Excellence Everywhere - National University of Ireland, Galway

n Do I really have the time and energy to commit tothis relationship?n Is this someone who is smart, honest, and capable?n Is this someone I want to advise and work with?The people in your lab deserve priority. But if theperson fits, and you can extend yourself, do so.How to Get theCareer Help andAdvice That You NeedFinding people who will be your own advisors,teachers, and mentors is another way of makingyour achievements and contributions known atyour university and other institutions, thus increasingyour impact and helping you advance in yourcareer. Finding help requires knowing whom to askfor what, knowing how to accept the professionaladvice you receive, and maintaining long-termpersonal and professional relationships.These suggestions may be useful:n Do not let go of those who have taken an interestin your career. Stay in close touch with all of yourpast advisors, even those with whom you onlyworked for a short time or in a limited way.Although they may not be familiar with your newenvironment, their distance from it, combined withtheir general understanding of the world of science,can help you put your current environment inperspective. Also, you never know when you willneed to ask them for a reference or other professionalhelp. Even a quick email to let them knowthat you published a paper or received a researchgrant or an award will help them support your career.n Establish a relationship with a set of official advisors,especially if your institution assigns you to contactswith certain senior scientists who are meant tohelp you “learn the ropes.” These individuals mayalso evaluate your job performance, so cultivatethem carefully and treat them with respect.Generally, you do not want to vent your frustrationsor confide your uncertainties and weaknesses tosuch a group. Keep them apprised of your progress.Do not avoid them if things are going badly—address the problems directly and unemotionally,and enlist their help.n Seek out informal advisors, usually experiencedscientists within your department or elsewherewho can give you a broader perspective on scienceand scientific politics. It is especially important todo this if your institution has not officially givenyou any contacts to serve as guides during yourearly days.n Establish a set of work-based friends andconfidants. These are people with whom you canopenly share information about politically sensitiveissues. Choose them carefully. You may be morecomfortable limiting your confidants to one-on-onerelationships. Or you may find a group that putsyou in close touch with colleagues whose situationsare similar to yours.n Keep meetings professional. Respect others’ timeconstraints. Be prepared and specific about whatyou need from them and what you are askingthem to do for you.How to be Well-Advised. Here are some qualitiesto cultivate in yourself as you seek an informaleducation in how to move forward to whatevergoals you hope to achieve:n Foresight: Start early to think about your future.n Gratitude: Everyone likes to be thanked.n Humility: Be willing to accept critical feedback sothat you are open to learning new ways of thinkingabout and doing science.n Proactiveness: Do not expect to be taken care of.You could easily be overlooked in the competitiveworld of science.n Probing: Ask tough questions. Find out about theexperiences of others with this potential mentor.n Reciprocation: Repay your mentor indirectly byhelping others.n Respect: Be polite. Make and keep appointments.Stay focused. Do not overstay your welcome.expanding your influence: training the next generation of scientists143