[SPECIAL SERIES] This episode is Part I of a special 3-part Career Coaching Series, where each coach at Success in Science shares their unique career journey in STEM. Guided by a set of thoughtful questions, the series explores pivotal moments like choosing a major, navigating graduate school, landing that first science job, and making bold career pivots. Along the way, you’ll hear candid reflections on identity, work-life balance, and the role coaching can play in opening new doors. If you connect with their story, they just might be the right career coach for you—scroll down for a link to our website where you can schedule a free 30-minute chat with them.

About Our Guest/Coach:

Dr. Cassie Briggs is a certified professional career coach, founder of Success in Science, and former biology professor and conservation geneticist. With experience spanning academia, government, industry, and nonprofits, she has guided thousands of students and early-career professionals across fields from medicine to astrophysics. Cassie has coached over 100 clients 1:1 on career exploration, graduate and medical school applications, resumes, interviews, and work-life balance, and has presented her scientific research and coaching frameworks internationally to organizations of all sizes. She is passionate about helping scientists and professionals build fulfilling, values-aligned careers and find joy in the journey.

• Video Interview - ⁠patreon.com/diverseroutes ⁠

Episode Highlights:

• When to pursue a Master’s before or instead of a PhD

• How to navigate career uncertainty

• Behind the scenes of a cold application that worked

Timestamps:

Overview

0:27 Who are you professionally and personally?

1:14 What are the major milestones in your career journey?

Undergraduate

3:20 Why did you choose your major?

4:29 Most valuable course?

6:52 What did you do outside of classes?

Graduate School

11:19 Why grad school?

21:07 Biggest takeaway from grad school?

Career Journey

23:03 What was your first real science job?

26:50 What was the day-to-day like?

29:20 Most appealing aspect?

31:37 Least appealing aspect?

33:37 Why did you leave that job?

Coaching

38:21 What difference has coaching made in your life?

42:46 Who do you most enjoy working with?

49:26 How would you describe your coaching style?

53:03 What client success story inspires you?

Closing

57:39 If you could change one thing in your career, what would it be?

59:10 What do you wish you’d known sooner?

1:02:14 Most important piece of advice for listeners?

Looking for career support?

Check out ⁠Success in Science Career Coaching⁠

Episode Highlights:

• Core responsibilities of a software engineer vs. a manager

• When to prioritize in-person roles vs. remote roles

• How to build a fulfilling career without having it all figured out at the start

Timestamps:

0:27 - What is a Software Engineer?

1:47 - What does a typical day look like?

6:40 - What do you enjoy?

14:53 - What do you dislike?

19:48 - How does your career compare to your initial aspirations?

24:16 - What were your career milestones?

27:01 - What advice would you give an aspiring professional?

About Our Guest:

David Wu (he/him) is a Senior Software Engineering Manager at a mid-sized U.S.-based cloud storage and backup company serving over half a million users worldwide. Widely regarded as one of the best managers his colleagues have worked with, David is known for cultivating highly collaborative teams through a culture of trust, transparency, and honest communication. His leadership style is deeply informed by his work as a career and creativity coach—a role he shares with his wife at the company they co-founded. David holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, has completed graduate coursework in AI, and brings over 15 years of experience in software engineering, including more than a decade in management.

• Extended Interview - ⁠patreon.com/diverseroutes ⁠

Looking for career support?

Check out ⁠Success in Science Career Coaching⁠

Episode Highlights:

• Innovative devices that reduced the need for lifelong medication

• Working with and managing stakeholder expectations

• Why saying “yes” early in your career can accelerate career clarity

Timestamps:

0:36 - What is a Clinical Research Director?

5:39 - What does a typical day look like?

15:35 - What do you enjoy?

27:52 - What do you dislike?

42:06 - How does your career compare to your initial aspirations?

45:02 - What were your career milestones?

50:06 - What advice would you give an aspiring professional?

About Our Guest:

Stephanie Monza (she/her) is a Clinical Research Director with over 15 years of experience leading global clinical trials from early feasibility through pivotal and post-market phases. With a background in sleep diagnostics and pediatric respiratory care, she began her career at the intersection of clinical need and research innovation. Her career has included a decade in industry and key milestones such as presenting pediatric-focused IDE protocols to the FDA. Stephanie is known for her collaborative leadership style, cross-functional team development, and commitment to designing trials that advance medical science and improve patient outcomes.

• Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemonza/

• Extended Interview - ⁠patreon.com/diverseroutes ⁠

Looking for career support?

Check out ⁠Success in Science Career Coaching