The path to quitting my PhD
It was summer of 2005, the beginning of a PhD program at the University of IL-Chicago. I was grateful for my Student Mentor, Aaron Place, as he taught me the ropes. I was comfortable. Then classes...
View ArticleSeeing Yourself as a Technical Writer
As I mentioned before, my team has been looking to hire a couple technical writers. While the requirements for any specific role may vary, I find that it is a role that scientists can transition into...
View ArticlePitfalls of Going from Academia into the Federal Government and How to Deal...
A career in the federal government can be rewarding and interesting. However, if you’re considering a career in the federal government, here are a few tips to keep in mind. They’re broad...
View ArticleThe Major Pitfalls of Going into the Federal Government from Academia, Part 2
I knew before I graduated with my Ph.D. that I would not be pursuing a career in academia. read more
View ArticleScientist or Businessperson??
My name is Hamilton Lenox, and welcome to my first blog on Bio Careers. When I was first approached and asked to contribute to the site, I readily agreed, in the hopes that I could potentially offer...
View ArticleSearching 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...
View ArticleConference Ecology for Job-Hunters
“At scientific conferences, there are three classes of attendees: Eminents, Lowlies, and Everyone Else. Grad students, of course, fall into the Lowlies group. An ecotone, or edge effect, where all...
View ArticleWhen do I follow up? The Ordeal of Job Seeking
Hello Everyone! Today we are going to talk about the most aggravating part of job search, at least according to the emails I get: the “hurry up and wait” aspect of job seeking. read more
View ArticleThe Zika opportunity
I think, by now, everyone is updated about all the troubles Zika might be causing around the globe, especially in Brazil. read more
View ArticleGoing 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...
View ArticleMilitary Research and Government Research
While completing my masters in public health (MPG) in epidemiology and biostatistics, I was working in clinical research for pharmaceutical companies in HIV and women's health. I decided to apply for...
View ArticleTalking to scientists can be painful
Three months after leaving the lab and ditching my PhD program, I found a job as a sales rep. I became that person who knocks on your lab door, interrupts your day, and asks you to buy lab supplies....
View ArticleGiving Your Research Presentation
Presenting your research well is critical to being a successful scientist. If you’re a good presenter, you’ll be able to get people excited about your research, which may lead to collaborations,...
View ArticleThe Editor Surfaces
So, what’s been happening with the manuscript that you uploaded a month or two ago? You've been logging in to the journal every few days for a while now to follow the status of your article and...
View ArticleImposter Syndrome
The term “imposter syndrome” was coined by a couple of clinical psychologists in the late 1970s. This is when high-achieving people have freak-out moments, and think that they’re going to be called out...
View ArticleJob Loss and Coping with Change
Losing your job can feel a lot like dealing with a death or other devastating loss (the process can be very similar). read more
View ArticleGot journals? How to pick ‘em
OK, so you’ve finished your publication manuscript, and all the coauthors agree that it’s ready for submission. Got a journal? Build a short list of target journals. read more
View ArticleJobs in Curriculum Development
In the New Year, my job title changed from eLearning Specialist to eLearning Developer. read more
View ArticleSend it on its way-an “uploading” experience
A blank computer screen might be one of the scariest things on your bench or desk(top). read more
View ArticleFellowships: Making lemonade from lemons
There are a number of fellowships and internships out there for PhDs to explore career options. read more
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