From Laboratory to Venture Building: Julie Doran '20, Looks Back on How ESTEEM Transformed Her Career Trajectory
Julie Doran is an ESTEEM graduate from the class of 2020. She sits down with current ESTEEM faculty member Ellen Dutton to revisit her journey to ESTEEM, her experience in the program and explores the transformative impact it had on her career. Julie arrived at Notre Dame with a bachelor's degree in biology from Indiana University and two years of experience as a pharmaceutical bench chemist. She came with a desire to pivot her career, but she never expected she would pursue a career in entrepreneurship - until ESTEEM. In recalling her journey from uncertain biochemist to Venture Building, she cites the invaluable support of the ESTEEM faculty and lifelong learnings that helped her carve out a new path in her career.
The skills learned in ESTEEM stay with a student long after graduation, Julie says. Not only does the program provide a robust academic curriculum, but it equips students with the skills they need for a lifetime of success. “What ESTEEM teaches people how to do is learn [....] ESTEEM had actually changed the way I take in information, changed the way I view learning, and that is still something I use everyday,” From delivering a convincing pitch, iterating on an idea, and navigating Go-To-Market strategy, Julie pulls from her experience in ESTEEM everyday as she continues to grow in her role at Alloy Partners (formerly High Alpha Innovation), committed to always learning and striving to be a force for good.
Originally published by at esteem.nd.edu on May 30, 2025.
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