Hello! So happy to find out about this. My story: I just turned 33. I have a licentiate degree in Psychology (5 years), a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience and currently on a Masters degree program in Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development. I love doing research, data science and statistics, though the only experience I have in these topics is the one from my PhD. Right after that, triggered by the loss of my partner, I decided to go sailing for some years to get to learn about unique communities living in nature. That was followed by maternity, and in the end I have (with some reconnection here and there) 5 years of no record of publications or research experience.
On the other hand, even if I was in love with my PhD project (what happens when languages get in contact, in the brain) I always felt that my energy and resources had to go to directly helping improve the current situation in the world. Otherwise, I feel anything I do has no meaning.
I would love to be part of a team (as a job) whose aim is exactly this one, doing research on any kind of priority impact, I don’t care what, all of them are important. I know I have very little experience and at this time I can’t afford a volunteering job. I have been applying for jobs I love for a year, but I haven’t been successful. What do you guys think I could do to get the skills I need? My thoughts are getting more courses on Data Science and Statistics (numbers, networks and connections is what I like the best) or trying to apply to a PhD fellowship on Network Science. Still, it feels like I’d have a collection of degrees and no experience, so still not attractive to work on EA organisations.
It’s great to hear you are so passionate about learning and doing research!
My best guess would be that you should focus on getting some real world job experience for a year or so. While you may not have as much statistical knowledge yet as you might want, I suspect it is better for you to learn them in a supportive ‘real work’ environment than on your own. Given that you have a PhD and soon two Master’s (impressive!) I expect employers will trust they can train you up in the skills you need, so you don’t have to learn them outside of a job first.
Something employers will often want to see is some evidence that you can solve their problems outside of a research/academic context. I expect it will be a lot easier for you to find a role you are really passionate about once you have some job experience, even if that means doing something that is not your dream job yet in the meantime.
Thank you so much, Denise. Learning while working is what I think is best for me now, in order to put my hands to work on important issues. However, I haven’t been successful in getting a job after almost a year of applying. That is why I was wondering whether I am not applying to the right jobs or I am not skilful enough for any job in the area of EA. Of course I always go for entry level jobs and internships. What I guess are jobs I could do are the ones related to:
data science for environmental, social and animal purposes
environmental and social impact assessment (impact assessment in general)
mental health and support in communities in need, minorities, etc.
If you haven’t been successful after a year of applying it’s definitely time to change tactics. Some of the following might be things to try, but you’ll know your situation best:
-get your CV reviewed by friends
-get your CV professionally reviewed
-have friends review your cover letter
-practice interviews with a work coach or friend
-apply to less competitive jobs
-try to get jobs through networking (eg that you’ve been recommended to)
-try to get jobs through unpaid work (eg volunteer to do an impact assessment for a charity for free, if it goes well ask them if they’d like to hire you for future projects)
Hello! So happy to find out about this. My story: I just turned 33. I have a licentiate degree in Psychology (5 years), a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience and currently on a Masters degree program in Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development. I love doing research, data science and statistics, though the only experience I have in these topics is the one from my PhD. Right after that, triggered by the loss of my partner, I decided to go sailing for some years to get to learn about unique communities living in nature. That was followed by maternity, and in the end I have (with some reconnection here and there) 5 years of no record of publications or research experience.
On the other hand, even if I was in love with my PhD project (what happens when languages get in contact, in the brain) I always felt that my energy and resources had to go to directly helping improve the current situation in the world. Otherwise, I feel anything I do has no meaning.
I would love to be part of a team (as a job) whose aim is exactly this one, doing research on any kind of priority impact, I don’t care what, all of them are important. I know I have very little experience and at this time I can’t afford a volunteering job. I have been applying for jobs I love for a year, but I haven’t been successful. What do you guys think I could do to get the skills I need? My thoughts are getting more courses on Data Science and Statistics (numbers, networks and connections is what I like the best) or trying to apply to a PhD fellowship on Network Science. Still, it feels like I’d have a collection of degrees and no experience, so still not attractive to work on EA organisations.
Thank you so much for reading!
Hi Ana,
It’s great to hear you are so passionate about learning and doing research! My best guess would be that you should focus on getting some real world job experience for a year or so. While you may not have as much statistical knowledge yet as you might want, I suspect it is better for you to learn them in a supportive ‘real work’ environment than on your own. Given that you have a PhD and soon two Master’s (impressive!) I expect employers will trust they can train you up in the skills you need, so you don’t have to learn them outside of a job first.
Something employers will often want to see is some evidence that you can solve their problems outside of a research/academic context. I expect it will be a lot easier for you to find a role you are really passionate about once you have some job experience, even if that means doing something that is not your dream job yet in the meantime.
Good luck!
Thank you so much, Denise. Learning while working is what I think is best for me now, in order to put my hands to work on important issues. However, I haven’t been successful in getting a job after almost a year of applying. That is why I was wondering whether I am not applying to the right jobs or I am not skilful enough for any job in the area of EA. Of course I always go for entry level jobs and internships. What I guess are jobs I could do are the ones related to:
data science for environmental, social and animal purposes
environmental and social impact assessment (impact assessment in general)
mental health and support in communities in need, minorities, etc.
Any other ideas?
Thank you!
If you haven’t been successful after a year of applying it’s definitely time to change tactics. Some of the following might be things to try, but you’ll know your situation best:
-get your CV reviewed by friends
-get your CV professionally reviewed
-have friends review your cover letter
-practice interviews with a work coach or friend
-apply to less competitive jobs
-try to get jobs through networking (eg that you’ve been recommended to)
-try to get jobs through unpaid work (eg volunteer to do an impact assessment for a charity for free, if it goes well ask them if they’d like to hire you for future projects)