I am applying for. I have utilized my university career center for advice on getting ahead. I have networked with my academic and real-world peers. On top of that, I utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn so I can professionally present my brand and achievements. In an attempt to be the best candidate for a job I “show by doing” highlighting my achievements and skills through examples and explanations, not adjectives. To find the best fit for my career I explore opportunities both in and out of the industries I am interested in. This way I can take advantage of any opportunity that may provide a gateway into the sector I truly want to be in. I search for open positions on a variety of job posting sites.
Thanks, Claude and Bard ..the more you know
All suggestions between Bard and Claude were specific to my field and essentially what I would find in a resume writing guide – good content but very generic; so I asked for specific examples to coax out a response of value. Again I was offered the usual advice – sites like Glassdoor and Indeed, GSU career center, company websites, and industry-specific job boards. This wasn’t surprising so I wanted to see how creative Bard could get. Turns out not very creative the content focused on encouragement and finished with “Good luck with your job search!”. So I dabbled in the use of Claude software and had a slightly more positive experience. I have highlighted below some of the impactful threads and the reflections I have on those threads. K annotates where I asked questions. B or C are responses from Bard or Claude and [ ] hold my thoughts on the process.
K: When looking for job postings what position titles do I search that will get me the most accurate listings for my qualifications and interests?
B: Get specific: Gradually refine your search by combining [biomedical science and wellness] broad terms with specific industry areas or roles that align with your skills and interests. For example, “clinical research associate in wellness technology,” “biomedical data analyst for personalized medicine,” or “project manager for health apps.”
[This I found helpful – I haven’t thought to utilize this strategy before]
B: Utilize Boolean operators: Use operators like “AND,” “OR,” and “NOT” to further refine your search. For example, “(biomedical science OR biotechnology) AND data analysis NOT clinical research.”
K: Are there industries outside of biomedical science looking to hire employees with my degree or skills?
[This was helpful but not surprising I got the advice that I did – I have searched outside of the specific industry and come across these same results so at least I am on the right track with my searches.]
B: (Paraphrased)
- Health and wellness industry
- Biotechnology
- Public health
- Medical sales
- Environmental regulations
[Finally, as a last effort to get some novel advice I ask for additional steps to take.]
K: Any other steps I should take to find the best careers available and get ahead of my peers?
B: (synthesis)
- Self-discovery/ introspection
- Proactive preparation
- Take initiative and stand out
[I found this advice to be like that of professors’ and mentors’ advice given in career development courses at GSU or seminars.]
This was my first time using Bard and it felt familiar like I was using Google to search the web for answers. I didn’t find it exceptionally insightful, so I went on to choose another AI. I settled on Claude because I found that Bing, copilot, and perplexity are all companions with Bing, and I wanted to see if AI software independent of a search engine generated more unique answers. I have used both Claude and chatGPT in the past – neither at length but Claude appeals to me more with its user interface.
[I began more general this time; I was curious to see how much data it pulled from my past questionaries with Claude.]
K: Hey Claude, I have a question about finding job opportunities for myself once I graduate from college in May.
[The results were as expected and exactly what I wanted to quickly rule out before getting specific with my questions. Wasn’t clear or not if it was using previous data but I had used Claude for insights into writing copy for my wellness branding startup called Coral Branding.]
I proceeded to ask initial questions on finding a position post graduate similar to my first question asked to Barb but with some additional specifics to fine-tune the question. The answers were similar if not the same as what was initially generated so I chose to go another direction with my job search and ask about the wellness industry since that is another space I was interested in.
Claude offered general tips my a few helpful ones stood out to me:
- Consider informational interviews with professionals in your desired fields.
- Check niche job boards: Welltodo Careers, and wellness-related start-ups on sites like AngelList and VentureLoop.
- Get certified in relevant skills: personal training, health coaching, meditation, etc to become more of an asset/ more marketable in the industry.
K: What are the best position titles to search to find the right job for me?
[This was a better way of asking the question I previously tried with Bard and I got more specific job titles – most I have been using already and didn’t stand out as significant. They do reaffirm that my job search techniques are on the right track and I have the skills to find what I am looking for it will just take patience.]
I was curious so I went back to Bard and asked the exact same question: What are the best position titles to search to find the right job for me?
B: Instead of relying solely on specific job titles, which can be limiting and may miss hidden opportunities, consider using a combination of strategies to find the right job for you:
[Again, no specific job titles were suggested, and the answer to the previous version of this question: When looking for job postings what position titles do I search that will get me the most accurate listings for my qualifications and interests?]
I wonder if Google is more worried about data collection than generating the best AI content.
Job Reconnaissance
What happens once the graduation cap comes off?
My research was focused on finding career opportunities in the biomedical sales field. This is not my first time looking into the career so I was able to do quite an extensive search for opportunities. Usually, I dabble with LinkedIn just to keep track of the skills and qualifications companies are looking for but I expanded my search radius for this particular search to encompass other job posting sites such as Glassdoor, indeed, WayUp, google, and The Center for Global Health Innovation career search. Using this mix of specialty sites and generic job listings allowed me to analyze where different companies post their listings and how they appeal to new talent. After looking into these listings and taking note of the expectations involved with hiring a sales representative for a biopharmaceutical company I feel well-equipped to navigate finding a position after graduation.
What is biomedical science?
“The biomedical sciences are a combination of disciplines that are used to develop treatments, technology, and inventions that will benefit public health (Indeed career guide).”
“Having a degree in biomedical science can lead to a career in public health, research, crime investigation, sales, education, and much more. (https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/biomed-careers/).”
The Search
My research was focused on finding career opportunities in the biomedical sales field. This is not my first time looking into the career so I was able to do quite an extensive search for opportunities. Usually, I dabble with LinkedIn just to keep track of the skills and qualifications companies are looking for but I expanded my search radius for this particular search to encompass other job posting sites such as Glassdoor, indeed, WayUp, google, and The Center for Global Health Innovation career search. Using this mix of specialty sites and generic job listings allowed me to analyze where different companies post their listings and how they appeal to new talent. After looking into these listings and taking note of the expectations involved with hiring a sales representative for a biopharmaceutical company I feel well-equipped to navigate finding a position after graduation. I have a master resume I am able to pull from depending on the values of the company and the qualifications they most value. On top of my master resume, I have professional headshots, which some companies require, I can use my LinkedIn account for recruiters to reference. No other documents or videos were listed as necessary.
My search included biopharmaceutical companies in and around the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. Companies who employ anywhere from 500 to 10000+ employees. I am most interested in smaller companies with high ratings among their employees for the ability to move up in the company and have a respectable work/life balance. However, looking into all future opportunities gave me more perspective and allowed me to reflect on the values I find most important in the companies I want to work with.
Companies of Interest
Companies (glassdoor) – in Georgia – mainly Atlanta metro area
Biopharmaceuticals
4.0 rating and above – 1000+
Johnson &Johnson
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Boehringer Ingelheim –partners with GSU
Pfizer
Sanofi
Merck
Stryker
500-1000 employees
Sage therapeutics – disorders of the brain
Incyte – oncology
The role
Medical Sales Representative
Average base pay: $62,789 A Medical Sales Representative sells medicine and medical equipment to hospitals and doctors. They must have extensive biomedical knowledge of the products they are selling and explain why their products can improve the lives of patients (https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/biomed-careers/)
The qualifications, responsibilities, and software expectations?
Bachelor’s in health/science-related field
Making and maintaining relationships
Comfortable with product demonstrations/ product education
Customer support and assistance are a must; able to speak with a range of demographics
Ability to adapt and handle a fast-paced work environment
Communication: verbal and written, able to work through difficult situations
Detail-oriented and proficient in time management
Previous Sales/Marketing, B2B sales experience preferred
Serve as a scientific resource
Planning/execution on projects with cross-functional teams
Record of successfully achieving sales goals and building effective customer relationships
Written and verbal communication skills are a must
Willingness to travel, a plus
Software expectations
Salesforce
Microsoft Suites
Let me introduce myself,
I’ve had many career aspirations during my college experience and settling on one may never truly happen but I have narrowed down my choices to a reasonable and achievable list for now. As a Biomedical Science and Enterprise major I find I have a range of both hard and soft skills, as well as real world experiences, that all contribute to a promising career in industry science.
Now here’s the kicker.
Biomedicine, science based-research, and health are passions of mine. I have an entrepreneurial spirit and drive for creativity that has le
d me to pursue the start-up space. For the last six months as a passion project and future endeavor I have been working to launch a wellness branding partnership. This branding agency specializes in design and strategy for companies in the industry of wellness. We’re equal parts left-brained strategists and right-brained creatives, disruptive yet heart-centered. This is where digital publishing comes into play.
I need to know the trends in the digital world and be able to navigate publications online. It is a skill that will be invaluable for any field but especially valuable in setting me apart in the science industry and in managing client relations as part of my branding company. Writing and publishing are skills that I have but can consistently be proven upon. Other goals for success include building my network of connections and searching for companies and positions that align with my core values. Ideally, finding a position for a health and wellness company working with accounts and clients will strengthen my ability to run my own company in the future.