5 Questions With Samantha Paro, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications at ATCC
“5 Questions With…” is a recurring BioBuzz series where we reach out to interesting
people to share a little about themselves, their work, and maybe something completely
unrelated. This week we welcome Samantha Paro, Senior Manager, Corporate
Communications at ATCC.
Samantha Paro is an accomplished Communications professional with eight years’ experience in the biotech industry. She has worked in a variety of industries, from non-profit organizations, corporate environments, and in the education space. She brings a unique blend of communications, marketing, and business acumen to her work.
1) Please introduce yourself to our audience by looking back at your education, training, and career path.
I was first introduced to the field of Communications in High School. I got interested in journalism and thought I wanted to be an on-air news reporter! I attended Temple University in Philadelphia, PA and majored in Broadcasting, Telecommunications, and Mass Media where I honed my storytelling skills and
quickly learned that being on TV was not for me! While in college, I interned for the TV show Trading Spaces and a local, public television station. Through my internships and first job out of college, I learned all aspects of video production, from interviewing to filming and video editing.
I fell in love with storytelling and communications. I continued to hone my communications skills and branched into marketing and public relations through my work with a private school and the renowned science museum, The Franklin Institute located in Philadelphia, PA—this is where my interest in science really sparked! I completed my MBA from LaSalle University and joined AstraZeneca. There, I learned the ins and outs of bioproduction and took my career in a slightly different direction—internal communications and employee engagement. When I joined ATCC, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to combine my interest in science with my background in communications, marketing, public relations, and business.
2) You’ve been at ATCC for a little over a year. Can you share more about your specific role, your goals, and favorite part of the job?
I have the pleasure of working in the Corporate Communications & Public Affairs department at ATCC. In my current role, I assist with internal and external communications, develop communications strategies to drive business goals, and foster employee engagement through the coordination of our rewards and recognition program and by creating opportunities for employees to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge. My goals are to highlight the incredible impact ATCC makes on the global scientific community to our internal and external audiences, and ensure my colleagues feel informed, engaged, and excited about the future of ATCC.
My favorite part of my job is getting to work with some of the greatest minds in the life sciences and learn about the amazing scientific breakthroughs that result from our work. I’m not a scientist by training, but I have the opportunity to work closely with scientists and researchers every day, and I learn something new each time I speak with them!
3) You have been working in marketing and communications for about 15 years– what are some habits and tips you learned early on that helped you be successful throughout your career?
Relationship building is key to success in any role – especially working in Communications. Take time to get to know your co-workers (both professionally and personally) and learn how they contribute to the organization. Learn what drives them, why they got into this field, and how you can help them at work.
The Marketing Rule of 7s—Research shows that an individual needs to be exposed to a topic 7 times, in 7 different ways, before it ‘sticks.’ When communicating a topic—whether its business strategy, a new technology, HR announcements, or more—you must use multiple communication channels and methods to get your message through. In this ever-changing world of technology, and increasing competition for attention, be clear, consistent, and concise with your message to reach your audience.
Finally, it may seem mundane, but proper organization, planning, and time management makes the task of managing multiple communication priorities much easier. I use One Note to keep notes on upcoming projects and take the time to organize my files so I can always find them when I need them. My motto is, if something takes less than 5 minutes to do—whether it’s sending an email, jotting down a note, finding a file—just do it right then and there before you forget and it gets lost. Being organized is key to any successful communications strategy.
4) As the Communications Co-vice Chair of the Women in Bio Capital Region Chapter, what do you enjoy most about working with the organization? What have you learned from working with your fellow WIB members?
Serving as the Co-Vice Chair of Women in Bio (WIB) Capital Region has afforded me many opportunities! WIB is an organization of professionals committed to promoting careers, leadership, and entrepreneurship for all women in the life sciences. I enjoy volunteering and learning alongside a group of intelligent, driven, and passionate women. I’ve learned the importance of networking and the power of having a support system. As the mother of a young child (my son, Jack, is 2 and a half), I see firsthand how important it is for women to support one another in their careers.
WIB empowers women to fulfill their career aspirations through educational events, mentorship, and networking. I’ve learned how to develop a successful mentorship relationship, ways to grow my leadership skills, and had the opportunity to hear from women about their personal and professional struggles and successes they’ve encountered throughout their careers. It’s an amazing organization!
5) Now for the fun question – What was your dream profession growing up?
I always dreamed of being a marine biologist! My love for the ocean started at a young age as I grew up near the Delaware beaches. I was fascinated by what was beneath the waves and the creatures that live in the water across the globe. Although I did not pursue marine biology as my career path, I still enjoy learning as much as I can about biology and spending time at the beach.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
BioBuzz is a community led, experience focused, biotech and life sciences media and events company. BioBuzz highlights regional breaking news, industry professionals, jobs, events, and resources for business and career growth. Their weekly newsletter is subscribed to by thousands in the BioHealth Capital Region and Greater Philadelphia as the go-to for industry updates.
