Do Student Paper Competitions Really Matter?

The article discusses the growing demand for statisticians and data scientists in the biopharmaceutical field, with projected growth rates of 35% and 30% respectively over the next 10 years. The author highlights the increasing number of graduate degrees and programs in statistics and data science, indicating a growing interest in these fields among students. The article also emphasizes the importance of networking and making connections in order to secure employment in the biopharmaceutical field, suggesting that participating in student paper and poster competitions can provide valuable exposure to professional statisticians. The author concludes that while these competitions may not have the expected immediate rewards, they offer long-term benefits such as introducing oneself to professionals and showcasing one's work. [Extracted from the article]