Bryce Pickard, PhD
Managing Director and COO
Cardiac Arrhythmia Network of Canada
p. 226.268.1075
e. bpickard@canet-nce.ca
Interview:
Q: Tell us a bit about your graduate research. What were your most exciting findings?
My PhD research focused on investigating the nuclear localization of G-protein coupled receptors; it was early days of the field so it was interesting to watch the number of receptors that displayed nuclear localization grow across a wide range of disciplines.
Q: What skills did you acquire in graduate school that help you in your current position? How did your degree give you an advantage in attaining your position?
Critical thinking, the ability to work independently, strategic thinking, critical writing, networking, and research planning.
Q: Did you know when you entered graduate school that you would most likely pursue a career outside academia?
I didn’t know that I would most likely pursue a career outside of academia but I can’t say I was always thinking academia was the way to go. I always thought a career outside academia would be an option but it wasn’t until about half way through my PhD that I decided I would pursue it.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
The diversity of my role. On any given day I will work in clinical research, communications, finance, HR or be out of the office fostering relationships with external partners.
Q: What are some specific examples of extracurricular activities (outside of research) that you participated in, which helped you get to the position you are at now?
During my PhD I started my own company, which helped when I was applying for jobs. The experience gave me a lot of good information for interview questions and starting my own business gave me some credibility looking for work outside of academia. I also volunteered at various places and worked on expanding my network of contacts.
Q: What are some suggestions for networking?
Don’t feel like you need to grow a network all at once. Start by establishing a relationship with a well connected individual, they can open a lot of doors for you through introductions to their contacts and you can grow your network very quickly. Don’t ever turn down an opportunity to meet someone, even if at the time it doesn’t feel like it will be directly applicable.
Q: How did you learn about the posting for your current job?
I was involved in the network prior to the need for a new Managing Director.
Q: What is one piece of advice you can offer to current graduate students? To current post-doctoral fellows?
Never be afraid to reach out for help or advice. People want to be helpful so if you want to learn about a particular job or opportunity, work your connections to get an introduction. It will be extremely valuable for any potential interviews and gathering information about the organization. If you don’t know someone, pick up the phone…
Q: What does your perfect Sunday look like?
My perfect Sunday is time with family and friends and maybe a game of golf.
