Normal Type

Hi thanks for clicking in and see my post. I was a PhD student for 1.5 yrs, then I withdrawn because the career I wanted don’t require the PhD degree and I am getting old (31 now) I need money. I just want to be a senior research technician / some sort of technologist / associate scientist. I do have a Master degree and 5 years working experience as a research technician in university and contributed to a few publications. However during the job hunt, i realized almost all company want to have industrial experience. I applied to different positions such QC, assay development, lab technician etc.. hope to increase my chances but I either overqualified, or they actually like people only with a college technical diploma.

So how you do get your first industrial job with a university degree? Is this just me or normal for everyone?

I know networking and getting referrals is the way to go but I don’t have contact with anyone in my field working in biotech. I am not even sure which role I will be most fit in a company. Then, HOW should I contact hiring manager or people with the career I wanted?

P.S. I had attended career workshop to improve resume, copy letter and interview.