How Your Neuroscience Degree Can Launch an Entrepreneurial Career

Wondering how to make an impact with your neuroscience degree or curious about what lies ahead? You’re in the right place! This article is part of an 8-part series, supported by RBC Future Launch, that delves into the entrepreneurial journeys of students and recent graduates just like you. 

To get some real advice, we sat down with two of our 2024 RBC Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award Winners from our Fellowship Program. These neuroscience and cognitive science graduates, recognized for their inclusive leadership and entrepreneurial innovation, shared their personal stories, growth journeys, and practical advice, all tailored just for you.

Aingeli Anton

Meet Aingeli, she graduated from Carleton University with a degree in Cognitive Science, Neuroscience (Biological Foundations). She also has a diploma in User Experience Design from BrainStation. Along with her education, Aingeli is a compassionate, curious, and inquisitive lifelong learner. Her understanding of the mind has unlocked a passion for exploring human-centered research and design. She’s based in Toronto, Ontario and is currently a 2024 Venture for Canada Fellow. 

Aingeli discovered the Venture for Canada Fellowship Program through online research while looking for programs that offer connections and resources to help with professional development and landing a job. “The program’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship aligned perfectly with my career aspirations in human-centered design. Joining the Fellowship Program was a pivotal step towards enhancing my skills and preparing for a meaningful career path,” says Aingeli. 

“To future Fellows in cognitive science and user experience design, I recommend embracing every opportunity to learn and network. Stay curious and proactive in seeking out projects that align with your interests. Building strong relationships within the community will enrich your experience and open doors to unexpected opportunities,” explains Aingeli. 

“The Venture for Canada Fellowship Program has significantly accelerated both my personal and professional growth. It provided invaluable mentorship and connections, helping me refine my skills and gain confidence in my abilities. The supportive community and resources have been instrumental in shaping my career path and goals,” exclaims Aingeli. 🤗

Lauren Morris

Meet Lauren, she graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Science, Co-Operative Education degree in Neuroscience. She also has a Master of Arts in Technology and Practice from the Communication and Culture – Joint Graduate Program at Toronto Metropolitan University & York University. Along with her education, Lauren is passionate about health equity, health tech, and psychedelic-assisted therapy. She’s based in Toronto, Ontario and is currently a 2024 Venture for Canada Fellow. 

Lauren has always been interested in doing things outside of the box, applying creative thinking and asking ‘what if’ questions to make connections across disciplines. Her passion for interdisciplinary research and innovation led her to pursue an academic career spanning neuroscience, public health, critical social sciences, and arts-based research. “When I graduated from my Master’s degree last fall, I wanted to challenge myself to apply the skills and knowledge I had learned outside the academy. Given the ‘do it all’ nature of academic research, where researchers must wear many hats to secure funding, oversee research operations, develop relationships with stakeholders, and market their work, several of my mentors encouraged me to consider a career in entrepreneurship,” explains Lauren. 

“As an undergrad in neuroscience, while I felt like my courses and instructors did a great job preparing me to pursue a career in research or healthcare, research commercialization or healthtech innovation wasn’t something I started learning more about until well into my Master’s. I would encourage early career academics to consider future opportunities for commercialization as they design their research and to consider creative applications for their skills outside of academia. How can commercialization and entrepreneurship help you use your research to create value by addressing real-world problems?” says Lauren. 

“As cliché as it is, it’s true that “your network is your net worth.” One of the most important things the Venture for Canada Fellowship Program did to help catalyze my professional growth was exposing me to a diverse cohort of Fellows from across Canada with unique personal and professional backgrounds and experiences. Not only did the Fellowship Program provide access to one of the most meaningful networking opportunities I’ve had post-graduation, but in doing so it also introduced me to a cohort of thinkers with high levels of cognitive diversity and a wide-ranging skill set. Post Training Camp, I am continuing to build relationships with several of the Fellows, and am excited to see where these relationships take me in the future!” exclaims Lauren. ❤️