Q: I just have a few questions about career transfer that I
hoped that you may be able to answer for me. I have worked for the past 9
years in the biotech industry with 5 of those years in manufacturing
and the last 4 years in the quality compliance group. My job function is
batch record review and testing review for intermediate drug substance
release and final release. The company I work for is under consent
decree and I have been involved in a lot of projects tied to the consent
decree steps as both a lead and QA representative. I also have done
extensive work with the third party consultants assigned by the FDA in
responding to observations and putting together actions plans to correct
errors and inconsistencies of our documents.
I graduated with a bachelor’s of science in accounting and
finance summa cum laude from Northeastern University here in Boston and I
was looking to transfer into the finance/accounting field as that is
what my passion. I came across this program a data analytics boot camp
(http://www.northeastern.edu/levelblog/ ) that I think might help me as I
transition into finance/accounting as hopefully in an analyst role.
I was wondering if this program would be worth taking as I transfer to
open more doors and also allow me to enter finance/accounting not at an
entry level?
I also in the process of applying at schools to further my education and obtaining my MBA.
A: It sounds like you have a lot on your plate with a full-time job
and considering an MBA. I probably would suggest investing your time
and energy into the MBA route vs. the boot camp route. I know nothing
about the data analytics boot camp but I think an MBA opens up more
doors for you now and in the future. I would ensure that your MBA
curriculum is rich in accounting and finance courses, even when you
choose electives. Make sure you connect with fellow students in your
MBA program, as well as the professors. Connections will help further
your career. Also, if your company has a job posting system, I would
keep a close eye on the opportunities posted internally. Get to know
the people in finance and accounting within your company. Make sure
that they know who you are and that you are planning to pursue an MBA
and have a degree in finance and accounting.
Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.