She Said Yes to Every Opportunity - Here’s Where it Lead | Dr. Isabella Hajduk | True North

From Biotech Student to Innovation Trainer: Dr. Isabella Hajduk's Non-Linear Career Journey | True North In this episode of True North, I sit down with Dr. Isabella Hajduk - researcher, educator, and Training & Skills Lead at the Biologics Innovation Facility (BIF) at UTS - to explore one of the most refreshingly honest career stories I've heard. Isa takes us through her journey from studying biotechnology at UTS, to falling in love with microbiology under the microscope, to completing a PhD in molecular microbiology, and eventually finding her way into teaching, innovation education, and biopharmaceutical training. Spoiler: it was anything but linear. In this conversation, we cover: How a second-year poster conference changed the entire direction of her career What a PhD is really like — and whether it's right for you The moment she felt lost about academia and what shifted her perspective The SPARK Programme and how it connects scientists to entrepreneurship Why saying yes to unexpected opportunities is her biggest career strategy Imposter syndrome, comparing yourself to others, and embracing being a "jack of all trades" Advice for her 20-year-old self What her own "True North" looks like Whether you're a science student weighing up a PhD, considering a career pivot, or just trying to figure out what your path looks like - this one's for you. True North is a podcast exploring the journeys of people navigating careers, science, and life.