ChatGPD Podcast
New episodes monthly
ChatGPD is a graduate professional development podcast hosted by Dr. Pamela Plant, and designed and led in partnership with graduate student leaders.
Through candid conversations with alumni who have embarked on diverse and inspiring career paths, we invite our guests to share their journeys, lessons learned, and how their time in graduate school helped shape their careers.
ChatGPD Ep. 15 — Consulting and Competitive Analysis: Figuring it out long term
What does it really mean to “figure things out” for a living?
In this month’s episode of our ChatGPD podcast, Paul Turgeon, PhD — Associate Director of Scientific & Competitive Analysis at Takeda — shares how a case competition first exposed him to consulting and helped shape a career spanning biotech, pharma, and scientific strategy.
From testing consulting paths through campus groups to navigating a cross-border move from Canada to the U.S., Dr. Turgeon reflects on how graduate training builds more than technical expertise. He highlights the importance of curiosity, adaptability, communication, and the confidence to tackle unfamiliar problems — even without being the expert in the room.
He also explores the scientific questions behind consulting work, the growing role of AI in competitive analysis, and how diverse project experience can prepare you for future leadership roles.
Now at Takeda, Dr. Turgeon shares how he balances broad input with focused insight to inform strategic decisions in the pharmaceutical industry.
Listen to learn how graduate students can translate their scientific training into impactful careers in consulting, biotech, and pharma strategy.