Ellen Dobson, PhD, GCDF

Feeling stuck after your PhD or postdoc? Sometimes the hardest part isn't a lack of options: it's too many. That’s a good problem. Start exploring through real conversations. That's how you move from overwhelmed to informed.
#PhDCareers #STEMcareers #CareerExploration #PostdocLife #MentorshipMatters

YouTube video by Harvard Business Review Stand Out in a Job Interview | The Harvard Business Review Guide

Inspired by PhDs I work with who are approaching interviews with such care. This HBR video by Amy Gallo is full of great tips on prep, storytelling, and recovering when things go off-track. Worth a watch! 🎥
🔗 www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU9x...
#STEMCareers #PhDLife #JobSearch

Careers aren’t linear - just like science. You test, revise, explore. There’s no one “right” path, and that’s okay.

Treat your career like research: get curious, ask questions, iterate. You already have the tools.

#STEMCareers #CareerDevelopment #PhDLife #Postdoc

Networking is more than job hunting. It is a chance to grow as a communicator, explore new career paths, and gain insights that help you stand out. Every conversation is a step forward in your career path.
#STEMCareers #Networking #CareerDevelopment #PhDLife #EarlyCareerResearchers

Sharing your research = career skill-building.
🎤 Talks = interview prep
📄 Abstracts = personal statement practice
💬 Explaining your work = quick intro for networking

Practice marketing your research to market yourself.

#STEMCareers #SciComm #PostdocLife #PhDLife #JobSearch

Success is not one-size-fits-all! I stayed in academia for years post-PhD: 2 postdocs & a staff scientist role. This was before finding fulfillment outside it. Your path is yours to define!!! 💫

#STEMCareers #PhDLife #CareerExploration #AltAc #Mentorship #SuccessYourWay #CareerGrowth

Madison peeps! 🐥 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

Early career researchers: do not just stay in the lab! Workshops, panels & career programs are at your fingertips. Build skills, explore paths & set yourself up for success! What’s one outside-the-lab opportunity that shaped your career? #STEMCareers #PhDLife #PostdocLife #BeyondTheLab #CareerGrowth

Can I get your advice on this fellowship application? Can you help me with this new technique? Some of the best mentorship happens in small moments. Seek help when needed. Offer it when you can. That’s how strong research communities grow. #Mentorship #STEM #Collaboration

Failure isn’t something to fear; it’s a stepping stone to progress and innovation. 🌟 Let’s normalize learning from setbacks and taking risks 💪 because that’s how we move forward, especially in science! 🔬✨

#FailForward #STEM #Innovation #GrowthMindset #EmbraceFailure

Life led me to pivot from my original career path, and it was the best decision I ever made. Embracing change opened doors to a fulfilling career I never imagined. Your goals can evolve—your career can too. It’s okay to pivot! 🌟

#CareerPivot #STEMCareers #ProfessionalGrowth #Mentorship

I’m proud to support the fearless scientists of @morgridgeinstitute.bsky.social as they prepare to make an impact in industry, academia, & beyond! My work helps equip them to lead & inspire. Fearless science means bold ideas & limitless potential! 💡✨ #FearlessScience #STEMCareers

✨ What’s possible for your career?

Shift from “I can’t” to:
💡 “What steps could I take?”
💡 “What resources/individuals could help me?”
💡 “What can I do today?”

Reframing opens doors to growth & opportunity. Small steps = big change!

#CareerDevelopment #STEM #Mentorship #Growth #Postdocs #GradLife

Walking away from the bench doesn’t mean you walk away from science. The skills & knowledge we gain as researchers stay with us in new careers. Leaving the bench is brave—it’s an evolution, not an end.

#STEMCareers #CareerChange #ScienceIdentity #ScientistsInTransition #ProfessionalGrowth

🎉 New year, new goals! 🎯
Kickstart 2025 with 3 career tips:
1️⃣ Set clear, actionable goals.
2️⃣ Build meaningful professional relationships.
3️⃣ Prioritize skill development beyond the lab.

What’s your #career focus this year? Share below! 🌟

#EarlyCareerScientists #ProfessionalGrowth #STEMCareers

💡 Job descriptions are wish lists. If you wait until you meet every qualification, you might miss out. Growth happens when you aim high, step outside your comfort zone, and trust your ability to learn. Take the leap—you’re capable of more than you think! #CareerAdvice #STEMCareers

Thinking about your next career move? Reflect on the skills you enjoy & values that matter most. The Meaningful Work Kit (mwk.stanford.edu) can help clarify your strengths & goals for a fulfilling career. Start planning your path today!

#CareerDevelopment #STEMCareers #PostdocLife

🌟 Power Skills in STEM 🌟

In STEM, technical expertise is not enough. Communication, problem-solving, leadership, and emotional intelligence set you apart. These "power skills" drive collaboration, innovation, and success. Build them to thrive!

#STEMCareers #PowerSkills #Collaboration #Innovation