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Nature Career Column: “Networking for introverted scientists”

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Illustration of 3 nervous blue people poking their heads out of holes in the ground to look and comment.
Credit: Alashi/Getty

Those who struggle with networking may benefit from a more structured approach. This Nature Career Column offers tips for strategically navigating a networking event. The author recommends identifying a “core group” of people you’d like to meet for various reasons (i.e. potential collaborators, employers, funding sources, etc.) ahead of the conference. Once you arrive, you should not leave until you have accomplished three goals with each person you’ve identified: introduced yourself, shared your specialty and industry, and exchanged contact information.

The article also provides a list of anxiety-management strategies and alternative networking options. Read more here.

SfN, “Insights From an Editor: Choosing a Journal and Publishing Your Paper”

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“In his 12 years on the editorial board of JNeurosci, David Perkel — a senior editor for the journal and a professor at the University of Washington — has acquired numerous insights into science publishing.

Here he answers commonly asked questions about the publishing process and shares advice applicable to neuroscientists at any career stage, whether you’re preparing to publish your first paper or looking to keep up with best practices.” (Via SfN)

Read Dr. Perkel’s insights here.

Nature Toolkits: Academic and Non-Academic CVs

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Image result for resume and cv stock art

There are several important differences between academic and industry CVs. These Nature toolkits lay out the broad rules to follow when writing each type of document, providing guidance on content and design. The toolkits also provide links to useful resources, such as the Imperial Guide to CVs. 

Toolkit: How to write a great academic CV

Toolkit: How to write a great non-academic CV

Students interested in feedback on their own resume or CV should schedule a consultation with Penn Career Services. Speak to a graduate student/postdoc career advisor at any time during your Ph.D. or postdoc by scheduling your appointment on Handshake or calling 215-898-7530.

PSPDG Blog, “AAAS Fellowship: Finalist Week” by Mara Olenick

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Penn Science Policy and Diplomacy Group

In a recent post for the Penn Science Policy and Diplomacy Group (PSPDG) blog, Mara Olenick writes about her experience as a finalist for the AAAS Science & Technology Policy fellowship. Olenick shares valuable insight about preparing for interviews, timing and travel logistics, and other best practices for navigating the week-long interview process.

Read more here.

Nature: Negotiating your job offer or postdoc position

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This article shares a conversation between Nature Careers and Joshua Weiss – negotiation expert and a senior fellow of the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School. Whether in academia, industry, or elsewhere, it’s important to negotiate with prospective employers. However, perceptions of a power imbalance may make it difficult to do so. Weiss explains:

People also tend to focus on worst-case scenarios—to think that they’ll lose the postdoc, or harm the relationship, if they negotiate. But when you’re in that situation, it’s important to remember that they made an offer to you. They’re sitting with you for a reason. They’re not sitting with the other 50 candidates; they’re sitting with you. We tend not to remind ourselves of those things, to remind ourselves of our own worth.

 Katie Langin, Science

The interview also covers broad negotiation concepts, tips, and pitfalls to avoid. Read more here.

ASCB: “Five ways to get involved in community science outreach”

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The American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) provides five key pieces of advice for graduate students looking to become more involved in science outreach. The skills one gains as an advocate for science (communication, organization, leadership, and more) are applicable to any number of careers. Of course, there are other great benefits to science outreach. The author explains:

Discussing science with friends and neighbors can give them a better sense of what you and other scientists really do—science can seem very technical and confusing to non-specialists. Finally, talking big picture science can also remind you, the specialist, that science is fun! It’s a reminder that many of us need after another day of troubleshooting experiments.

(Via ASCB)

Read more here.