Written by DCLN Lead and Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. Candidate, L. Sebastian Ojeda
A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of hosting the first Doctoral Career Leadership Network (DCLN) [STEM, Research, & Development] event in collaboration with the USC Career Center: the SMDP Scholars Showcase + Networking Mixer as part of USC Career Fest 2026!
The event spotlighted the nationally recognized Scholar Mentoring & Development Program (SMDP). This one-year industry mentorship and training program supports doctoral scholars as they explore careers in biotech and medtech beyond traditional academic pathways. As a 2024 SMDP Biotech Scholar, the program significantly shaped how I approach this final stage of my Ph.D., making it especially meaningful to share these insights with the USC community.
We were joined by an incredible group of panelists:
- Dustielyn Savage, SMDP Program Director
- Eden Faneuff, Ph.D., 2023 SMDP Biotech Alum & LA Regional Lead
- Chudi Okafor, MBA, 2025 SMDP Biotech Scholar
- Brianna Smith, 2025 SMDP Medtech Scholar
Together, we had a meaningful discussion about our experiences with SMDP during the immersive training week, throughout the year long mentorship journey, and now as alumni. Below, I share three key takeaways from our conversation and my personal experience that illustrate what sets SMDP apart from other professional development programs.
1. The Impact of a High-Achieving Peer Network – The SMDP Scholar Cohort
I was truly impressed by the SMDP cohort experience. From the very beginning, the community was welcoming and deeply supportive. I was struck not only by the ambition and accomplishments of my peers, but also by their genuine willingness to uplift one another.
We spent long days together in workshops, small group mentoring sessions, and industry panels. We continued our conversations afterward as we explored the city (San Diego, in my case) and discussed our research, aspirations, and long-term goals. That shared time created space for honest dialogue and meaningful connection.
What surprised me most was how much I learned from my peers. Each scholar brought a unique perspective and expertise. We exchanged advice on navigating research challenges, publishing and presenting strategically, and translating academic work into industry relevance. I left the week not only with greater professional clarity, but also with new friendships and renewed motivation!
2. The Power of Personal Branding in Career Exploration
One of the biggest themes we discussed was how SMDP goes far beyond traditional professional development. What truly sets the program apart is its intentional focus on personal branding.
During the training event, scholars participate in programming such as “The Power of Personal Brand and How to Articulate Your Value,” along with mentoring workshops designed to help us identify our strengths, interests, and long-term goals. Rather than focusing only on resumes or LinkedIn profiles, SMDP encourages scholars to reflect deeply on who we are, what we value, and how we want to show up professionally.
For me, this process was transformative. The personal branding work helped me lean into my real strengths, including working with people, leading, and building community. It also challenged me to look beyond what I once believed were the only paths forward with a STEM PhD. I began to see my training differently and to recognize that the skills we develop in graduate school are highly transferable across many professional environments.
3. Mentorship That Extends Beyond the Training Week
Another powerful component of SMDP is its mentorship model. Scholars are paired with industry mentors, but the access and support extend far beyond a single one-on-one relationship. Throughout the program, we connect with additional mentors and panelists representing a wide range of biotech and medtech sectors.
Exposure to different functional areas, including research and development, regulatory affairs, and business strategy, helped demystify industry roles and clarify what experiences are most valuable for different career paths. These conversations were candid and practical. We discussed career pivots, leadership development, work-life integration, and how to navigate the transition from academia to industry with intention and confidence.
In addition to direct mentorship, SMDP provides scholars and alumni with access to a dedicated platform that facilitates ongoing connection and engagement. The SMDP Portal is an ongoing national network that connects scholars with alumni and mentors across the United States. It provides a structured way to engage with professionals in specific disciplines or companies, gain insight into career pathways, and better understand the experiences that make candidates competitive.
For doctoral students who may feel uncertain about where to begin exploring industry pathways, this level of sustained mentorship and national connectivity is invaluable.
Bringing SMDP to the USC Doctoral Community
Many doctoral trainees are curious about biotech and medtech but may not know where to start. SMDP is a wonderful opportunity to learn from past PhD scholars and industry experts who help demystify the process and highlight that career exploration is not about “leaving” academia – it is about expanding possibilities. I am so grateful to our panelists for sharing their time, insight, and leadership with our doctoral community. And I am thankful to the USC Career Center for supporting this event as part of Career Fest 2026.
Learn more about the Scholar Mentoring & Development Program.
