Anne Zientek
Manager, Planning and Development R&D
Novartis Pharm. Corp.

Ms. Anne Zientek received her BS in Biology, and MS in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University. She has been involved in research science since 1987, spending three years in pharmaceutical research and manufacturing, and 10 years at the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research (BTI) at Cornell University. During her tenure at BTI, she became involved in the human resources field, moving from HR assistant to Manager of HR and member of the Institute management team. She has recently begun working with Novartis Pharmaceuticals in an HR development role within the R&D group, particularly focused within the pre-clinical safety area.

Anne has been extensively involved in the area of professional development within the scientific research arena. She has focused particularly on the transition points in early phases of MS and Ph.D. careers. She has worked with numerous individuals and groups in determining preparation and progress within both academic and for-profit research science settings.

Abstract: Navigating through a company or an industry is a complex and ongoing process. This can be particularly challenging when transitioning from an international setting into an American corporate or academic system. This discussion will address methods for assessing where you are in your professional development, and how to progress towards your particular goals. Questions that will be addressed are:

We will also focus on recognizing roadblocks, and on how to manage and promote your own development within particular settings such as large corporate systems, small biotech firms, and universities. The goal is to provide resources and methods for use in personal professional development.