RIT Co-op Experience Paves Way for Thriving Pharmaceutical Career

During her time at RIT as a biotechnology student, Sayali Kadam ’10 took full advantage of the co-op program, securing competitive positions at Johnson & Johnson and Bristol Myers Squibb. These experiences provided her with invaluable industry exposure and helped shape her career path.

"RIT's co-op program was instrumental in shaping my career. I gained a year of hands-on industry experience before graduation. My co-ops revealed that lab work wasn't my true calling, a crucial insight that saved me years of pursuing a mismatched path and empowered me to pivot towards a more fulfilling direction. It also helped me learn about the pharmaceutical industry and what it takes to bring therapies to patients."

Sayali Kadam's journey in biotechnology began at RIT, where her passion for biology and desire to work in life sciences led her to the university's cutting-edge program.

"When I discovered RIT's biotechnology program, I was drawn to its focus on emerging technologies and its hands-on approach. The diverse classes, faculty-led lab opportunities, and renowned co-op program offered a perfect platform to explore the many paths within the biotechnology field. I knew this was the ideal environment to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience."

At Johnson & Johnson, Sayali spent six months as a Materials and Process Development Co-op, collaborating with scientists on assay development for preeclampsia and supporting validation for the isoelectric focusing system. "This experience honed my skills in techniques such as SDS-PAGE gels, IEF gels, protein purification from E. coli, and other non-technical aspects of projects like writing Standard Operating Procedures and other quality related tasks."

Sayali further expanded her skill set through two co-ops at Bristol Myers Squibb. "As a Project Management Intern, I facilitated the progress of the Sub-Project Teams, assisted the Project Management Office in project planning, and significantly improved the team's resource management tool. In my role as a Process Transfer Engineering intern, I evaluated factors influencing Oligosaccharide Analysis in the manufacturing process of Abatacept. These experiences not only enhanced my technical abilities but also provided valuable insights into the pharmaceutical industry's operations."

After graduation, Sayali pursued a Master's in Biotechnology and Management at Carnegie Mellon University, where she discovered a passion for marketing's creative and strategic elements. This led her to a career in pharmaceutical marketing, where she has since launched and marketed multiple brands.

"Throughout this journey, I've embraced a growth mindset, proactively seeking opportunities that diversified my skill set. Working on life-saving and life-altering drugs and being able to contribute to a healthier future for my family and thousands of families like ours is what truly drives me. I hope to continue driving our industry forward, bringing innovative therapies to the right patient at the right time."

Today, Sayali serves as the Director of Launch Strategy and Operations at Merck, where she applies her strategic leadership to broader launch initiatives.

Reflecting on her time at RIT, Sayali credits three key factors for her success:

• Scientific Foundation: Outstanding faculty, cutting-edge labs, and courses like genetic engineering and tissue culture. “My work in Dr. Robert Osgood's microbiology lab was particularly influential, foreshadowing my later work in the infectious disease space in my first job.”
   
• Real World Experience: The two co-op positions provided real job experience and direct insight into the pharmaceutical industry that opened doors to future opportunities. Testing positions during co-op ultimately helped shape a successful career trajectory.
   
• Leadership Development: Experiences as a Resident Advisor, selection for the LeaderShape program, and leadership roles in organizations like Global Union. “My dedication to leadership was recognized with the Alfred L Award for Excellence in Leadership and induction into the Alpha Sigma Lambda honorary society, among other recognitions. These experiences taught me collaboration, communication, and leading with integrity.”

For future students considering a similar path, Sayali offers this advice:

"My advice is to explore the full landscape of possibilities. You may love science and envision directly making an impact through research, but the opportunities to achieve that are much broader and diverse than it may seem. Take the time to learn as much as you can about the entire life cycle of drug development – from discovery to commercialization and patient access. Along the way, you’ll discover unexpected roles where you can make a difference. Don't limit yourself. Be open to finding your own unique path within the broader life sciences ecosystem."

Sayali's journey from RIT to her leadership role at Merck showcases the power of combining scientific knowledge with business acumen. Her story illustrates how a strong educational foundation, coupled with diverse experiences and a willingness to explore new paths, can lead to a rewarding career at the intersection of science and business in the pharmaceutical industry.