Job Search

Charlotte
Mitchell

Networking: how to do it and why it is so important!

If you are one of the lucky graduate students or postdocs, you have actually been told that it is a good idea to network, or you have eventually figured it out yourself. Fortunately, more and more Universities now have career development teams, postdoc committees and other resources available t...


Shu Chin
Ma

Pros and cons of working remotely

When you hear the words “working remotely,” does it conjure up an image of someone sloppily dressed in their ratty pajama, hair unkempt, with a huge mug of coffee cradled in one hand, while sitting in front of the television with a computer, haphazardly propped on their lap? How about someo...


Kate
Sleeth

Do you have a Sponsor?

I am wondering how many people know the difference between a mentor and a sponsor?  I am sure everyone has heard of mentors, but have you heard of a sponsor (and this isn’t someone who is trying to raise money for a deserving charity!)?  My description of a mentor is someone who teaches ...


Suzane
Ramos da Silva

When is the right time to leave a job?

I still can remember the feeling of having butterflies in my stomach on my first day at the lab. Everything was new and exciting, and I wanted to know everything, meet everybody, exchange experience, show everyone what I know, and learn what I didn’t. In the perfect world, that feeling should...


Michael
Salgaller

I Know What You Did This Summer

I know what you did this summer. You probably worked on your job, but not your career. That’s okay. It’s hard to connect with people when so many are away on vacation. Weren’t you away part of the time? Please tell me you took a vacation. Please tell me you weren’t one of those who adde...


Kate
Sleeth

Changing Your Name Part 2

A few months ago, I wrote a blog on “Changing Your Name,” and I have been having discussions about this subject ever since!  The odd thing was that, while people considered the issues with identity crisis and confusion over the name change, no-one really considered the amount of effort that...


Thomas
Magaldi

The Power of Positive Thinking in the Job Search

Are you starting to think about your career path? Does the prospect of applying for jobs scare you? If so, please follow the instructions listed below before you read the rest of this blog post. 1. Stand up. 2. Place your right hand over your heart. 3. Recite the following sentence: “I wil...


Christiana
Davis

When Your Postdoc Is Not What You Expected

You may have had a successful PhD, with publications in high-impact journals, a great mentor, and peers you got along with. You interviewed for the ideal postdoc position. Your presentation went well. All the people you interacted with during the interview welcomed you. Your personality seemed to be...


Kia
Walcott

Presentation is Important

I recently completed my mid-year review at work. I wanted to share one of the comments that I received because when I heard it, it struck me as a bit odd. I was told that I always look very “put together.” This was definitely a complement, and I interpreted it as such, but up until that poi...


Thomas
Magaldi

A Strategic Postdoc to Help Propel Your Career

Are you unsure of whether to pursue a first or second postdoc? If so, be strategic in choosing your next training opportunity. The most important factor in choosing a postdoc is finding a PI who will support your career aspirations and training. Unfortunately, many scientists choose a postdoc bas...