How I Got Here: A Webinar on Following Your Own Career Path

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There is no single avenue to a scientific career—the paths are as diverse as the people who pursue them. In a recent webinar, two NIGMS-supported researchers shared their unique journeys as scientists and their advice for those seeking careers in the field. The webinar is part of a series from NIGMS created for the research training community—students, postdocs, and faculty. Experts focus on topics from infectious disease modeling to virtual teaching and learning. 

Enrique M. De La Cruz, Ph.D., and Tracy Johnson, Ph.D., discuss managing pivotal career decision points, weighing short- and long-term goals, and planning a career path in science. Their talk includes tips on how to:

  • Look for mentors
  • Combat impostor syndrome
  • Prevent burnout
  • Maintain a good work/life balance

Dr. De La Cruz is a professor of molecular biophysics and biochemistry and the head of Branford College at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Dr. Johnson is a professor of molecular, cell, and developmental biology and the Maria Rowena Ross Chair of Cell Biology and Biochemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Visit our YouTube playlist for additional webinars on these engaging topics:

  • Careers in the biotechnology industry
  • Moving away from the scientific pack in your research
  • Infectious disease modeling research
  • Virtual teaching and learning
  • Computational biology and biomedical data science
  • Cryo-electron microscopy
  • Culturally aware mentorship
  • Behavioral research in biomedicine
  • Starting your own lab
  • Leadership and management as a scientist
  • Research and teaching at primarily undergraduate institutions
  • Developing the right skills for your scientific career
  • Writing grant applications

We encourage you to share these videos with your friends, students, and colleagues. Follow @NIGMS on Twitter for more information about NIGMS-funded research and resources, @NIGMSTraining for more advice on pursuing a career in science, and @NIGMSgenes for tips on applying for grants.