Agnesa Avenesian
Medical Science Liaison-Facial Aesthetics
Allergan
Irvine, CA USA
“I got three years of ‘no's’ before I got a yes. Don’t give up and don’t let people discourage you. If doors close, it is for a reason. Others will open.”
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By Roadtrip NationAgnesa Avenesian
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I grew up loving science and always assumed I would go into a field in medicine.
Attended the University of California, Irvine (UCI) where I majored in biology on a pre-med track.
While in college, I had the opportunity to get involved in research projects focused on longevity and human lifespans and fell in love with all of the aspects of research.
After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in biology, I decided not to go to medical school and instead continued on at UCI where I eventually earned my doctorate in pharmacology and toxicology.
I initially struggled to find work right after receiving my doctorate because I didn’t have a lot of work experience.
Gained experience by working as a medical scientist in the industry for a while at companies such as Ambry Genetics and Bio-Rad Laboratories.
After about three years of working as a scientist, I was able to transfer into my dream role as a medical science liaison for Allergen.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Biology
University of California, Irvine
Biology
University of California, Irvine
Career
Medical Science Liaison-Facial Aesthetics
I am a scientist that supports a facial aesthetics portfolio at a pharmaceutical company.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Science
Business
Learning / Being Challenged
Day to Day
I engage with medical care providers within my therapeutic area (Botox, fillers, cool sculpting, etc.). I mainly dig into the clinical work that is being done and support our sales teams. Being a medical science liaison is a field-based role, so I cover the areas of Los Angeles, Orange County, and Hawaii and I work with colleagues in the same areas. I'm not tied to an office and have the flexibility to work from anywhere I want, which is great when it comes to balancing my work and family life.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Explore and realize that there are no barriers to your dream job. Take a job that will open up those opportunities to pursue your dream and build up to it. Be flexible and willing to compromise. Don't be ashamed of having to take jobs that might not be perfectly aligned with what you want to do. You will be building skills regardless, so make the most of it. Find really great mentors.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Biology
Biology
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I've worked so hard for this degree and no one is responding to me. I'm never going to find work."
Challenges I Overcame
Work Stress
Working Parent
