Caroline Rufo, Ph.D. ’11, a chemistry major who now works on the investor relations team at life science-focused communications agency MacDougall, credits her strong science education from Assumption for allowing her to diversify her career.
“My Assumption science education gave me the foundational science knowledge to prepare me to pursue my doctorate,” she said. “I have carried that foundation through to my current position working in life sciences investor relations. It is critical to have a good scientific basis so I can effectively understand and communicate with each of my clients on the important aspects of their companies.”
After graduating from Assumption, Rufo earned her Ph.D. in chemistry from Syracuse University and completed her post-doctoral training at Yale University. From there, Rufo transitioned into the business side of science through networking and “self-teaching” the business terminology. She worked as an analyst at M. Ventures and later served as a Blavatnik Fellow and entrepreneur in residence at the Blavatnik Fund at Yale for nearly two years before becoming an investor relations consultant for MacDougall.
“I strongly feel that networking is the key to success in today’s working world,” said Rufo, adding that it’s best to start practicing and honing one’s skills while in school to help set a foundation for success after graduating.
Rufo is passionate about sharing the knowledge she has learned since graduating, which is why she sits on the advisory council for the D’Amour College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and frequently returns to campus to serve as a guest lecturer and workshop leader, where she shares her networking and mentoring skills with current students. In addition to giving back to Assumption, Rufo volunteers with WEST (Women in the Enterprise of Science & Technology), helping to bring awareness of the group to the community, especially local colleges and universities.
Rufo said she tries to incorporate the values she learned at Assumption in her daily life as much as possible. “The best piece of advice I have learned is that it is a small world out there, and remember to be kind,” she said.
