Cheers! The months of November and December is the time, annually, when workers from the NIH and across the globe take time to celebrate and relax. During this time, the communication between future job and graduate school opportunities slow down for a couple of weeks. Even if your research is continuing, PIs and trainees may take a few days off.
This will give you an opportunity to schedule some time and focus on your career development. Of course, the OITE’s wellness model encourages scientists to have a healthy balance between work and time to replenish your mind, body, spirit and connections with others. Here are some easy career development activities that trainees can easily schedule in, that will build your career spirit!
Re-kindle professional relationships
During the next few weeks utilize the relaxed schedule to continue developing and reconnecting with your colleagues who will enjoy learning about your status and future goals. Send a holiday card, set up a coffee chat or phone call to re-connect with mentors to strengthen your professional relationships You can also carve out some time to conduct an informational interview, gain clinical and volunteer experience. Discuss your career plans with others (verbally) to build your confidence articulating your professional career goals while gaining support.
Read! Read! Read!
Read at least two hours per day will serve you personally and professionally. In fact, reading is one of the recommended methods to help applicants prepare for the MCAT CARS section and interviews. You can read a variety of media including short stories, novels, newspapers, and professional journals and news magazines to you will increase your ability to read critically and more quickly and effectively. It will also keep you up-to-date on current issues in your field and in the world.
Revise your resume, CV, cover letters and practice interviewing
Use portion of the time to update your job search correspondence materials including your CV, resume, cover letters and other application materials while at a coffee shop or watching TV. While it is time consuming, it is a necessary part of managing your anxiety about applying to jobs or graduate schools in the future. Allowing yourself the time to practice interview questions with a trusted friend, family, or colleague can help you hone your skills in this area as well.
Review and update your social media profiles
Employers and graduate schools admissions staff often review the social media sites of their applicants. This is an excellent time to manage your on-line image. Create and update your profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Set privacy controls, add professional photos and delete any questionable language and images. This is a time to connect the image that you want to project in 2018 electronically and in person.
Re-energize with physical activity
Whether it is cold, warm, snowy or balmy, the holidays are great times to enhance your physical well-being through active or mindful exercises. These activities will strengthen your ability to be a strong co-worker and have a positive outlook. Take a walk, jog, dance, listen to music and/or take time to breathe. If you must be indoors, then go to the gym, swim, engage yoga or mindfulness activities are wise uses of time. Also, as you are building your professional bridge to success, retool by visiting the OITE website and read through the selection of blog articles, videocasts, and other materials that are designed to prepare you as professional scientists. When you return, you will have engaged in the four areas of the OITE wellness model and begin 2018 with refreshed and strengthened career goals!
