Most graduates are looking to continue their career in academia and work either at the university or at a research intuition. Or else they try to get a job in a well-known big company. However, it is worth it to consider some alternative career paths. As a jobseeker, you want to consider some often overlooked employers for scientist. Expand the scope of your job hunt, if some of these alternatives resonate with you. Staffing agencies are overlooked employers for scientists…
Three things academics don’t get about staffing agencies
You put yourself through a university education, possibly even through a doctorate. Most likely, you did not do this with the proclaimed goal to work for a staffing agency later on. This is why most academics do not learn about this particular employment opportunity, until it is imminent. If you want to learn more about the pros and cons of working for a staffing agency, read this blog post, too. Unfortunately, some academics make uninformed decisions when signing up with…
Why is pursuing a career in industry seen as turning to the dark side?
The world is full of scientists referring to a career in industry as turning to the dark side. Examples for this phrasing are found in alumni reports, blogs, and article in science magazines to name a few. Dubbing an industry job as working for the dark side has almost become an idiomatic phrase. But why is that? Why is working in industry branded as the dark side? I have some theories why this dreadful practice came to be. And I…
Six red flags to watch out for in a job interview
As a young job seeker, you might not be spoilt for choice when it comes to job offers. Still, you need to know whether the position is a good match for you. This can be very hard to judge. Watch out for warning signs that tell you that some challenges might lie ahead. Once you noticed a red flag, you are able to make an informed decision whether the job is right for you. It still might be. But this…
Switching from startup to corporation – four differences you’ll notice straight away
Starting your career as a fresh graduate with a startup company is great, and there are good reasons to do so. Still, changing paths and switching to a large corporation is common for many employees. If you are about to switch from a small startup to a large corporation, this article is for you. The following four aspects will strike you immediately as different in a large corporation when you come from a startup company. Large corporations cannot match a…
How to make interdisciplinary research a success – seven ground rules for your team
Interdisciplinary research is important and necessary to address complex problems. The idea of working in interdisciplinary research teams is catching on more and more. This is also true in academic research. What is the secret of successful interdisciplinary research? I have identified those aspects both from my own experience and from reports of others. Read about the seven ingredients for making your interdisciplinary research a success. Devise your common objective Your interdisciplinary team should have a shared mission. You should…
Why digitalization is relevant for you – even if you think it isn’t
If you think digitalization is not relevant for you – think again. Some of us use your specific life’s circumstances as an excuse not to embrace digitalization. Do not make this mistake. Let’s debunk those myths that act as pretence not to welcome digitalization. Read about five popular digitalization fallacies and why they are not true. Digitalization is not for me because I am old If you belong to the older generation, do not fall into the trap thinking that…
How to write a lab book
Writing a lab journal has many benefits, which I described in my previous post. But how to do it? If you adhere to these eight rules on how to write a lab book, you are definitely on the safe side. Read how to write a lab book entry and what should be included. The bare minimum: title and date It is easy to understand why you should put down a date for your lab book entry. Also, writing a meaningful…
Seven reasons why you should keep a lab book
Some scientists think keeping a lab journal is as a waste of time. They view it as a time consuming distraction from doing their real work. Nothing could be further from the truth. Having a well-kept lab journal is highly beneficial in lots of respects. Apart from your boss forcing you, there are seven more reasons to keep a lab book. Writing a journal supports creativity Documenting your work, observations, or experimental results is seen as likely to curb the…
How your good upbringing may be holding you back (and what to do about it)
A good upbringing is a gift and it opens many doors in life for sure. Yet, at times, your good upbringing might be holding you back a tiny bit too much. Let’s have a closer look at three paradigms your parents told you, how these stand in your way, and what to do about it. Let your work speak for itself “Self-praises stinks! Don’t brag!” Modesty is a virtue in many cultures. But it is obvious how this might be…