The experience of Daniel Rizzuto (see Nature 447, 350; 2007) shows how an adviser's support and a timely decision can lead to a gratifying new start. Rizzuto swapped from studying brain–machine interfaces to working for his former adviser as project manager on a big new contract. But in my experience, such opportunities seldom arise, so determination and sharp job-hunting skills are priceless.

My journey began with a practical objective: to find a research position in the biotechnology industry. But I had no idea how tortuous the road would be. After my PhD studies at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, in the field of drug targeting and delivery in 2000, I thought I'd benefit from a business degree, so I pursued an MBA at an Israeli university.

In my second year I was offered a postdoc at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, to study tumour angiogenesis and biomarkers. Although this did not quite fit my career plan, it held the promise of gaining new skills, experiences and contacts. With much enthusiasm, I interrupted my studies and spent the next three years doing lab research. Nevertheless, my end goal was to land a job in biotech, so I was pleased when my mentor established a start-up based on the lab's research, encouraging trainees to maintain industry-standard lab notebooks, participate in intellectual-property sessions with patent attorneys, apply strict confidentiality policy, meet with investors and prepare presentations.

Then, with my visa about to expire, I thought I'd found what I was looking for on a second postdoc — my new adviser was an internationally recognized scientist with ties to many respected companies. Unfortunately, I soon discovered our outlooks didn't mesh and she didn't share my interest in commercializing science.

Still, I didn't despair. I completed an interview-skills workshop, upgraded my CV, methodically read career sections on the web, got in touch with my network of colleagues in industry and carefully targeted openings. I took a direct and sincere approach with people who might hire me, remaining flexible about job type and confident about my professional value.

Like Rizzuto's, my academic mentors had a role in creating opportunities and independence. The hardships I encountered have definitely helped me navigate the job market and prepare for the future.