Every year, the third week of September is dedicated to National Postdoc Appreciation Week, a special occasion to recognize and express gratitude for postdoctoral researchers' hard work and commitment. This year, Arjun Krishnan, PhD, associate professor of biomedical informatics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, offered invaluable insights for navigating a successful postdoc journey at our Department of Biomedical Informatics Bytes to Beside seminar series. He began the workshop by outlining essential strategies:
- Take the lead in your research and training
- Make a plan, evaluate the plan periodically, and revise the plan
- Become and be an independent, versatile, critical thinker
- Keep learning new skills
- Engage with your group, collaborators, and community
- Finish stuff
- Don't put your life on hold
Krishnan underscored the significance of a robust plan, emphasizing that it is crucial for a smooth transition to the next phase of one’s career. A well-structured approach not only helps in assessing progress but also facilitates intentional adjustments along the way. He also advocated for involving the mentor in the planning process to use it as a concrete framework for managing expectations. He humorously highlighted point six—“finish stuff”—pointing out that while wrapping up a project may seem simple, “the last 90% takes as much time as the first 90%”. He remarked, “Seeing your work through is vital. Become known as the person who can finish things.”
Following Krishnan’s presentation, participants engaged in a 10-minute exercise using a postdoc planning document before breaking into smaller groups of three to four to discuss their thoughts, questions, and concerns. The document, put together by Krishnan, contained specific questions on all the aspects postdocs need to be planning and executing.
One participant in the Zoom room posed an insightful question: “What tips do people have for sustaining relationships with potential future collaborators? I connected with someone once, but how can I keep that relationship going?” This resonated with many who expressed a desire to build lasting professional connections. Janani Ravi, PhD, assistant professor of biomedical informatics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, suggested inviting these individuals to speak at upcoming seminars, as this creates opportunities for deeper engagement, collaboration, and even informal dinners.
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As the event concluded, Krishnan opened the floor for participants to ask questions about topics they hadn’t considered before the workshop. Trainees already in postdoc programs were encouraged to share insights about what they wish they had known or done differently at the start of their postdoc journey. This exchange fostered a sense of community and support among attendees, highlighting that they are not alone in their experiences.
Evan Brenner, a postdoctoral trainee, shared a valuable lesson: “One thing I wish I had started earlier was budgeting my time. It’s not just about the day-to-day tasks; it’s also about learning new skills, building connections with collaborators, and completing that crucial last 10% after the initial 90%. Making time for these things is challenging but essential. I’ve learned to prioritize by telling people, ‘No, I can’t do this right now; I have to focus on this instead.’”
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all our postdocs and hope these tips serve you well as you progress through your postdoctoral journey.
