Dorota Talady
Dorota graduated from the Faculty of Applied Sciences in 2014, MSc. Life Science and Technology. Before that, she lived in Poland and immediately after her graduation from TU Delft she decided to participate in a one-year exchange programme in the US. During her time in the US she worked on a project togenetically engineer yeast to produce biofuels.
Dorota: “This was really my dream job. However, my exposure to business development was quite limited. Back then, I could not imagine that there was something more out there that would suit me better than being fully immersed in scientific research.”
Once back in the Netherlands, she started working as a molecular virology scientist. In her current job she fulfils both scientific and project manager tasks.
“The business side, such as managing budgets, maintaining customer relationships and managing conflicts is something that fascinates me. While in science, you can reach your goal in a fairly logical sequence of steps, business development resembles more of a dance. The approach taken to secure a project with one client, may very well fail on the next occasion. This surprise effect always keeps you on your toes and trains your problem-solving skills", says Dorota.
Dorota will use the Marina van Damme grant to follow various courses at the Rotterdam School of Management. Courses such as Innovation Management, The Power of Presence and Effective Negotiating Skills. She will use the acquired knowledge to start her career switch. In the future, in addition to her scientific responsibilities, she wants to be able to focus more business development and also hopes to be able to create opportunities for the people around her.
“My goal in business development would not be limited to financial value, but also setting-up a sustainable long-term strategy where the business that is brought in positively impacts employee satisfaction and results in an inspiring workplace.”