Choosing a career path after completing a Ph.D. or a postdoc can be an overwhelming task for many young scientists. The competition in every field is high, and there is no such thing as a fallback job. Therefore, it is essential to have a clear plan A and plan B, acquire relevant skills and experience, and build a strong professional network in the field to achieve success in any career path. In this article, we will discuss some tips that can help young scientists make informed decisions about their careers.
List Your Plans
The first and foremost tip is to identify a plan A and plan B. The job search is highly competitive, and luck plays a significant role in any search. Therefore, it is essential to have two long-term career goals: a plan A and a plan B, and prepare for both. For instance, if someone's plan A is to become an assistant professor at a research-focused academic institution, and their plan B is to pursue research and teaching at a teaching-focused institution, they need to plan for two fairly distinct career paths. However, it is crucial to note that both career paths require preparation and a demonstrated commitment over time.
Moreover, beware of "option paralysis." Having a variety of career options can cause one to freeze when making a decision. To overcome this, one should not freeze; instead, move forward, do their research, and narrow down the choices to career paths that fit their skills, interests, and values. Then, choose a plan A and plan B and move forward. This decision is not irreversible, and one can always make changes later if they find something that makes their top career choices less attractive. Committing to something now will help focus the rest of their training and optimize their chances of success later.
It is crucial to remember that no career decision is forever, and this is just the first step. In academia, the cultural standard is to select a job and stick with it forever, but this is rare in the wider world. Most people change jobs and even career paths multiple times during their working lifetimes. Therefore, one should not stall their career decisions because they hope to choose the perfect career the first time. They should make a decision, pursue it energetically, and see where it takes them.
Unforeseen Opportunities
Additionally, the first career step will lead to unforeseen opportunities. Ideally, one's first job would be a great fit for their skills, interests, and values. However, the fit is likely to be imperfect. This first job will provide valuable job experience while also giving them a stronger sense of what they are looking for in their career long-term. Especially because it is not what they envisioned, this experience will introduce them to possibilities they did not foresee.
Understand The Path
Lastly, some career paths may require transition experiences. For instance, if someone is interested in pursuing a career in science communication, they may need to gain experience in writing or media before transitioning to a communication-related job. Similarly, if someone wants to move from academia to industry, they may need to acquire relevant skills and knowledge through internships, networking, and attending industry conferences. Therefore, one should research the requirements for their desired career path and plan accordingly.
In conclusion, choosing a career path after completing a Ph.D. or a postdoc can be a daunting task. However, by following these tips, young scientists can make informed decisions about their careers, prepare for long-term career goals, acquire relevant skills and experience, and build a strong professional network in their field. Moreover, they should remember that no career decision is forever, and their first career step will lead to unforeseen opportunities. Therefore, they should not stall their career decisions and make a decision, pursue it energetically, and see where it takes them.