At more than one point in my scientific career path, I have been torn between possibilities. There are so many directions to explore, from research and teaching to industry and science communication, and I wasn’t yet sure which one felt right. I had choices, yet little clarity about how to begin.
Our previous post shared practical advice for scientists starting out in their careers. It focused on developing core skills, setting clear goals, and finding mentors who can offer guidance. These themes were also discussed during the recent webinar Building Your Career in Science webinar with Dr. James Eberwine, where participants shared similar questions about direction and opportunity.
This article continues that conversation, focusing on how initiative and mentorship help scientists build purposeful and lasting careers.