Almost everyone faces challenges with confidence in the workplace at some point in their life. Challenges with confidence can be more noticeable if we live or work in a culture that is different from the one in which we were raised. Our family, cultural background and personal preferences may also affect our comfort with expressing ourselves in a confident way. However, one can stay true to their values and still learn to express themselves confidently. Two key steps to increasing your confidence include: 1. Identify areas where you feel both confident and unsure. In an article in Science Careers, Sharon Ann Holgate offers many useful suggestions about developing confidence. She…
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Positivity in a Job Search
Looking for a job can be an incredibly frustrating task. Today, individuals often find themselves anxiously searching for positions that will be a good fit within a very competitive market. Inevitably, rejection is an unavoidable aspect of a job search. Negativity can also be compounded by self-doubt. Maybe you worry that you don’t have enough to offer a new employer or maybe you worry that you will be unsuccessful in finding work that is meaningful to you personally. Negativity can be internalized and then it can seep out during the worst times, like during a big interview. Employers are keen at sniffing out desperation, bad attitudes, and poor self-esteem. Interview…
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The Need for More Inquisitiveness in Science
Post written by guest blogger Dr. Howard Young, Principal Investigator at the National Cancer Institute. Recently, I attended a seminar with talks given by two younger scientists. The audience consisted mostly of fellows, postbacs and some students. The subjects of the two talks were different and there was sufficient time for questions and a discussion. To my surprise and disappointment, other than my questions, only one other question was asked and it did not come from a trainee. I left the seminar wondering why younger scientists are not more inquisitive with respect to science outside of their personal domain. A few of my colleagues have suggested some possible explanations for…
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Taking Ownership of Your Career: Developing an Individual Development Plan (IDP)
Have you drafted a career plan? Do you know if you have the required skills for your dream job? Figuring out the next step in your career and how to prepare for it can be stressful. But developing a plan, early on in your career, will help guide you through this process of identifying and achieving your career goals. This year, the OITE will be dedicating its blog to help you develop a Career Success Plan, focusing on a variety of core competencies that are critical for your career development, the first being career exploration and planning. This is where creating an individual development plan (IDP) comes into play. But,…