[00:30:05] I want to shift gears and talk
about how to learn from those who've already walked the path you're on, right.
So we're talking about role models. One of the best things that I did during my
PhD was to observe senior researchers in my field. And I, you know, it was
like, don't want to end up like them.
[00:30:21] Don't want to let her. Oh, she's
doing it. Great. Whatever it is. So there were things that I was able to pick
up and emulate, and to have my own idea of how I want to become a researcher,
et cetera, or a and when I was observing them, I also ask them questions. And
sometimes those questions did not need to be answered because I saw how they
did it, but I wanted to essentially know how they manage their time. Dealt with
setbacks, maintained a healthy work-life balance and their experiences are invaluable.
You can also then choose to apply their strategies are some, at least to your
own life.
[00:31:02] So the question I want you to
answer for yourself is who are the role models in your field? Is there a
professor or researcher whose career you admire where you think this is
something that I want to have for myself as well, reach out to them for advice
and also mentorship. Because, you know, most people are more than willing to
share the insights. If you approach them respectfully. you to know that in this
PostdocTransformation Show for the scientists leaping into business, I have
already interviewed A more than 25 role models potentially can inspire you for
different facets of their career and what they did for their own
postdocTransformation.
[00:31:44] For the ones in your vicinity, in
your lab and the lab next door. So to speak, consider asking if you can shadow
them for a day. This could be a great opportunity to see firsthand how they
organize their day, tackle challenges, and main and you should not be afraid to
ask about the failures as well as the successes. Usually people love to share
about the successes.
[00:32:08] There's always an insight about
reflecting on the failures and learning how they overcame their challenges and
obstacles can provide you with invaluable insights. You need to navigate your
own challenges.
[00:32:21] You might also consider forming a
peer mentoring group. That's like your PhD besties right. Fellow PhD, students
who have the same challenges. And have to face them in the same time, because I
have to say 10 years ago it was different pre COVID. It was different, et
cetera. So what you can do with your PhD basses is you can regularly meet. To
discuss challenges, share resources, and also hold each other accountable. have
a supportive environment, right?
[00:32:54] Sometimes you need to have someone
kick your .... and that's probably the PhD
bestie that can do that best.
[00:33:01] Now I want you to reflect on, who
can you reach out for mentorship? And what specific questions do you want to
ask them about managing academic live? Maybe even parts of the, personal life,
not private, but personal life. Okay.
[00:33:17] And if you don't know what to ask,
also our PostdocTransformation card game, because there I have for each target
group, that could be a mentor for you, questions that you can ask them so that
you can sort of like have a great and fruitful mentoring relationship.