Zhaleh Amini Sinko
Zhaleh Amini Sinko received her PhD in Biochemistry from UCSD where she studied directed evolution to improve the trans-splicing efficiency of the Tetrahymena ribozyme for therapeutic and research applications. During her graduate work, she also explored consulting opportunities so she could gain experience in evaluating market size, competitive landscapes, and exit strategies, building and maintaining client relationships with venture capital firms and angel investors, and other critical skills. After graduating, she established a career in consulting at L.E.K. Consulting as a Life Sciences Specialist.
Can you describe your academic and professional background? What path led you to pursue this field?
Having always been interested in science, I studied Chemistry as an undergraduate at Cornell University, then went on to get a PhD in Biochemistry from UCSD. Though I really enjoyed my research projects, I also felt drawn toward business and looked for ways to merge the two interests. Throughout graduate school I explored the consulting venture capital industries and enjoyed using my life science background in the business setting. This led me to pursue a career in the life science sector of a consulting firm after graduate school, as a Life Science Specialist at L.E.K. Consulting.
How did you find this particular position, and what was the hiring process like? Is there a typical structure for this in your field?
I looked at and applied to many consulting firms with a strong focus in the life science industry. The hiring process is fairly similar across most consulting firms, often running through a few rounds of interviews consisting of mock cases and personal fit questions. In general cohorts of individuals are hired together and then all train and start as a class together.
Can you tell us about your current responsibilities? What is a typical day or week like in your role?
As a Life Science Specialist you are typically staffed on a cases in the life science sector which last on average 4-8 weeks. Day to day work varies depending on the case, but often involve modeling, expert interviews, surveys, research and analysis, meetings with the team and summarizing findings into presentations. You often work closely with your team, with each member having specific roles that all feed into the final product.
What do you enjoy about your current job and work environment?
It can be very exciting to learn a new field in depth in a short amount of time and also feel that you have been able to assist with major business decisions for large companies in the sector. I was also quite lucky to work alongside very kind, bright and caring individuals who made the work environment very enjoyable.
Do you have any professional plans for the future? What are some future career paths that could open up for someone in your position, 5-10 years down the road?
Having a background in science and consulting paves the way for many types of career paths; transitioning into a role at a pharma company or venture capital firm is quite common, as is entrepreneurship. Though these are a few common paths, individuals go on to take on a wide range of roles across the board. I am currently taking a few years off to raise my two young children, but plan to return to the field after they are in school.
What activities, internships, or organizations would you recommend someone get involved with to help them break into this field?
Joining student run or volunteer groups that allow you to assess whether you would really enjoy this line of work while also gaining experience in the field, can be very helpful. I was involved with a number of organizations that allowed me to work on small consulting and venture capital projects, learn about a number of different career paths and attend events that connected me with individuals in those career paths. Those experiences showed me what I enjoyed and what I didn’t and also demonstrated my interest and commitment when applying to firms.
Is it common for people in your field to have a scientific/academic background (i.e. have PhDs)? Can you think of any advantages or disadvantages someone with a PhD might experience while pursuing or working in your field?
People enter the consulting sector and broader business world through many diverse paths. The advantage of a PhD is that you have in-depth knowledge that allows you to specialize in a specific area. But many come with an MBA, directly from undergrad, or after direct experience through entrepreneurship or having been part of another business venture. The best training comes from learning on the job so it’s very possible to enter this field from many different backgrounds.
Do you have any final words of advice for those navigating these career questions? Is there anything you would have done differently given what you know now?
Follow what truly inspires you and brings you joy. Explore all of your options and put aside the opinions of others. Be honest with yourself and don’t be afraid to follow your authentic path. And have fun with the process!
