Case Studies: David Powell

Name	David Powell
Job Title		Director Business Development
Company		Hospira, Inc.
City, State		Lake Forest, Illinois

1. Please briefly describe what you do.
Manage team of professionals that develop business-to-business relationships in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily between Hospira and biotechnology companies. Structure business arrangement and negotiate definitive deals (contracts) between the two companies. Mix of technical aptitude and business acumen required to be successful. It is a career that is a merger between science and business.
2. How many years have you been working in a science related field?
18 years
3. What degrees do you hold and from what Universities?
BS Mechanical Engineering: University of Wisconsin – Madison MBA: Marquette University

4. What subject in school was the most challenging for you? Why?

Subject in the area of social studies. They were boring and not challenging.

5. What subject in school did you enjoy the most? Why?

Math and Physics. Very logical and analytical.

6. What/who inspired your interest in science?

Starting a career in a pharmaceutical company renewed my interest in science. Almost started my career in the oil industry, which probably would not have inspired my interest in science.

7. What impact does your work have on society? Why is it important that other people learn about and consider your profession?

The business-to-business partnerships I help to develop aid to further the development of important (and sometimes breakthrough) biotechnology based drugs. There are positions that allow for a crossover and blend between science and business.

8. What challenges have you faced in your career?

Learning and understanding pharmaceutical science without formal education in the area.

9. What other thoughts/comments would you like to share with people considering a career in science?

Starting with a science background provides career flexibility in the future. You can remain in scientific career, or you can diversify into business or legal careers.