Early career scientists have developed a wealth of both generic and specialist skills opening a large number of possible career paths both within and beyond academic research. One of the problems that most PhD students, postdocs and other early career scientists find however is a significant lack of careers advice about the breadth of opportunities open to them both within academia and in commercial industry.
The postdoc committee at Diamond Light Source has organised this careers symposium on the 1st October with speakers from a diverse range of career paths, who will discuss their careers and give their advice on finding the best opportunities. There will also be panel sessions to discuss different careers areas as well as a career fair over lunch and some relaxed networking opportunities with a glass of wine and dinner in the evening.
This event follows the same schedule as last year’s highly successful and well received Early Career Scientists Symposium. Participants from last year were impressed with the open and frank way speakers described difficulties they have had and how they overcame them and left more certain of the career choices.
The following comments are drawn from discussions at last year’s event:
“It’s very important to find something you’re actually, really excited to do.”
“Careers should be planned, but not rigidly.”
“Ask yourself whether you are good/hungry enough to pursue an academic career”
“It was good to learn of the varied nature of people’s career paths.”
“It was a very rich and open-minding event. I hope there will be more to come!”