Public Health Analyst Gets the Skills He Needs to Make a Career Change in Purdue’s Master of Science in Biotechnology Innovation and Regulatory Science

When Lawrence Carter started his Master of Science in Biotechnology Innovation and Regulatory Science (BIRS) with Purdue, he was in the middle of several big life changes. For one, he was thinking about changing careers – he was working as a public health analyst for a federal agency but wanted to transition into a drug compliance role. Secondly, he was a brand-new father with an infant son, juggling the immense challenges of taking care of a baby with the demands of graduate school. 

“In the beginning, between work and childcare and school, I was barely sleeping,” Carter said. “It was exhausting, but so worth it too.” 

In his career, Carter has never shied away from hard work, long hours and rising to a challenge. Before he started Purdue’s BIRS program, he had nearly three decades of experience working for the federal government in various health and science-related roles. He also had multiple degrees – a bachelor’s in analytical chemistry (also from Purdue) and a master’s in management. He’s long had a passion for science, which he attributes to his father – an accomplished chemist who introduced Carter to the field when he was still a kid.  

“My dad worked for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and he would take me to work with him when I was a kid,” Carter said. “That’s what sparked my interest in science, and it inspired me to get my bachelor’s in chemistry.” 

After earning his bachelor’s, Carter started a career that spanned many different scientific disciplines – from chemistry to compliance and public health. While working in compliance, he developed a passion for vaccine and drug development. This interest led him to start considering going back to school for biotechnology and regulatory science, a field where he could be on the frontlines ensuring the quality and safety of life-saving medications.  

Finding New Opportunities in Purdue’s BIRS Program 

When Carter started considering a second master’s degree, Purdue immediately came to mind. He knew Purdue had a program in biotechnology innovation and regulatory science that was well-known and highly respected. He also knew Purdue’s BIRS program was offered in a hybrid format, meaning he could take many of his classes online while continuing to work and support his growing family. 

“Purdue, being one of the top universities in the country and where I got my undergraduate degree, seemed like an obvious choice for going back to school,” Carter said. “When I looked into the program, I saw immediately how well it fit with my career goals.” 

Carter hoped that earning his master’s would give him the credentials he needed to make a career change and get back into the regulatory field as a drug compliance officer. Purdue’s program offered everything he wanted – courses about the latest developments in vaccine science, experienced and knowledgeable faculty and valuable connections to the pharmaceutical industry. 

“The networking opportunities were one of the best things about the program,” Carter said. “Even though it was online, we still got to collaborate with all these pharmaceutical companies inside and outside of Indiana. Those connections give you what you need to make a career change possible.” 

The program’s flexibility was also invaluable to Carter, especially as a new father. Many of his classmates in the program worked full time and had families of their own, so there was an understanding that course schedules needed to be accommodating. Much of Carter’s work was self-directed, but he received a lot of support from the program’s faculty, who were always happy to answer questions and provide feedback. 

“The faculty give you feedback, and you collaborate with them on projects, but it’s still very self-directed,” Carter said. “The effort and time you put in is what matters, and in that way it’s really similar to what it’s like being in the workforce. It prepares you to work independently.” 

When it comes to balancing graduate school and work, Carter said it’s important to stay motivated. His motivation comes from his family and friends – the people he refers to as his “village” who have supported him consistently throughout his journey. He also thinks often about his future career goals. He knows the program is giving him the skills he needs to make a career switch, and that keeps him motivated no matter how busy his schedule gets.  

“My biggest piece of advice is put aside your fears and just go for it,” Carter said. “It’s hard balancing family and work and school, but if I can do it anyone can.” 

“It really does take a village,” Carter continued. “You have to find your village and make it work.” 

To learn more about Purdue’s online Master of Science in Biotechnology Innovation and Regulatory Science, please visit the program’s webpage.