Stephanie

Stephanie

12p

4 comments posted · 0 followers · following 0

13 years ago @ BenchFly Blog - The 4 Steps to Finding... · 0 replies · +1 points

I agree, Alan. Research can be super-competitive, and I remember feeling like I would fall behind if I didn't spend every waking second at the bench. It really took that epiphany for me to realize that maybe I didn't want whatever it was (a lab of my own, a professorship) that I was working so hard for. Yay for career offices! I really think they're underutilized.

That's an interesting point, Chandreyee!! Nearly all of the science types that I have connected to on Twitter are bloggers or writers. But at least a handful of the bloggers are PIs (or postdocs) and engaged in research. In fact, I can think of at least three prolific bloggers who are PIs (and there are probably more). But I would guess they are in the minority. :) I think your comment actually begs a larger question - should being a researcher be so different from being a communicator? Academics do a lot of communicating - writing grants and papers, giving talks, etc!

13 years ago @ BenchFly Blog - The 4 Steps to Finding... · 0 replies · +1 points

That's awesome, we definitely need good science teachers out there!

13 years ago @ BenchFly Blog - The 4 Steps to Finding... · 1 reply · +2 points

You're welcome and thanks for sharing your story! I applied to grad school straight out of college, and I think that if I had done what you did and worked first, I might have figured out earlier that research wasn't for me. Best of luck with the grad school apps! You'll have to let us know where you end up!

13 years ago @ BenchFly Blog - The 4 Steps to Finding... · 2 replies · +1 points

Thanks for commenting, Anika! Your experience is exactly why I feel compelled to write on alternative careers. I was very lucky to have had (and still have!) lots of support from my friends and colleagues during my transition. I want to make sure no one feels alone out there! What are you doing in your career now?