5 Questions With Tara Little, Ambassador of Buzz and Account Manager, Mid-Atlantic, Proteintech Group
November 15, 2023
| This article is part of our 5 Questions With series, one of our ongoing People & Places Features. We love it because despite the consistent questioning, the answers are all unique. Be sure to FOLLOW us on LinkedIn to tell us what you think. |
1. What did you want to be when you grow up? How’d you get from there to here?
I always had the most fun in science classes, so I was always pulled in that direction. When I was in elementary school, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I ended up pursuing a biochemistry degree in undergrad because I liked the labs way more than seminars. I got really lucky and scored some great research internships with the federal government, and I realized that I loved the constant new questions and creativity that comes with scientific research. Then somebody told me that I could get a Ph.D. for free (and not have to pay my undergrad loans while I was doing it), so I went for that route.
The highlight of grad school for me was always going to conferences, bouncing ideas off of others, and learning about all the crazy cool things other people were doing. I knew I wanted to focus on that for a career, but I had no idea how to transition from academia and the lab. Then COVID hit, and I had nothing to do besides write a thesis, apply for jobs, and binge Netflix. I was applying for every job I could find that would get me into industry. I ended up getting a job as a sales rep under a phenomenal manager that was willing to hire someone with no prior sales experience.
Having prior lab experience has been a huge benefit in sales. I can discuss technical details in-depth and help troubleshoot, because I’ve done the same techniques my customers are currently doing. In 2021, I moved to my current role as the Mid-Atlantic Account Manager for Proteintech Group. I still get to stay close to the science, but I also have way more flexibility and independence compared to going into the lab every day. And I still get to use the creativity and problem-solving skills I developed in the lab – they’re just applied to helping my customers now!
2. How are you helping to build a more connected community?
BioBuzz’s mission is simple: to be more connected. Our regionally-focused storytelling, programs, events and experiences create, connect and amplify impact across the life science workforce in growing biohubs. We vibe with people who value community and connection like us. We’d love for you to share how you’re building a more connected community… and any support that you need from our community to continue to accomplish this mission.
Connection and networking is incredibly important to me – I wouldn’t have the career I do without the help of some amazing mentors along the way. I’m a big believer in turning around and helping the next person up the mountain, so I’ve really been focused on helping students learn about different potential career paths. You can do a million different things with a science degree, and I think it’s really important that undergrads and grad students know that there’s more options than being a bench scientist (although if you want to do that, then that’s awesome too!). I’ve gotten to do a few resume writing workshops and career talks at my alma maters, and we host a bunch of early career webinars through Proteintech. I recently started getting more involved in more networking events and organizations in the Baltimore/D.C. area, as well as Durham and Philadelphia. I joined Women In Bio a few months ago, so I’m looking forward to attending events through them. And I’m excited to be serving as a STEM mentor for Woman to Woman Mentoring this academic year – I’ll be getting to share my knowledge with local undergraduate women and help them continue to cultivate and pursue their dreams!
3. What are currently buzzing about? Anything and everything…
I’m buzzing about how much the Mid-Atlantic biotech scene has exploded in the past few years! I’ve lived in Maryland my whole life, and for the longest time the only scientists I knew existed were the ones at the federal research sites or at the universities. Now it seems like a new biotech company is started every day, and it’s mind-blowing! I’ve recently gotten to visit some great new incubator spaces in Frederick, Baltimore, Philly, and Durham – they’re all like playgrounds for creative scientists! We’re so lucky to be surrounded by thriving hubs (or should I say hives?) of research and innovation. We’re going to see a ton of groundbreaking cures and treatments come out of this region.
4. If you could travel back in time – what early career advice would you give yourself?
OR what career advice would you shout from the rooftops now? The more the merrier…
Network, network, network. I definitely had some tunnel vision in grad school – I was so focused on the science that I really didn’t think about what I’d end up doing with it down the road. Eventually I got a chance to talk to some people in industry, and that was when everything clicked. If I had done that a little bit earlier, I would have been able to better tailor my graduate school experience towards an industry route and not academia. I was also scared to bother people, so that kept me from reaching out. Now, I realize that most people are more than happy to talk about their career paths and give you advice. Don’t be afraid of sending messages on LinkedIn! Plus developing those networks and having a professional support system is so vital to your mental health – I think that’s something we don’t acknowledge enough.
5. FUN question. You’re a new mom (congrats and welcome to the club!). What’s one thing they don’t tell you about motherhood/parenthood/being a working parent?
Thank you! For me, the biggest thing I didn’t realize about being a working parent was how the activities you used to do mindlessly suddenly take way more planning. Before having my daughter, traveling for a conference just involved me packing and finding a way there. Now I’m figuring out childcare while I’m gone, making sure we have enough diapers/wipes/whatever else packed in her bag, and planning when and where I can pump. I swear that there’s a market out there for travel agents that specialize in getting new parents organized and out the door. I think being a mom has made me smarter, because I’m always doing this kind of calculus and coming up with backup plans in my head.
But I do have to say that being a parent in this industry is extremely rewarding. There’s so much great research happening that’s going to benefit her generation. Because our industry is so network-driven, I have a lot of great moms to look up to and get advice from. And I’m grateful for the progress that’s already been made for things like parental leave and dedicated lactation spaces – hopefully we can come together as an industry and continue to push those sorts of policies forward.
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