You have probably heard the word “mentor” many times and how important a mentor can be for your career, but how can you identify suitable mentors for you? This is a question that many trainees ask themselves. Identifying a good mentor is not an easy task and it takes time and dedication. So, where do you start? First of all, you need to understand what a mentor is and what mentoring means. A mentor is more than an advisor. S/he is someone who supports and guides you throughout your career imparting his or her knowledge and expertise. Most importantly, a mentor will encourage and motivate you to think and develop…
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The 3 Most Important Factors of a Job Search: Networking, Networking and Networking
In real estate parlance, it is said that the three most important factors in maximizing the value of your property are location, location and location. Networking carries a similar importance, especially for those preparing for a career beyond NIH, or your current institution. Many good jobs are filled by candidates who have been identified prior to that job being officially posted. Therefore, the more broadly your net of contacts can be cast, the better your chances of receiving advanced information on positions which are of interest to you. Developing and cultivating your network of contacts is critically important whether your career plans are in the academic setting or in industry. …
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CV vs. Resume: What’s the Difference?
Resumes and CVs are both extremely important documents to a job seeker. They are some of the most important job hunting tools you possess. However, it can be confusing to know when and how to use each document. This confusion is often compounded by the fact that there is not a standard resume or CV template – your documents will (and should) look different than your lab mates. While there aren’t formal rules to follow, there are certain expectations for each document, which are noted in the table below: CV Resume Definition Ongoing academic & work history Targeted marketing tool Length Virtually unlimited 1-3 pages depending on use Purpose…