So You Want to Be a Neuroscientist? by Ashley Juavinett

Author:Ashley Juavinett
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: SCI089000, Science/Life Sciences/Neuroscience, SCI063000, Science/Study & Teaching
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Published: 2020-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

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General Tips for Getting a Job After Graduate School

Regardless of what career you decide to pursue after graduate school, there are a few truisms that apply. In this transition, it’s important to catalog your skills, respect your side hustles, and build your community.

You have more skills than you think you do

If you made it through a neuroscience PhD, you’ve demonstrated that you can work independently, motivate yourself, and tackle complex projects. You’re also probably really great at reading and writing and can generate a figure or two. On top of all of your specialized knowledge, you’ve got a tremendous amount to offer.1

Chances are, at least a few of these labels apply to you: independently curious, hardworking, good at self-management, mature, smart, competent, flexible, organized. As a PhD, you’re also trained to be extremely critical. You can assess data, you can run statistics, you can smell illogical arguments from a mile away.

It’s worth taking some time to really think about what your skills are, what kind of work you enjoy doing, and what kind of work culture you work best in. Take a moment to catalog your own skill set. Right now, take out a sheet of paper, and write I’m great at… and list all of the things you know how to do. These skills could be anything from benchwork, to mentoring or teaching, to writing. Are there additional skills you might need for your desired career path? Make a separate list: Skills I could improve on.

If you had another main hobby during your PhD (e.g., teaching, writing, outreach), consider what additional skills may have helped you develop. Can you teach others? Are you a practiced communicator? Recognizing and marketing your skills is especially important if you’ll be applying to jobs beyond academia. Many times, they’ll want to know what sets you apart from the stereotypical PhD student who only cares about their tiny research corner of the world.

Once you’ve done this self-reflection, you can work to portray this image to the world. Build a website as well as a LinkedIn page that showcases your research, skills, and interests. If it’s relevant, update your GitHub page. Put a statement at the top of your resume/CV and website that clearly indicates what you’re looking for. When you talk to people about possible career paths, be ready to say what you can do. It’s not bragging; it’s simply communicating who you are.

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