I began my scientific training as an undergraduate student and then worked full-time for three years, gaining additional experience before returning to school to pursue doctoral training. This educational journey not only broadened the breadth and depth of my research experiences, but also taught me some invaluable lessons for navigating a tough fast-paced workplace.
As I approach the end of my first year of graduate school, I realize that the importance of doctoral training extends beyond deep technical skills, a publication record, or a 100-page thesis document. It’s time to learn to exercise agency: think creatively but also critically, communicate clearly, manage people, and navigate uncertainty. Beyond its usual cadence, a PhD program can also be a platform to develop relative intelligence, build influence, and help explore diverse career paths, especially in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. Balancing these efforts alongside research is not always straightforward, but I feel that approaching academic growth and career development rather than competing priorities can help me take my training beyond graduate school and into positions of meaningful leadership and influence.
As a first-generation student, I am just beginning to understand that pursuing a PhD is intellectually demanding and very personal. The drive that brings us all to this work often comes from a uniquely deep sense of purpose. While many of us trainees share common experiences—long hours in the lab, experiments or analyzes that don’t always go as planned, and the pressure to contribute meaningful research—our paths are shaped by different research questions, mentors, lab environments, and opportunities. Despite our different paths, research naturally becomes central to daily life in graduate school, and it can be easy to lose sight of long-term professional development and the broader purpose amid the day-to-day demands.
Despite being in the early stages of graduate training, I find myself reflecting on the many experiences that have shaped my path thus far. Intermittent periods of slow progress, unexpected setbacks, and interactions with mentors and colleagues have been invaluable in my growth. They have reinforced the importance of intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and taking ownership of one’s path. Looking back, there are a few insights that have been most influential in shaping my journey so far and that I hope will continue to guide me in the future.
Low hanging fruit
Early in graduate school, it’s easy to think of coursework, qualifying exams, and thesis proposals as requirements to complete the list. I have started seeing them differently. My previous experiences have helped me approach them with a growth mindset, reframing them as opportunities to build confidence through repetition and experience rather than boxes to check. These milestones allow me to practice time management, critical thinking, communicating clearly and defending ideas.
Learning to “organize”.
For me, one of the biggest adjustments to graduate school has been realizing how much ownership it demands. You are expected to take complete ownership of your project, from ideation to presentation. Progress often depends on communicating clearly with your counselor, managing both your time and theirs, asking for feedback, setting expectations, and being proactive in identifying what support you need. Managing involves setting goals with your counselor and understanding different communication styles. Learning to “organize” has helped me build meaningful trusting relationships and consider how I will approach the workplace in the future.
Learning from the wise
Some of the most useful lessons I have learned in my previous roles have come from informal conversations with peers and senior trainees. For example, in pursuit of an exemplary thesis lab, I met with students in my program. Hearing how others navigated uncertainty, made decisions, and approached opportunities ultimately helped me find the right thesis lab and prepared me to discuss my long-term goals with my thesis mentor, which made career development feel more tangible. Often, understanding someone else’s journey offers a level of practical insight and relatability that formal counseling does not.
Make career conversations a part of everyday life
I’ve realized that career exploration doesn’t always have to be through formal events or workshops. Using LinkedIn or other career-focused platforms to connect with professionals across industries can provide first-hand insight into different roles, workplace cultures and required skills, making career decisions more informed and deliberate. Sometimes just asking, “How did you get to where you are?” Can start a meaningful conversation. These small, regular conversations have broadened my understanding of the different directions a PhD can take.
A grad school wish list
One habit that has been helpful for me is to keep a list of opportunities beyond the lab. This includes all the conferences I want to attend as well as funding opportunities and professional development programs I can apply for. It can be easy to overlook opportunities when research is of most use. Writing them down has helped me stay organized and be more intentional about pursuing them.
Leadership on the go
Being involved in activities outside the lab, such as my program’s student advisory committee, has given me a broader perspective on how organizational dynamics play out when important decisions are being made. Through participation, I can gain a closer understanding of how leadership and collaboration are practiced in an often conflicting managerial and administrative environment.
big picture
Research often requires a deep focus on narrow questions. At the same time, I think it’s important to step back and ask what broader scientific or global issues are most pressing. Keeping this perspective allows me to connect my daily work with a greater sense of purpose. It reminds me why my work matters and helps me not lose sight of what’s next.
That said, I’m willing to admit that no two paths will look the same. There is no perfect way to do it all. But the key is to take small steps to invest in your long-term goals. These efforts will lead to meaningful opportunities, greater clarity, and a stronger foundation for the future.
