Articles

ASCB: “Ways to engage with your members of Congress”

August 16, 2019 by Rebecca Lopez Leave a Comment

In this ASCB article, the author describes her surprise at the simplicity of scheduling a meeting with one’s Congressional representatives. She states, “It turns out I didn’t need a lofty title. I already had all of the qualifications I needed to have a meeting on Capitol Hill—I am a constituent, I am persistent, and I care about scientific research.”

After a quick briefing on how the Congressional budget works, the author provides sample scripts to engage your members of Congress on Twitter, over the phone, or by email.

Read the full article here!
Students interested in a career in science policy or who are looking for ways to advocate for their research interests may also be interested in ASCB’s Advocacy Toolkit.

Nature Tookit: Scientific Publishing

August 6, 2019 by Rebecca Lopez Leave a Comment

No matter the capacity in which one might wish to work within the field of scientific publishing – i.e. editorial, marketing, or sales roles – there are ways to get involved early and demonstrate key skills.

This Nature toolkit explains how to get involved, whether in the lab or through extracurricular activities. Read more here.

IHE: “Positive Communication in Your Career Conversations”

August 2, 2019 by Rebecca Lopez Leave a Comment

This Inside Higher Ed article explains that many people who find networking unpleasant often express feelings that these interactions are inauthentic. The author draws on models of positive communication to describe six actions to add to interpersonal interactions to foster authentic career conversations. Summary points include:

Greeting creates human contact.
Asking discovers the unknown.
Complimenting affects the self.
Disclosing deepens relationships.
Encouraging gives support.
Listening transcends differences.

Nature: Science Start-Ups

July 29, 2019 by Rebecca Lopez Leave a Comment

This three-part Nature series explores the world of entrepreneurship for business-minded scientists.

Part one details the potential roles that scientists can play within a start-up, depending on their desired level of involvement. These roles might range from adviser or board member to chief executive.

The second part of the series examines the reality of failure-rates among start-ups. The author notes that in the United States, only one-third of start-ups last a decade. They go on to explain the importance of managing expectations (especially among investors), pivoting after disappointments, and learning from failure.

The third and final installment introduces the importance of investor relations, from developing a pitch to ensuring a healthy team culture.

“LinkedIn for Scientists”

July 24, 2019 by Rebecca Lopez Leave a Comment

In this article, Dr. Milka Kostic notes the scientific community’s initial lukewarm response to online networking platform, LinkedIn. However, as the scientific career landscape changes, LinkedIn grows increasingly relevant. Dr. Kostic details some of the site’s useful search functions and other features. Her article focuses on how to use LinkedIn to accomplish the following goals:

Build and/or enhance your professional visibility as well as scientific credibility
Jump-start your information and intelligence gathering
Find mentoring and coaching highly tailored to your needs and aspirations

Read the full article here. BGS students may also wish to join the BGS Alumni & Current Students LinkedIn group.

Nature Career Column: Conference Tips

July 22, 2019 by Rebecca Lopez Leave a Comment

This Nature Career Column provides, “Three tips to avoid becoming a ‘conference zombie.’” The author shares her realistic suggestions to gain maximum value from a conference, following these three tips:

Set flexible goals
Take breaks to regenerate
Defeat insomnia

She provides examples from her own experience on how to follow each of these tips. Read more here.