During a recent OITE workshop on the topic of career planning, trainees from all levels described finding the job search process “scary” and had feelings of fear and stress regarding approaching the next steps.
For post bacs, applying to graduate, medical and other professional schools can sometimes feel like an uncharted maze at Halloween. For post docs and visiting fellows, hearing the scary stories about pursuing academic careers, making the big step into industry, or searching for jobs in the US and abroad country is akin to walking in the dark in uncharted territory.
To add to previous OITE Halloween posts, here are some suggestions to help you slay the ghosts and goblins that are perceived to lurk in the career decision making process.
Do Not Go Gentle (Onto) That Good Career Path: Put on your cloak of confidence –Allow others to help you learn what is next.
A career counselor will help you confront myths and arm you with career realities that will empower you to forge ahead and fearlessly apply for opportunities and conquer interviews. You can also re-assess your career decisions and make healthy career choices through using individual career advising and assessments to discover how your interests, skills, and values relate to your career goals and career options. Wellness advisors can help you manage stress and become resilient professionals through mindfulness exercises that are helpful at managing the stressors associated with the journey.
Researching the necessary qualifications and gaining experience will make career maze is less scary
Aim your flashlight towards the journey ahead by gathering practical information that you need about the career path you are embarking on. Conduct career research (websites, workshops, professional meetings), set up informational interviews with scientists, and utilize the videocasts and blogs found on the OITE web page to train for the trek. Gain additional experience and skills through fellowships, OITE skills workshops, FAES and other options if you discover you need them. Create a timeline and strategy plan will help you to fearlessly navigate through the maze.
Unmask your talents
Create resumes, CVs, cover letters, personal statements and applications that clearly emphasize your strengths and skills. It is extremely important for scientists at all levels to include your leadership, teamwork, collaborations, communication, and community involvement in addition to your science and research skills. Visit the OITE resume and CV and cover letter guide to help expose the broad range of skills that you bring to the position.
Use Career Tricks and Treats
It’s time to strut your stuff! Set out to interview at the doors of many schools and or positions. Learn how to interview well by practicing the STAR technique of behavioral interviewing during a practice interview for graduate school and jobs. This is a proven method of describing your past experiences, transferrable skills, and discussing your experience with collaboration, teamwork, leadership, and problem solving and diversity. Other tricks include, learning how to network, negotiate, and/or develop solid presentations of your research. To sweeten the deal, write effective thank you letters, a welcomed treat to those who have taken time to interview you.
Have Halloween Fun!
Trainees are encouraged put on your costumes and stop by OITE Trick or Treat celebration on Halloween on October 31, 2017 between 11:00 and 12:30pm to celebrate you and also learn about how our services can help you in your career preparation. Also hear about some of OITE’s staff’s scary job search stories.
