Ep. 15 I Hate Lab Work, What Should I Do Next? Science Communication & Healthcare Marketing
- Author
- Alex and Abdul
- Published
- Tue 22 Jul 2025
- Episode Link
- https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beyondthewhitecoat/episodes/Ep--15-I-Hate-Lab-Work--What-Should-I-Do-Next--Science-Communication--Healthcare-Marketing-e35scbm
If lab work’s not for you… what now? In this comeback episode of Beyond the White Coat, Alex is joined by new co-host Abdul, a PhD student researching antibiotic resistance and navigating his own science communication journey.
Together, they answer a listener’s question about pivoting away from lab work and explore alternative careers in science comms and healthcare marketing, two growing fields where your science background is actually a major asset.
Expect personal stories, honest advice, a hilarious $9,200 pricing fail, and practical steps to explore creative, impactful career paths in science, even if you never touch a pipette again.
📌 Key Takeaways
- You’re not alone if lab work isn’t for you. There are fulfilling career paths in communication, policy, media, and marketing that value your science background.
- How Abdul got free science communication training through a university email many students would have ignored.
- Healthcare marketing as a career path. Alex shares how she transitioned from biomed into creative roles without formal marketing education
🧭 Episode Chapters
00:10 – Welcome Back! Meet the New Co-Host
01:35 – $9,200 for Four Videos?! Healthcare Marketing Gone Wild
05:58 – Listener Question: I Hate Lab Work, Now What?
06:43 – Abdul’s SciComm Workshop Recap (and Meeting a Rock Star CEO)
12:31 – Science Communication Is Everywhere
14:10 – How to Approach Intimidating Experts Without Freezing
17:39 – Mentors, Coaches & Setting Boundaries
18:45 – What Is Healthcare Marketing & How Do You Get Into It?
20:01 – Managing a Social Media Side Hustle with a Full-Time Degree
20:36 – Wrapping Up & What’s Next
🔗 Essential Links & Resources
- Sense About Science – SciComm & policy training for early-career researchers
- Hertility Health – Founded by science communicator Helen O’Neill
- Got a question for the pod? Use the Q&A box on Spotify or DM Alex on Instagram
- Follow Abdul's journey on LinkedIn
