Founder: Nadia Jaber
Nadia is a 6th year graduate student, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology at Stony Brook University. Her career interests lie in science communications and public outreach. She is very passionate about enabling graduate students to discover and achieve their career goals. Please contact Nadia with any questions or comments about the PhD Career Ladder Program.
My Story
I've loved science all my life. Going to graduate school seemed like a natural progression. In my first and second years I did well in my classes and was able to join the laboratory I desired. My research was progressing quickly and I was getting results.
However, none of this changed the fact that I felt completely out of place. I realized early on that I would never be able to be like my advisor, or the other fantastic scientists around me, nor did I want to. But I had no idea what that meant. Since I thought it meant that I didn't belong in science and research, I seriously considered quitting my PhD.
But science was (and is) such a big part of my identity, that I didn't know what I would do without it. I couldn't think of anything I was more passionate about, that I could possibly turn into a career. So I continued on in the program, feeling more confused and dejected.
Everything turned when I realized that PhDs could find careers outside of academia - even careers related to science and research. My classmate Jennifer and I navigated the waters of career exploration together. Based on what we learned through websites, blogs and career events, we approached career development one step at a time. Eventually we each discovered our individual career goals. I recognized that I could get my PhD and still have a career that I wanted (and be happy with my life!).
After this turning point I experienced a dramatic change in demeanor and outlook. I;m now confident in my abilities and what my future holds. But I know that there are so many other students who still feel lost and confused, and I want to help them become as confident and content as I am now.
I started the PhD Career Ladder Program so that graduate students who are feeling completely lost about their futures have the chance to re-discover themselves. I want you all to know that so many graduate students feel the same way you do. By participating in the Ladder Program, you can transcend that. And trust me, it's much better on the other side.