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Kitty Holman over at sent over a fairly comprehensive list that first time and experienced jobseekers may find useful. A quick perusal of the list revealed a few online career development and job board sites and services that I didn’t know about.

Having said that, the list is worth a quick read. 

General

These sites cover a lot of ground when it comes to networking and finding a job, so they’re a great place to start.

1. Jobster: Sign up through this site to create a free career profile, allowing you to search for jobs and for employers to find you.
2. JobFox: JobFox is a bit like a dating site, but for jobs, not singles. Create a profile and it will match you up with the job listings you’re best suited for.
3. Monster: As one of the largest job sites on the web, Monster is a great place to start seeing what kind of work is out there.
4. CareerBuilder: Sign up with this site to create and share your resume, search for jobs, and get help and tips with your search.
5. Ning: With Ning, you can search for social networks that meet your interests or if you don’t find one, create your own.
6. FD Career: With this site you’ll create a profile, learn about companies, find helpful articles and join a lively community of professionals.
7. SimplyHired: This site lets you search for jobs from all over the web, then quickly and easily send your stored information to listings that you find interesting.
8. Beyond.com: Find loads of niche career communities on this site, as well as a powerful job search tool.
9. BrightCircles: Stay in touch with your coworkers and business connections using this social network.
10. Koda: Use this site to contact employers you’re interested in working with, look through listings and meet others looking for work.
11. Jobirn: This insider referral network helps give you a leg up in the job search by hooking you up with someone who can actually put in a good word for you and get you job interviews.
12. indeed: Search for jobs worldwide on this site and use it to share and store your work information.
13. Climber.com: If you’re already doing well at work, check out this website that will put you in touch with recruiters and companies looking to hire.

College Grads

These sites cater to those who have their degrees, connecting them with alumni and setting up helpful recruiting connections.

1. Alumwire: Join this online community for information about jobs and career fairs as well as useful tools for getting in touch with alumni in your field.
2. MyWorkster: Go through your college community to find out about job and networking opportunities in your area using this site.
3. Doostang: Those with an Ivy League education can make a variety of useful alumni and business connections through this grad-focused site.
4. Alumni.net: Connect or reconnect with those you knew in school to turn acquaintances into business opportunities through this social network.
5. Brazen Careerist: Young professionals can create a profile, find jobs, network and meet potential collaborators through this site.
6. Zumeo: Join this online network to get connected with internships and find loads of networking opportunities.
7. iHipo: This site is a great place to search for work near home or even a bit more far flung, with networks connecting you with internships and jobs alike.
8. AfterCollege: Sign up for this site to get access to listings and networks for loads of entry level positions.

Resume Help

Make sure your resume is in top shape and accessible to potential employers with help from these social sites.

1. Razume: Upload your resume to this community site and you’ll get access to help and criticism from others who can help you create a better resume.
2. VisualCV: Join this site to make a better, more technologically savvy resume you can send and share with anyone.
3. Emurse: Use this social site to create, store and share your resume as well as enjoy networking and job search opportunities.
4. ResumeBucket: Need a place to store your resume online? This site does just that and more.
5. ResumeSocial: Post your resume to this community and you’ll be able to get free, and hopefully helpful, feedback on improving how you look on paper.
6. Ziggs: This site lets you take control of your online presence, from how you appear in searches to the state of your resume.
7. YaaZe: Create a resume using this site, publish it, and you’ll get updates when jobs that meet your needs become available.

Job Prep and Research

Learn more about companies, job search sites, pay and more through these helpful sites.

1. InterActive Applicant: Join this site to get access to recruitment that lets you not only show off your resume but who you really are as well.
2. InterviewBest: Use this great site to make sure you’re prepped and ready for your next interview.
3. JibberJobber: This site lets you easily manage your job search, with great online tools and opportunities for networking.
4. Job Board Reviews: Find out if the job board you’re visiting is legit with reviews found on this site.
5. Salary.com: Are you being paid what you deserve? Find out from this site.
6. VirtualJobCoach: Job seekers can join this site and get help organizing and managing their job search.

Networking

Why not use social networking for what it was designed to do–network? These sites make it easy to connect with colleagues, fellow workers and potential employers.

1. LinkedIn: This business networking site is a must for those trying to connect with others in their field or just make it easy for people to find out what they do.
2. Facebook: Facebook can be fun for talking to friends, playing games and posting funny pictures but it can also work for business if you create a serious, professional profile.
3. Twitter: Send out daily updates and follow those in your field or who have job openings using this tool.
4. iMantri: Need a mentor to get you on the path to success? This networking site will hook you up with someone who can show you the ropes.
5. Company of Friends: As one of the oldest business social networks, this site has an extensive network of contacts for you to use.
6. Ecademy: With this site you can make connections, share what you know and build your personal brand as you go.
7. Meetup: Find out about professional events, networking opportunities and more through this great social tool.
8. Plaxo: Create a listing of contacts on this site so you can carry your business connections with you everywhere.
9. Xing: Manage your existing business contacts and make new ones through this site.
10. Networking for Professionals: If you’re a professional looking to expand your immediate circle of contacts, give this great networking site a try.
11. WorkNT: Find jobs and employers, post your information, and talk with others on this great networking site.
12. Cofoundr: If you’re more of the type who wants to start their own business, consider using this site as a way to make a myriad of great, useful connections.

Freelancing

If you feel like freelancing is a direction you’d like to go, then check out these sites to find great opportunities and connections.

1. Elance: Find employers looking to hire freelancers for a variety of different projects through this helpful social site.
2. Guru.com: This site is not only a good place to find a job but a great place to get answers to all your freelancing questions as well.
3. Sologig: If you’ve been working in your field for quite some time, you can use this site to find great job listings that require your level of experience.
4. Go Freelance: Through this site you can find work, read articles and promote your skills as a freelancer.
5. MeetingWave: With this online tool you can find people who are interested in your business and decide whether or not you want to meet them in person.
6. iFreelance: Create a portfolio on this site and use it to find employers who are looking for freelancers with your skills.
7. FreshWebJobs: Those who freelance on the web can find programming, development and design jobs on this site.
8. Freelancer.com: Join this site and browse through the listings to find a job that suits your needs.
9. ContractedWork: There’s all kind of short term work to be found through this site, just register and start searching.
10. PowerLance: This freelancer-focused site allows you to search for projects and bid on ones that you’re interesting in pursuing.

Creative

Those working in a creative field can find art- and writing-focused jobs and communities on these sites.

1. Coroflot: Post your portfolio on this design site to showcase your work and help you find jobs.
2. Media Bistro: Connect with others in the content development and media industries on this site, as well as get updates about jobs.
3. Krop: With blogs, a database, and job listings on this site, it’s a great resource for designers looking for work.
4. PoeWar: The Writing Career Center is a great place to find career advice and also find jobs that will advance your career.
5. DesignCrowd: If you want to gain some recognition and even earn a few cash prizes, use this site to find and enter design contests from around the globe.
6. WriterLance: Writers out there who love what they do but also want to make a living can use this site to hook up with and work with potential buyers.
7. Authentic Jobs: Find both full-time and freelance creative jobs on this site or just read what the blog has to say.
8. AltPick: Promote your creative talents and find those looking to pay for them on this community-based site.
9. FreelanceWriting.com: Find links to contests, events, jobs and more on this writing site.
10. CreativeHeads: From animation to programming, you’ll find a wealth of creative-oriented jobs through this site.

Business

Get your foot in the door to the corporate and entrepreneurship world with these resources.

1. Jigsaw: Find a huge collection of B2B contacts on this site that you can use to find work and promote your business.
2. Ryze: Create your own homepage and start networking with other business professionals on this site.
3. Fast Pitch: Got a great business idea? Pitch it to potential investors on this site.
4. Meet the Boss: Those in upper management can make great business connections that can be useful in working collaboratively or changing jobs.
5. Spoke: Using this site you can share your professional info and get hooked up with people that might be good to know in your line of work.
6. NetParty: Those who are young and want to make valuable business connections should consider using this site. It lets you know where and when networking events are being held.
7. InboundMarketing: Find marketing news, training and an online community on this helpful site.
8. JaseZone: Try out this site to create your own personal profile and share your business expertise with others.

Technology

Put your IT, programming and computer knowledge to good use through the job offers found on these sites.

1. Dice: This site lets you search for all kinds of tech jobs and engage in discussions in an online community to boot.
2. 37Signals: Use this job board to find computer related work that fits your needs.
3. ITLance: If you prefer to freelance, advertise yourself or find existing projects through this site.
4. CoderCaste: Find out about jobs, read articles and join in techie talk in the forums on this site.
5. ScriptLance: This site will help you to connect with companies that are looking for programmers.
6. LimeExchange: Ideal for web developers and programmers, this site is full of great job opportunities.
7. nPost: Find tech-related jobs on this site’s job feed and keep up with the latest news on the blog.

Small Jobs

Whether you need part time work, want to work from home or just need a little extra cash, these social sites will help you find it.

1. Care.com: Find work as a nanny, tutor, housekeeper, special needs caretaker and more through this site.
2. HireaHelper: If you’ve got some skills that can help someone out around the house, you can use this network to find a job in your area.
3. Sitters.com: With availabilities for sitters of all kinds–from pets to houses–this site is a great place to find some part-time work.
4. Book a Lesson: Those who want to share their skills and make a little profit at the same time can use this site to book music, sports and arts lessons.
5. TutorLinker: If you’ve got the skills and expertise to tutor students, why not do it in your spare time? This site offers a wealth of networking opportunities to find you a job.
6. TutorNation: Connect with students in need of a little help in their studies through this site.
7. NannyAvailable: Those looking for a more long-term commitment can find a wide variety of nanny and au pair jobs on this network.
8. OneHourTranslation: If you know more than one language, don’t let your skills go unused. Check back with this site frequently to find quick translation gigs.

Miscellaneous

From niche job sites to helpful job search tools, these sites are well worth a visit.

1. Inovahire: Prefer to interview online? This innovative site gives you the option of meeting with employers right on the web.
2. LayoffSpace.com: Out of work? You’re not alone. This site lets you talk to and network with others who are in the same boat.
3. SkillWho: Show off what you can do with this online community designed to let professionals showcase their years of experience, education or whatever else lets them stand out.
4. TalentSpring: Enter your skills and expertise into this network and it will match you up with employers looking for those qualities and abilities.
5. TwitHire: This site proves that Twitter can be a valuable tool in finding a job, letting you track job listings sent out through the site.
6. WhotoTalkto: Want to work for a particular company but aren’t sure who’s important enough to get you a job? This site will show you the way.
7. FindLaw: Use this site to find law jobs aplenty and learn about lawyers and firms in your area.
8. LatPro: Hispanic job hunters who are bilingual can put their skills to use through the postings found on this site.
9. YourOnRamp: Designed with moms in mind, this social network helps women who want to return to the workforce do it in style.
10. MedHunting: Use this site to connect and search for medical jobs in a wide range of fields.
11. PoliceOne: Not finding police work in your area? Try out this search tool to find where the best law enforcement jobs are and to read more about the field in general.

I hope that some of you found the list helpful.

Until next time....

Good Luck and Good Job Seeking!!!!!!!!

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While I don’t advocate postdoctoral positions for individuals unless they plan on doing bench science for the rest of their lives, postdoctoral training is a fact of life for those interested in pursuing academic careers. To that end, The Scientist.com conducts an annual survey that ranks the best 40 places for postdoctoral associates to work. The survey ranks the strengths and weaknesses of individual training institutions based on funding, facilities and infrastructure, benefits, training and mentoring and family and personal life. Surprisingly, institutions are also ranked on networking, career development and mentoring and training and mentor and training that they offer to their postdoctoral trainees.

The institution that snagged the top spot on the 2010 list was the Trudeau Institute in Saranac Lake, NY. Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate NY, the not-for-profit Trudeau Institute has a deserved international reputation in immunology, infectious diseases and vaccinology. When I was a graduate students (back in the dark ages), some of the greatest minds in infectious diseases held positions at Trudeau. These days; not so much—but I bet the skiing is great! Interestingly, one of Trudeau’s strengths is networking opportunities (how much networking can take place at a secluded institute on a lake in the Adirondacks). Curiously, however, one of its major weaknesses is the lack of career development opportunities. Based on my life experiences, I always thought that networking was a crucial part of career development. But then again, what do I know?

The top 10 of the list featured a couple of Massachusetts-based institutions including the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research (3) and the Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research Institute in Cambridge (4) and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Woods Hole, MA (9). Two national laboratories, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA (8) and Rocky Mountain Laboratory, NIH Hamilton, MT (6) cracked the top ten. By all accounts, the fly fishing is outstanding in Hamilton.

As usual, there were some surprises. These included Samuel Robert Noble Foundation (2) in Ardmore, OK, the University of Colorado, Denver (7) and the Mayo Clinic (10) in Rochester, MN (not exactly cities on my top ten list). Not surprisingly, there were only two life sciences companies that made the Top 40 list; Genentech (5) in South San Francisco and as mentioned above at number 3, the Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research. Once a mainstay, industrial postdocs are becoming increasingly scare and difficult to land. In many cases, these positions are not advertised and generally filled by word-of-mouth recommendations to principal investigators who are looking for postdoctoral fellows.

A quick perusal of the list revealed, as expected, that most of the 40 institutions excelled in categories that included funding, facilities and infrastructure, benefits and family and personal life. In marked contrast, many of the institutions on the list were disappointingly weak in the areas of networking, career development and training and mentoring. Of the top 40, six got kudos for networking (15%), 11 for career development (28%) and only 6 for training and mentoring (15%). These abysmal statistics are somewhat shocking given that postdoctoral fellowships are mainly intended to train and prepare aspiring individuals for lifelong careers as scientists. The fact that only 25% of the nation’s best places to perform postdoctoral research offer career development training and support for postdoctoral trainees suggests that the future of the American life sciences industry may be in serious jeopardy!

Hat tip Ed at Pharmalot.

Until next time....

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!!

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As the competition for traditional life sciences jobs continues to intensify, many PhD-trained life scientists are looking for alternate career opportunities. One of the most popular and intriguing options is business—mostly because each of us more than likely knows somebody “who hit it big” by starting a biotechnology or life science-related company. While the entrepreneurial life isn’t for everyone, those intrepid individuals who are willing to give it a shot and possibly be successful ought to be aware of a few basic tools that will make life as an entrepreneur slightly less stressful. To that end, Emma Taylor over at Accredited Online Colleges sent me a blog post that lists 100 web tools that may be valuable to budding entrepreneurs and business-oriented life scientists.

Author Note: The list is a very valuable one; I am using several of the tools on the list that I had previously never heard about! So, here goes: 

Organization

Keep your studies, ideas and research organized with these helpful online tools.

1. Google Reader: Instead of visiting every blog you read, why not organize them all on this easy-to-use RSS reader?
2. Backpack: Keep your notes, contacts, information and just about everything else for class or business organized with this tool.
3. Stickies: This application makes it simple to make notes to yourself right on the web.
4. Bla-Bla List: Try out this to-do list application for no frills tracking of all the things you need to get done.
5. Mindomo: This web tool is great for laying out your thoughts for anything from business endeavors to class projects.
6. FreeMind: Use this free mind-mapping software to figure out where you want to go with an idea.
7. bubbl.us: This web application is perfect for brainstorming your next big project.
8. iOrganize: Mac users can try out this application, designed to keep notes and important information centrally located and easy to find.
9. Zoho Planner: Give this free planner a try. It’ll let you create and share to-dos, notes, contacts, images and more.
10. Clipmarks: Those who do a lot of web research or just like to browse can save interesting links for future reference using this tool

Scheduling

Make sure you never miss a meeting, test or networking opportunity by using these scheduling apps.

1. Google Calendar: Google’s calendar is easy-to-use and will let you organize all your important work, school and social events.
2. Cozi: This calendar tracks everything from sports meets to shopping lists.
3. Keep and Share: If you often work with others on projects or extracurricular activities, this calendar-sharing app could be right up your alley.
4. Spongecell: With this application you can create and customize your calendar and share it with others when you choose.
5. Doodle: This personalized scheduling app will help you arrive on time and prepared for the events in your life.
6. StudyRails: Plan out your study time and know when important due dates are coming up with this application.
7. 30 Boxes: Use this tool to keep track of all the things, both big and small, going on in your life.
8. SlimTimer: Track how long you’re working on a project, create to-dos and generally manage your time more wisely with this application.
9. WhichTime: This calendar makes it incredibly simple to keep track of where you’re supposed to be and when.
10. Jotlet: Quickly jot down appointments and important due dates using this calendar app. 

Networking and Marketing

Use these web tools to get your name out there, make connections and make the most of the millions of potential investors and employers using the web.

1. Facebook: You can do a whole lot more with Facebook than just keep track of your old friends. Create a networking profile and get your name known.
2. Twitter: Creating a Twitter account can be a great way to share updates about your business, school or your ideas.
3. LinkedIn: Take advantage of this networking tool to get in touch with the thousands of other businesspeople online in your field.
4. Elance: Using this tool you can make connections and even find some freelance work.
5. iMantri: If you’re in search of a mentor in your industry, don’t pass up this excellent site for pairing young professionals with mentors.
6. Company of Friends: One of the earliest business social networks, this site still offers a great number of professional contacts for those who are willing to search for them.
7. Ecademy: Meet people, blog and join professional groups on this business networking site.
8. Media Bistro: This site makes it easier to meet and talk with people in the content generation business, great for promoting your business or for making contacts.
9. Jigsaw: Link your budding business up with others through this large B2B network.
10. Meetup: Through this site you’ll be able to find business meetups, events and more in your area. 

Staying Connected

Talk to business partners, clients, friends and colleagues using these great online tools.

1. Gmail: Of the free email services out there, most would agree that Gmail is far and away the best choice. Better yet, you can link it up with a calendar, RSS reader and more.
2. Google Voice: This online service allows you to get your voice messages no matter where you are and to consolidate your phone numbers.
3. Campfire: Collaborate with others on school and work projects using this site.
4. FaxZERO: Fax machines may be outdated, but in your business you’ll likely encounter someone who wants something faxed to them. That’s where this service comes in handy.
5. K7: On the flipside, this service allows you to receive fax messages even if you don’t have a fax machine.
6. LogMeIn: If you can’t always take your computer with you where ever you go, it’s not a problem with this service that lets you log onto your desktop from anywhere.
7. Highrise: This web tool makes it simple to keep track of your professional contacts, perfect for helping you find work or drum up business.
8. Wufoo: One way to generate a better product is by asking customers what they think. This site helps you do that simply and easily.
9. Wordpress: What better way to get your business out there and stay connected with the world than by creating a blog? Get a free site here.
10. Meebo: Chat with people on all chat platforms using this one easy tool.

Research

Whether you’re doing research for a class or for your own ideas or ventures, these tools can help.

1. BNET: Get access to this site’s business library and news to stay on top of what is going on in the business world.
2. Seeking Alpha: Research stocks and investing ideas through this site.
3. U.S. Business Reporter: On this site you’ll find information about businesses, including their sales, statistics and more.
4. BizShark: Whether you’re looking for a job or just want to know more about a particular business, this search engine makes it simple.
5. Motley Fool: Find all the market advice and information you need through this site.
6. Masterseek: This company search engine lets you search by brand, product or business.
7. Zibb: Find just about any business and accompanying news, stats and information on this site.
8. Google Scholar: The web is full of information, but not all of it’s reliable. This search engine pares down results to just scholarly and professional sources.
9. Zotero: If you use Firefox as a browser, then try out this great plug-in that makes it simple to save, share and cite references you’ve culled from the web.
10. CiteULike: Make sure your bibliography isn’t a total mess by using this easy citation generator.

Mobile Apps

Don’t let a little thing like being away from the computer slow down your business aspirations. Try out these mobile web apps to take your projects on the road.

1. Business Reference Library: Make every time you don’t know something an opportunity to learn more with this amazing dictionary.
2. Oxford Dictionary of Finance and Banking: Look up any words or terms that seem strange to you with this handy tool.
3. mbPointer: Transform your phone into a fully featured presentation pointer using this application.
4. Analytics App: See just how well your business or personal website is doing with this analytics tool.
5. QuickOffice Mobile Office Suite: Whether you’re writing a business plan, tracking your finances or just preparing for class, this app lets you do it from anywhere.
6. Pocket MBA Test: If you’re studying to get your MBA, practice the information you’ll need to know for the test while on the go.
7. Glossary of Business Acronyms: Never wonder what an acronym means again with this helpful reference app.
8. Leadership Quotes: Get inspired with this application full of great business leadership quotes.
9. Bump: With this application you can share your business card simply by touching your phone to another.
10. Wall Street Words: Not sure what the heck the Wall Street Journal is talking about? Don’t stay ignorant, look the word up in this financial dictionary app.

Multitasking and Productivity

Learn how to get more done with less by using these apps.

1. OmniFocus: Try out this application to finally "get serious" about productivity with functions that let you take notes, turn them into to-dos and stay on task.
2. Netvibes: Keep all your favorite websites organized in one place so you can see what’s going on with each at the same time using this site.
3. Evernote: Create notes for yourself on the go and share, email and access them later with this tool.
4. Remember the Milk: Get to-do lists on your computer that you can check on the web or on your phone with this tool.
5. Ta-Da List: This simple tool lets you create to-do lists to ensure you get all your work done.
6. Joe’s Goals: Set goals for yourself for this year, five years from now or this week using this site.
7. Time Tracker: This tool lets you keep track of what sites you’re visiting so you can pare down your procrastination time.
8. Rescue Time: If you’re easily distracted, this tool is designed to help you focus and limit the temptation to browse other websites.
9. TreePad Lite: Organize your personal information, data, contacts, notes and more in one place using this application.
10. Todoist: Use this application to track all of the things you need to get done in a day or week.

Starting a Business

If you’re feeling ambitious and want to start your own business while in graduate school, these free tools can be a big help in getting the venture off the ground!

1. Highrise: Use the website to track business leads, clients and contacts so you’ll never lose out on potential business.
2. Freshbooks: Manage all of your business finances using this online tool.
3. Basecamp: This project management site will let you dole out tasks, see where a project stands and keep it all organized.
4. Wesabe: Whether you use it for your personal finances or to track a business’ worth, this free financial tool is a great online resource.
5. ConceptShare: Get feedback on your designs, concepts and projects easily through this collaborative tool.
6. PayPal: You’ve got to get paid somehow, and this site makes it pretty darn simple to get it done.
7. MyNewCompany: Use this site as a great source of information to make sure you’re not making any big blunders when it comes to running your new business.
8. Nolo: Find legal advice for your new business on this site.
9. BigCartel: If you need a shopping cart app for your site, this one is reasonably priced and easy to use.
10. Google AdWords: Google Ads are a great way to promote your business or to make a few extra bucks by placing them on your site.

Markets and Investment

Follow global economic trends, identify investors or and try your own hand at investing by using these tools.

1. Covestor: Follow what more experienced investors are doing on Covestor to see how things work and gain confidence.
2. Tip’d: Stay current with the latest business and financial news on this site.
3. Market Watch Community: This site will help you to learn more about the market in an online investment community.
4. Zopa: If you need a loan for your business, get one from everyday people and not the bank through this site.
5. Market Watch: Keep up with the ups and downs of the market on this site.
6. Quote.com: Find out where any stock stands by looking it up on this site.
7. Investor Guide: Get stock quotes, investing advice and the latest financial news on this site.
8. Go4Funding: Go through this site to find an angel investor for your business venture.
9. Venture Worthy: Find out if your business has what it takes to draw in investors from this great website.
10. Investing Minds: Share advice and ideas on investing on this online community.

Business Toolkits

These toolkits combine a wide variety of resources from business plan templates to financial calculators to make sure you know the ins and outs of being an entrepreneur.

1. Inc.com: From finding a job to managing a workplace, this site is full of tools and articles to help you do it right.
2. BizToolkit: Learn how to plan, market and grow a business with this toolkit.
3. Entrepreneur.com: Find vendors, learn how to franchise, discover PR tools and more through this site.
4. SCORE: Here you’ll get access to business-related quizzes, podcasts and links.
5. U.S. Small Business Administration: There are numerous free resources available to small business owners on this government site.
6. Bplans.com: Find sample business plans and learn how to build your own on this site.
7. Green Business Guide: Try out the resources found on this site to launch your own green business.
8. Small Business Toolkit: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created this set of tools to help you start, manage and expand your business.
9. Goliath Business Tools: With business plans, a business encyclopedia, and a company profile database, this site is chock-full of business goodness
10. Business Owner’s Toolkit Find everything you’ll need to get your business up and running on this site.

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!!!!!

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My father was an elementary school teacher who eventually became an elementary school principal, a position that he retired from about 15 years ago. As you might imagine, education was an important part of the lives of my three siblings and me. Like my father, three of four of us eventually pursued careers in education: my sister teaches art to high school students in California; my brother is a professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Vermont and I have been a science educator for most of my adult life.

When I first entered graduate school in the Department of Bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I intended to pursue a teaching career at a small liberal arts institution. My career goals changed during my graduate school experiences, and ultimately I chose to pursue a career in academic research rather than teaching. Despite that decision, my first and perhaps only love has always been teaching. Ironically, it was my love of teaching that prevented me from winning tenure at the University Of Miami School Of Medicine. While I have reinvented myself no fewer than 10 times during my admittedly circuitous career path, the one common and constant element that links together some of my seemingly disparate career choices has been my love of teaching.

No matter what the experts may say, there is no middle ground in teaching—you either love it or hate. Put simply, there are those who were born to teach and others who were not!

When I give my Alternate Careers for PhDs talk to graduate and postdoctoral fellows who are looking for career options, I always mention teaching. Not surprisingly, I wax romantically about how noble a profession teaching is and the acute need for qualified science teachers. However, I always temper my remarks by emphasizing that “unless you are passionate about teaching, then becoming a teacher may not be an appropriate career choice. In other words, unless you are “all in” you never be an effective teacher. To that end, I came across an article in this Sunday’s New York Times by Peter Wilson; a former executive who decided to eschew a successful public relations career in his mid-30s to become a middle school English teacher. 

If after reading Peter's story, you find yourself energized or “moved” by his story, then I believe that you possess the “right stuff” to pursue a career in education. As the old Nike ads urge: “Just Do It!”

Hat tip to Peter Wilson!

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!

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I previously have written about various aspects of the interviewing process in the life sciences industry. While I had written on various aspects of interviewing, I never assembled all of the pieces into a single post to give job seekers a complete view of the entire process. To that end, I came across a great post authored by Megan Driscoll, Founder and President of PharmaLogics Recruiting, a life sciences recruiting and placement firm.

It is a multi-part piece. That said, please click here to read the entire post. Megan offers an outstanding roadmap of what bioscientists ought to expect as they wind their way from the interview process to the offer stage of the job search process.

Hat tip to Megan

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!

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Let’s face it; scientists aren’t generally regarded as being funny. While I have met several very funny researchers during my almost 35 year career, the vast majority of my colleagues have been mostly serious and, at times, difficult to amuse; especially when things weren't going so well in the lab.

I consider myself to be a funny guy. And, hanging out and playing softball with Larry David, co-creator of Seinfeld and star of Curb Your Enthusiasm, for three years while a postdoc at Columbia Medical School convinced me that I have some talent. However, while I have often fantasized about a career in comedy, I never had the courage to turn in my lab coat and give it a try. The same can't be said about Tim Lee; a card-carrying PhD-trained biologist who after realizing laboratory research wasn’t for him decided to embark on a career as stand up comedian.

While Powerpoint presentations (modeled after scientific seminars) serve as the centerpieces of his stand up routines, Tim is also exploring other comedic vehicles to help him continue to make a living as a stand up comic. As he told BioCrowd co-founder Vincent Racaniello and I in a recent podcast that we did with Tim before a mid-week stand up gig in San Francisco, 'you gotta lead with your strengths."

Tim has been working as a comedian for the past seven years and, much to his surprise and pleasure, is "making more than he would have if he had chosen to do a postdoc after completing his PhD degree." Tim's star is rising and was recently featured in a New York Times article entitled “Did You Hear the One about the Former Scientist.”

Vincent and I had a wonderful discussion with Tim about his difficult decision to abandon science and what it feels like to embark on a new career (that you didn’t spend 10 years training for!) He still takes science seriously and frequently peruses journal articles and other scientific sources for material. And, for the record both Vincent and I thought Tim was pretty, pretty good (as Larry David would say) at what he does!.

To listen to the podcast and to see a video of one of Tim’s stand up routines visit BioCrowd!

Until next time...

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting (the comedy clubs can use a few more good scientists)

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