A former biochemistry researcher has successfully transitioned into science journalism after creating a professional online portfolio in approximately one hour. Lily Burton, who holds a PhD from the University of Chicago, utilized an AI-powered website creation tool to assemble the site, which she says was instrumental in securing her first paid contracts in the field.
Burton spent years conducting deep research in molecular biophysics but found herself seeking a career with a more direct human connection. She explained that a recurring question motivated her shift: why should everyday people care about complex scientific discoveries? This led her to explore science writing and communication.
Building a New Career Path
To enter journalism, Burton began accumulating experience through volunteer projects and small writing assignments. In late 2023, she was accepted into the competitive American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Mass Media Fellowship. The ten-week program placed her at a public radio station in North Carolina, providing hands-on reporting experience that solidified her career change.
Despite this experience, a significant hurdle remained: a professional portfolio to showcase her work to potential employers. Burton acknowledged procrastinating on the task, not due to its difficulty, but because of uncertainty about how to begin. The project became urgent when an internship application required a portfolio alongside a resume and cover letter with a four-hour deadline.
The Rapid Portfolio Solution
Facing that deadline, Burton used an AI website builder. She reported that the tool significantly lowered the barrier to entry, allowing her to launch a live portfolio site within about sixty minutes. The site centralized her writing samples and professional background.
While the initial internship application was unsuccessful, the portfolio remained active. Shortly afterward, during another interview process, she was asked for writing samples. Burton directed the potential client to her website. This resulted in her securing contract work with that company, as well as a separate internship opportunity.
Burton stated that having a ready-to-share online portfolio has become a key asset, allowing her to respond immediately when new opportunities arise. The use of a managed hosting service means she does not handle technical maintenance, enabling her to focus solely on developing her journalism career.
Implications for Career Changers
This case highlights a modern approach to career transition, where digital tools can rapidly create professional assets. For individuals moving between specialized fields like academic science and public-facing roles, such tools can mitigate a common obstacle: the lack of a presentable body of work in the new domain.
The speed of portfolio creation, contrasted with the years spent on doctoral research, underscores a shift in how professional credibility can be initially established in digital and media fields. The outcome suggests that for freelancers and contractors, a simple, functional online presence can be sufficient to generate initial work, even without extensive technical web development skills.
Looking forward, Burton is expected to continue building her portfolio with the new contract and internship work. The rapid deployment of her initial website demonstrates a practical method for other professionals seeking to pivot into writing, journalism, or other portfolio-based careers, where demonstrating capability quickly is often essential for securing early opportunities.
Source: Adapted from original user-provided content
