Networking

Finding a mentor (and becoming one!)

Networking: A job hunt cliché, or the most important thing?

Hello everyone! We have talked about how to utilize headhunters, and what impact they have and don't have on your job search.. This time around, we are going to talk about another “tried and true” method to get jobs, NETWORKING. The word networking means different things to different peopl...

We’ve Said Hello, Now What?

Today we’re continuing on the topic of networking…last time, we talked about how to say hello...now, we’re going to talk about what to say AFTER you say hello.  Like always, there is a right way and a wrong way to start off a conversation…the wrong way is to launch into a sales pitch about ...

Tips on How to Engage an Audience

I recently gave a talk at a luncheon hosted by my research institute. In the days since, I’ve had a few experiences that have brought me to this blog. I’d like to talk about how to engage an audience, whether it’s an actual audience, or an interviewer, or new colleagues at a networking even...

Switching Paths

Having a job is an essential part of our adult life, and it is definitely something we need in order to survive. It is something we depend on. If we think about it, most of us will spend most of our productive life working, so looking for a job or staying at a job that we are unhappy about migh...

Beyond the academic herd: how to pursue opportunity

Years ago, during my grad school interviews, the late Seymour Benzer told me that I would be forced to decide in grad school whether I would “run with the herd,” or instead become one of the few scientists who would be comfortable operating more independently. That succinct statement encomp...

Working with a Career Coach

It’s that time again, my contract is ending and I am back on the job market. I’m fairly optimistic this time, despite the fact that this is my third job hunt in as many years. I’ve developed a lot professionally, and built a stronger network. I am also able to learn from my past mistakes,...

How to Increase your Chances of Landing a Military Research Job

Finding a good job in today’s economy is a challenge, especially when it comes to specialized research.  Many PhDs are forced to take jobs they don’t really want, or ones that don’t benefit their career paths.  It doesn’t have to be this way.  Your dream job is out there, and ...

What to do (or not) with a PhD?

Finishing a PhD has been one of the most exciting and fulfilling goals I have achieved so far. However, the path was far from easy. I believe most of my peers will agree with me when I say that towards the end of our training, the path becomes not only highly demanding, but incredibly stressful...

Thanks to My Coach - I got a new job!

Last week, I accepted a new job that I am very excited about. Of course, anytime you can wrap up a job hunt is deeply gratifying, but this time in particular, I am thrilled with the outcome. I am taking a role as an eLearning Specialist at Tableau Software.  That’s a job title I’ve nev...