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This last hour I wanted to give some general musings about #gradschool life. Here are some things I’ve learned along the way. @liz_c_lange #ABSTakeover #ecrchat #phdchat
Tip 1. Choose a good #mentor. Ask questions before, during, and after the interview. My progress in science would not be possible without a team of amazing women mentors. A big thanks to Margaret Ptacek, Kim Hughes, and @susan_alberts. #WomenInSTEM #ecrchat #phdchat
Tip 2. Surround yourself with good people. #Gradschool is ROUGH and often you live far away from your family. It can be very lonely, but you are not alone. A #support system is key. Thank you to the amazing people who helped me along the way. #ecrchat #phdchat
Tip 3. Work to treat all scientists as colleagues and expect the same in return. This is hard, especially in the beginning. Two things to remember: 1. You are a #scientist even if #impostersyndrome tells you otherwise. 2. Scientists are people too, even the most famous ones.
Tip 4. Be open to new ways to ask the questions that interest you. I’ll admit that #theory intimidated me at first, but once I got the hang of #modelling in #R, I love the power of this approach. Plus I look so cool doing it!
Tip 5. Science is amazing, but it doesn’t have to be your whole life. I’m most #productive when I take #breaks. Go walk your #dog, read that #book, watch bad #TV, or plan a post-covid #trip. Your #science will be there when you get back! #ecrchat #phdchat #WorkLifeBalance
Tip 6. Get involved! Some of my favorite parts of grad school were doing #outreach, #mentoring amazing undergrads, and being part of the grad council of @sse_evolution, @SSEgrad. These are a productive break from research and I’ve gained important skills. #ecrchat #phdchat
Tip 7. If you decide to do a #postdoc, know that the first few months can be challenging! You’re in a new lab and often working on a new system. Give yourself some time to feel like an expert again. You will get there faster than you think. #ecrchat #phdchat #postdoclife
Thanks all for listening to me today. For updates on my work follow me at @liz_c_lange and visit my website https://elange51.wixsite.com/lizlange . Looking forward to seeing you all at the next @AnimBehSociety meeting! Stay safe! #ABStakeover
