With a master’s in biology, Isabella Pan Yu’s career trajectory seems unconventional at first glance. She has conducted scientific research in the United States, partnered with friends on investments in China, and now works in the Business Development (BD) department at Jacobio, which she joined in 2021.

“People saw me as an ‘experientialist’ but I’m actually quite deliberate. I can confidently step away from opportunities that don’t align with what I want to accomplish,” she says.

Compelled by the prominent portrayal of Georgetown University in American TV shows and its respectable academic rankings, she decided to pursue a master’s degree in biology there, specializing in business.

Isabella found that working in BD demands both strong subject matter expertise and the ability to make prudent decisions when commercial interests are high. To her, the most worthwhile BD projects center on genuinely innovative new drugs.

After joining Jacobio, she played a key role in negotiating a collaboration with a multinational corporation on a combination therapy. Throughout the process, she adapted her communication style to effectively engage with the multinational.

She took great pride in helping Jacobio, a young Chinese biotech company, earn recognition and respect for an independently developed drug candidate.  

“Every experience up to this point has taught me something valuable,” she explains. “By exploring different options, I have gradually narrowed in on the career direction that is most personally fulfilling and plays to my strengths. That’s really the most important thing for me.”