The article discusses the career journey of Nikki van Teijlingen Bakker, a strategy manager at Olympus, showcasing a pivotal moment in her career.
Nikki transitioned from laboratory-based life sciences research to venture capital and pursued an MBA in Barcelona to leverage her diverse experience.
She created the Career Navigators podcast to help individuals explore various career paths and find the right fit for themselves.
Through networking and exploring, she discovered her interest in venture capital, leading her to pave a new career path despite initial discomfort.
This career moment made Nikki realize the importance of self-discovery, adaptability, and continuously learning and evolving in one's career.
Nikki's advice includes networking, trying new experiences, and embracing discomfort to grow and find the right career path.
She advocates for academic organizations to support alumni networks and provide opportunities for exploring alternative career paths.
Key values for Nikki include open-mindedness, collaboration, diversity, curiosity, while prioritizing skills like cross-cultural competency and adaptability.
Emerging skills she emphasizes include social intelligence, contextual problem-solving, and empathy for working and living in a dynamic environment.
Nikki's energy comes from being surrounded by diverse, motivated individuals who challenge her perspectives and push her towards personal growth.