Panel Discussions |
PhD vs. MD/PhD
Engineering PhDs vs Science PhDs engineering has an overlap with MD skills in the need for problem solving
All should be sure to learn some analytical computation skills
Worry more about what you love to do, and what is of interest, than about career path
Still worry a little about career path, keep an eye on your position, and be willing to push / ask for promotion / etc to those who make the decisions
But overall, the contributions to the field come first, and are more in your control. Do not spend all of your time focusing on and worrying about your career
Making changes, branching out into new areas
Be proactive in seeking out opportunities, building skills, and asking to do what you want to do (create opportunities)
If you are passive, like will tend to push you into more of what you are trying to pivot away from
Seek opportunities ranging from summer school discussions like these (smaller) to taking on a postdoc position outside of your current area (bigger)
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Grad school advice
In undergrad you want to go for the best, most prestigious school you can. In grad school, choose based on specific professors / labs / projects that appeal to you
Alternative opinion: don’t choose based on one specific professor or lab, you never know how things will work out. Go based on a community, somewhere where you think there might be more than one opportunity and where you would be comfortable. Everyone will hit speed bumps, and will want strong community support
Don’t ignore quality-of-life factors like weather, location - you will be living there for several years, it will be a big part of your life
Visit the campus in-person, and see the people and the department. Take advantage of recruitment events to meet the community
Once you actually dive into a project, your perspective will change vs. interviews. Give it your best effort, and honestly explore whether it is something you will love and be good at. After giving this effort, be proactive in making changes if you feel it is needed
Negotiating salary Be aggressive and proactive, polite but strong
Make a clear case for your value You’re in the strongest position to negotiate when negotiating to start a new job, even if it doesn’t always feel that way
Making life decisions
Assess your wants, needs, and priorities. You need to have a clear understanding on these before you can make the an informed choice
Make sure you know what “success” looks like to you
Instead of just trying to “make a good decision”, “make a decision good” commit to your choices and find the benefits
Being assertive
Negotiations can be uncomfortable positions to be assertive in, social and cultural factors can make it difficult
Analyze the situation first, and know your own bottom-line going in. Have an alternative plan in place for if you don’t achieve this in the negotiation
Negotiations are an opportunity to show your strength make sure that the strengths you’re showing aligns with the needs and goals of your organization
Moving forward in grad school
Pressure to move forward will vary very strongly from PI to PI, department to department, field to field
Keep later career goals in mind in setting your own goals (publications, etc)
Your motivation
Enjoy the intellectual challenge of solving the big problems in the biomedical engineering field. Always new and exciting projects coming along, new and interesting areas opening up
Enjoy being recognized for doing these things at such a high level
Passionate about helping people (and it’s okay if you take some time to find out what it is you’re passionate about)
Passionate about teaching from a young age
Developing creative thinking is very rewarding
Don’t be afraid to fail
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