These thoughts are a continuation of my reflection on delayed gratification because If I’m keeping it 100, I think about dropping out on a daily basis. In addition to maintaining experiences in our schedules that offer immediate gratification, we need to make sure this PhD shit is what we really want to do. Choosing to stick it out at the end of each day is not easy. What helps is having a clear vision of what it is you want to do with the damned degree.

I switched labs (as in changed advisors and departments) in November of the second year of my program. I’ll talk about this more in a different entry. I bring this up because my new mentor asked me some really important questions that I had  not thought about since I applied. I focused so hard on getting into grad school that I forgot what I wanted to do with my career once I got here. That said, I want to share those questions (and my answers) with my readership. 

What are your guiding principles in your career or a scientist?

• collaboration instead of competition
• communicate actively with your mentor and address problems early on
  •  this means problems with the project and more importantly, problems with the style of mentorship you are receiving
•  deliver on your tasks
  •  I personally have a tendency to procrastinate when I am intimidated by a task
• approach with curiosity and not fear (of failure)

What motivates you as a scientist, on a daily basis?

• ***Aha moments ***
• BALANCED FEEDBACK 
  • This means positive feedback mixed with constructive criticisms

What is the dream job?  Where do you see yourself in 5 years?  How is a PhD essential in that plan?

My dream job remains in flux, but I don’t think academia is a place where I can thrive long term. I like scientific writing and editing. I want to be involved in journal review and potentially technology transfer arrangements/patent law. For these jobs, I need skills in critical thinking and data analysis, and growth in written and oral communication. The PhD is essential for this. I would like to settle abroad, ideally in a Francophone country (she bilingual purrr)  and/or work remotely while traveling the world…

What are your answers?  

Until next time, 

Stef