Sherry Zhao
What are your main responsibilities or activities in your current position?
Sherry Zhao is responsible for working with major industry partners in western Canada to support their innovation pipeline by leveraging the Mitacs Business Development national networks.
How does your current work relate to your graduate degree?
My work involves connecting companies with relevant expertise (researchers) at universities. The problem solving and analytical thinking skills are essential in that regard.
What do you like and what do you find challenging about your current position?
Working with a fantastic team and getting to know great ideas all the time.
Is your current career path as you originally intended?
No. I started as wanting to be a professor and then changed direction to be an industrial research scientist. My experience in industry and also volunteering work made me change ideas again to become somebody who can help the academics in a broader view.
What motivated you to pursue graduate work at UBC?
Vancouver!
What key things did you do, or what attitudes or approaches did you have, that contributed to your success?
Always getting out there to meet different people!
What is your best piece of advice for current graduate students preparing for their future careers?
Be open-minded to other people's advice and always reflect on your own experiences.
Did you have any breaks in your education?
I had two paid internships during my education: the 1st one delayed my graduation a little bit and also helped me to see where I'd like to be for my career; the 2nd one lead to my current position.
How did you find out about/obtain your current position?
I was a Mitacs Accelerate intern during my PhD study and had been following Mitacs news.
How are jobs normally posted and filled in your organization or industry?
Online.
External Links
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