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Apr 9
50m 13s

The STEM Career Pivot: Leaving the Lab f...

Lab Skills Academy
About this episode

In this episode of WHEN IN STEM, we dive deep into the unconventional STEM career pivot with Chloe Kirk, also known as @chloethescientist on Instagram. Chloe shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from the lab to the world of patent law, proving that you don’t have to stay in the lab to be a successful STEM professional. We also talk about the struggle many STEM professionals face when leaving the lab—losing your identity as a scientist.


Chloe opens up about how it felt to make the shift and how she managed to keep her scientist identity intact while pursuing a career in intellectual property. Her background in science gave her a unique advantage in the legal field, allowing her to continue applying her scientific expertise.

If you’re curious about how you can leverage your STEM skills in a nontraditional career or how a STEM background sets you apart in law, this episode is a must-listen!🎧


What you’ll learn:

  • How to transition from a research role to a legal career
  • The skills you need to thrive in patent law
  • Why STEM professionals make great intellectual property lawyers
  • The importance of embracing nontraditional career paths in STEM
  • Tips for STEM career shifts and staying true to your scientific roots
  • How to avoid losing your identity when moving out of the lab


Be sure to follow Chloe on Instagram @chloethescientist for more insights into her journey and tips for aspiring STEM professionals looking to pivot.



Have a question or scenario you’d like us to discuss? Submit it ⁠here ⁠

We’ll feature select questions and scenarios on Career Corner, providing personalized tips, insights, and advice from our host and guest experts.


Stay connect and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more updates and career tips:

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