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Olesia Karvetskaia, Junior Investment Associate at Ventures Accelerated

Olesia Karvetskaia

Building a Career at the Crossroads of Science and Business

Meet Olesia Karvetskaia, whose journey through biomedicine, project management, and international experience has given her a well-rounded view of the life science field. With hands-on experience from both research and industry, and currently part of the Ventures Accelerated team, Olesia shares her reflections on bridging science and business, adapting to new cultures, and what excites her most about the future of life sciences. 

You have a background in both biomedicine and project management—what got you interested in combining science and business? 

When I started my bachelor's degree, I was certain I wanted to become a researcher. I interned in a research lab and initially found it very engaging—especially when I was learning new techniques or exploring unfamiliar territory. But over time, the work became repetitive, and I started craving a more dynamic environment. 

In my third year, I had the opportunity to intern in the project management department of a pharmaceutical company. That experience was eye-opening. I realized how exciting it is to be at the intersection of science and business—where you’re still contributing to human health and well-being, but with a broader impact. What drew me in was the collaborative, goal-oriented atmosphere. Unlike the lab, where I often worked alone and focused on long-term experiments, project management involved constant communication, coordination, and visible progress. It gave me a sense of purpose and a stronger connection to the "big picture" of advancing healthcare. 

Coming from an international environment, has that influenced how you think about your work or studies in life sciences? 

Absolutely. About 90% of my classmates are international students, so I never really felt isolated when I moved to a new country. I deeply appreciate the efforts made by my university and my Swedish colleagues to help me integrate into the local culture—it made a real difference. 

Coming from a culture that is more direct and has a vertically structured hierarchy, I initially found the Swedish communication style quite different. It took me some time to adapt to the more informal and consensus-driven approach. But over time, I’ve grown to appreciate it. It fosters openness and mutual respect, which I believe is crucial in collaborative environments like life sciences. Now, I find this way of working much more natural—it encourages dialogue and creative problem-solving. 

You’re currently part of the Ventures Accelerated team—what's something you've learned or enjoyed during your time here so far? 

 It’s truly a privilege to work alongside such brilliant, driven, and supportive colleagues. What I appreciate most is the openness to new ideas—your input is always welcomed, regardless of your title or experience level. That kind of environment is incredibly empowering. 

Being part of a company that is growing rapidly has also been a valuable learning experience. I’ve been able to expand my skills while contributing meaningfully to the organization’s progress. It’s rewarding to know that your efforts can directly impact outcomes. Seeing the results of your work—not just on paper but in how things evolve—is very motivating. It makes every day feel purposeful. 

Is there something happening in life sciences or biomedicine right now that you find especially exciting or inspiring? 

 Yes, the pace of innovation is genuinely inspiring. It feels like every day brings a new technology or breakthrough that has the potential to change lives. Whether it’s AI-driven drug discovery, personalized medicine, or advancements in biotechnology, the field is moving faster than ever. 

What excites me most is the increasing translation of research into real-world applications—seeing ideas move from the lab to the clinic in record time. It’s a thrilling time to be part of this industry. 

What do you think is one of the most important skills for young professionals in life science to develop today? 

I believe curiosity, initiative, and a strong work ethic are essential. At the start of your career, it's especially important to build a reputation as someone who’s not afraid to take on challenges and push themselves beyond their comfort zone. 

Being proactive—seeking out opportunities, asking questions, and taking ownership of your growth—will open many doors. And equally important is resilience: the ability to keep going even when things don’t go as planned. These qualities not only make you a valuable team member but also set the foundation for long-term success in such a fast-evolving field.