Research Account Manager, Milliporesigma

Mar 30, 2023

An alum of the 2017 SMDP Medtech Scholar cohort, Trevon Nelson, M.S, is the Research Account Manager at Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill for Milliporesigma. Trevon supports the growth of the research division at these accounts by maintaining effective pricing strategies such as contracts and negotiations, as well as defending key relationships with both scientists and decision makers to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction with their products and grow the business.

What is the highest degree you have earned and what can you tell us about your academic path?

My highest degree is an MBA with a concentration in finance from East Carolina University. I have a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from NC State University, and a Masters of Science in Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in biomechanics form North Carolina A&T State University. During each degree, I was working at least part-time in a lab. When I stepped into my first technical sales role at Milliporesigma, I saw the value of adding an MBA to the list, which has served me well.

Where do you work now and what is your company about?

I currently work at Milliporesigma. We offer one of the broadest portfolios in the industry for scientists, best-in-class products for pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, and a fully integrated service organization to support CDMO and contract testing across traditional and novel modalities. Our vision is a world where our innovative products, services, and digital offerings help create solutions for people globally and a sustainable future for generations to come.

How did you first learn about the company?

I first learned of the company through my old job as an Associate Scientist. We often used Sigma Aldrich reagents and Millipore filters etc in our work. Shortly after my time in SMDP Medtech in 2017, I found the open Field Application Scientist Position and was fortunate enough to get the role.

What do you like most about the company?

I love the high impact culture of the company. It has been warm and welcoming to me ever since I started here in 2018 and has offered multiple opportunities for growth and professional development. The company is quite large, but I remain connected to my team and many others in leadership roles, from which I’ve found mentorship and inspiration. The company supports diversity and stimulates curiosity allowing me to flourish.

What skills make you successful in your role and why did you choose this role?

My technical skills in chemistry and biotechnology have helped me significantly in the role from my time at the bench. Also, my soft skills have been a great asset, allowing me to be well received by customers, and create sustainable relationships to drive business conversations. I chose this role because it gave me the opportunity to bridge my technical science background with my recently acquired business acumen. This gives me a much more comprehensive view of the company and I am gaining valuable experience by being involved at multiple levels.

How do you define success?

Being able to apply myself wholeheartedly to a goal and truly be content with the outcome of my efforts. I get a sense of satisfaction from accomplishing goals and doing what I love.

What's the most fulfilling aspect of your job?

Being able to help researchers advance their projects and provide the services and products needed to give them high quality data. The trust that is established and the positive feedback I get make the effort even more worth it in the end.

What advice do you have for students and job seekers?

Keep an open mind and prepare to take advantage of any opportunity that may come up. It’s great to have a plan and career path in mind when searching for a job but staying open to other possibilities may reveal new interests or career paths that you may have previously thought were attainable or undesirable. Also, beware of imposter syndrome and the effect it may have on your ability to pursue open positions. Be audacious and have confidence in your experience and what you have to offer as a potential candidate. Don’t downplay your soft skills! Do your research and be empowered to defend yourself as an asset to the prospective companies. Not everyone will give you a chance but if one is presented to you, be confident enough to seize the opportunity.

What book did you read last?

 “The Four Agreements”, by Don Miguel Ruiz