This week, a group of accomplished alumni and professors in diverse fields – from glaciology, to pharmaceuticals, scientific research and investments – offered insights and advice to Bowdoin students considering careers in the sciences. Here are some take-away points that relate to all students, regardless of major.
- Don’t overthink your first job – it is your next step, not your final move. Don’t limit your search to a perfect match of your skills and interests. Once you get in the door, you can find new opportunities that reflect your primary interests.
- Adaptability and resourcefulness are essential skills. Trust your creativity, problem solving ability and critical thinking skills to get through challenging situations and envision new possibilities
- Be open-minded about unexpected opportunities. Stretch your abilities and try new challenges. Think laterally not linearly.
- Be honest with yourself. Know your motivations for pursuing an advanced degree or career path. Do it for the right reasons, not because it is what is expected or it is the easiest. Don’t be afraid to change directions. If it doesn’t feel right, get out.
- Take risks and embrace failure. Celebrate unexpected results – they can lead to exciting discoveries. Look at failure as an opportunity to advance your understanding and grow, not as a blemish on your abilities or worth.
- Work with people you enjoy. Chemistry is key for a positive and productive work environment. The days will be long and hard if you don’t get along with your colleagues.
- Value your ability to write well. It will help you secure funds, publish papers and gain recognition for your scientific work.
- Reflect on what you want for a work- life balance. It is different for everyone. But, it is important to consider. Having a supportive life partner can provide important perspective on what matters most.
- Follow your passions – as overstated as that phrase may be. You’ll spend many hours at work so enjoy what you are doing.
“What Can I Do with a Degree in Science?” Career Panel Conversation. November 11, 2013. Panelists: Ken LeClair, PhD ’77 (Novartis Pharmaceuticals); John Thorndike ’02 (TIFF – The Investment Fund for Foundations); Trista North, PhD ’96 (Harvard Medical School & Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center); Dan McGrath, PhD ’06 (USGS, CIRES: University Colorado-Boulder, Extreme Ice Survey); Yi Jin Gorske, PhD (Bowdoin Visiting Professor of Chemistry); Ryan Nelson, PhD (Bates Visiting Professor of Chemistry).
Co-Sponsored by: Career Planning, Health Professions Advising, Reed House and the Kurtz Fund.