RAPS Mid-Atlantic Career Day Draws Nearly 100 to Learn, Network
Earlier this month, nearly 100 regulatory professionals, career changers, students and others gathered at the Montgomery County (MD) campus of Johns Hopkins University to learn, network and perhaps take the next steps in their regulatory careers.This was the second year for this regional career event. It was organized by RAPS DC/Baltimore Chapter Co-Chairs Nancy Singer (pictured), RAC, FRAPS, JD, president, Compliance Alliance LLC; and Daniela Drago, PhD, assistant professor of Regulatory Science, George Washington University; former RAPS New York/New Jersey Chapter Chair Linda Bowen, RAC, FRAPS, head of US regulatory policy and intelligence, Sanofi; and RAPS Senior Program Manager Wes Carr.
After welcome and introductory remarks, participants heard from speakers representing the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), academic programs, life sciences companies, recruiters and consulting firms. Topics covered included working for FDA and other government agencies, strategies for searching and applying for regulatory jobs, working in industry or consulting, and the value of Regulatory Affairs Certification and academic degrees.
“Attendees appreciated learning about the experience of individuals who worked for the government, drug firms and in consulting companies,” said Singer. “They also enjoyed the opportunity to network with the speakers and the other attendees.”
Participants also had the opportunity to meet informally with recruiters from FDA and two consulting firms at the career fair area of the event. “The Mid-Atlantic Career Day was very well received by everyone I spoke with,” said Carr. “It’s a pretty unique opportunity to be able to get this type of insight on regulatory careers from a number of professionals representing a variety of backgrounds.”
“The expertise was evident, and each speaker had a different perspective on their regulatory affairs positions,” said attendee Laurel Beer. “Just having face time with these professionals was invaluable.”
As expected, the majority of attendees were from Maryland, Virginia or DC, but 27% were from outside the capital region. There was a significant contingent from New York, New Jersey or Pennsylvania, but also several who came from as far away as Alabama, Minnesota and California.
RAPS has several other career-related events coming up, including another installment of RAPS’ popular Virtual Career Fair, 18 June and face-to-face career fairs in Minneapolis, 25 June; San Jose in September; and Boston in November. All are three-hour events offering a chance to meet with recruiters and network. More information will be forthcoming on these events. For more on all RAPS events, check out the RAPS Event Calendar.