Biotech to Business: Patricia's Trek Through Interdisciplinary Principles
Patricia Ho, a fourth-year Science and Business student is currently on the cusp of completing her undergraduate degree with the Biotechnology Specialization and a Human Resource Management Minor. Ho has spent her co-op terms immersed in project-management adjacent roles to supplement her interdisciplinary degree.ÌýÌý
Choices, Co-ops and Corporations
Ho started her co-op journey working for the Toronto Transit Commission analyzing the health and safety of their ongoing construction sites. Ho's second co-op term led her to TD Bank working as a Portfolio Analyst reviewing compliance of projects with industry governance. Following the first two foundational positions, Ho pivoted to working at Manulife in Transformations to implement previously acquired skills.ÌýÌý
Having had these 12 months of experience in established organizations, Ho sought a change of pace fulfilled by her position as an Investor Relations Analyst at iGan Partners, a boutique venture capitalist and private equity firm (VC/PE) that aids in the growth of healthcare technology startups.ÌýÌý
“It sounded daunting to me to enter this industry I knew so little about, but I got the opportunity to connect with startups CEO’s we were working with and meet very supportive individuals who helped me grow into this role and in many ways myself.â€ÌýÌý
Ho collaborated with innovators and investors and describes this role as a front-row seat that allowed her to observe the integration of science and business from an industry perspective.ÌýÌý
I’ve really valued the combination of my degree; the Biotech aspect has exposed me to more technical aspects and I was keen on having the Human Resource Management so I could appreciate people-centric aspects of industry.
Passions in Project Management
“There’s a process you follow, but there’s a lot of flexibility and agility within each of them that allows you to approach the deliverables with a touch of your own experience and perspective. This can be really liberating to individuals who find themselves craving some variety in a workplace.â€ÌýÌý
To Ho, a source of joy is being able to conduct follow-ups on ongoing projects and track their impact to the greater organization. She describes her role in Transformations at Manulife as one she continues to gravitate towards.ÌýÌý
“Transformation is something I was somewhat aware of, and we discussed in classes, but it was very satisfying to be able to work on aspects of projects and continue to tweak them to they benefit the greater organization.â€ÌýÌý
Patricia’s People, Projects and Plates
Ho’s professional interest in incorporating her unique perspectives into aspects of project management translates into her personal passions in the culinary arts. Beyond the classrooms and co-ops, Ho harbors a long-lived love of trying new restaurants, cuisines and recipes; a journey she documents and shares on .ÌýÌý
To Ho, every aspect of life, from work deliverables to meal combinations, can all be customized to fit each person’s taste and vision.ÌýÌý
When urged about how Ho remains inspired and open-minded in her life, she mentioned the importance of one’s surroundings and nurturing curiosity.Ìý
“I am fortunate to be able to surround myself with the right kind of people who fuel my fire. As a first-generation immigrant, I so lucky to have a lot of familial encouragement to pursue my interests unburdened by expectations to be excellent.â€ÌýÌý
Biotech is a rapidly growing field and its a real testament to how technology drives so much scientific innovation. I’m glad I was able to explore this interest and understand how it play into our lives.
Patricia at a student case competition
Looking Ahead
Following graduation Ho is looking to join the workforce in project management and transformation-based roles. She is hoping to gain professional experience prior to pursuing post-graduate studies.ÌýÌý
“Through the co-ops and undergrad, the one thing I have discovered is that the more I learn, the more opportunities I am able to be aware of, so more than anything, I am really just looking forward to seeing how my journey shapes my future.â€ÌýÌý
Patricia showing her love of cooking food