Advice for Scientists

Planning a Career

In the third and final interview for my current position, my soon-to-be-boss (who happens to be the CEO and President of the Institute) asked me what my aspirations were. I told him that I didn’t have any. You read it right. I told my potential boss that I didn’t have professional aspiratio...

The danger of a comfortable job

For most of us, finding a job after we graduate is our main goal. 

Searching for our career north: The Process- Step 3: Roadblocks and evaluation

Congratulations!  Most people never think about how their career pursuit aligns with their values.  They will not prepare a plan and break it down into actionable, manageable steps.  You already have a competitive edge and are in the top 10% of pursuing a career.

Going Back to School

I know what you’re thinking. Why on earth would I go back to school?! I have a Doctorate! Plenty of us go back – for an MBA, or a graduate certificate, or a Masters in this or that. Almost 10 years after earning my doctorate, I’m back to school, earning a Master’s of Science degree in R...

First year on the job: Understanding why you are there

This post, and the next couple of posts, will describe some of the things that are important in establishing yourself as a successful scientist in pharma in your first year.  The goal is to provide you a framework to think about how to be successful.As the title describes, it is important that ...

Meetings and Conferences: Go for the Professional Development, Stay for the Buffet

I’ve always enjoyed attending meetings and conferences, and not because I’m a technology nerd or need to escape my work environment. Whatever field you’re in, here’s hoping you’re really into it, or at least find it provides more than a paycheck. If you at least like what you do, you ...

Is all in order?

It started with a good idea that became a testable hypothesis and a research plan. Now all the data has been recorded and analyzed, and you’ve got a research article to write and submit for publication. You know the structure. It’s not quite a recipe, but the ingredients are clear cut....

The Uninvited Guest Syndrome

Over the past several years, the federal government has been moving toward greater collaboration within and between federal programs, departments and agencies as well as with those outside of government from industry, the private sector, academia and nonprofit organizations.  

Should I apply?

As you are going through a job search, you inevitably come across a position description for a company that you’d really like to work for. But the position description isn’t a 100% fit. Or even a 70% fit. Maybe (gasp!) not even a 50% fit. So, should you apply? What’s the worst that c...

How Do You Convince An Employer To Give You A Chance When You Are Changing Careers