Situations like this demonstrate just how important the scientific mindset is for dealing with crises on this scale.
As the virus takes its toll globally, we are all feeling the strain, anxiety and pressure of this mounting situation. It’s a worrisome time for all. Worry for our health, loved ones, and economic situations.
Like so many, I too have started to develop a growing sense of unease and despair at the situation. Feelings that for sure must be being compounded by the isolation!
And whilst I begin to adapt to this new way of life, I am also optimistic of the old saying that ‘This too shall pass.’
Inevitably we will prevail against COVID-19 and whilst the race is on, it is science that will ultimately provide the answers to defeating the virus.
Research Scientists Provide Answers
This current global crisis highlights one important fact:
Research scientists are trained to come up with answers, and it is this resource that the world leans on to deal with the most difficult challenges.
It is scientists who are tracking the global spread of the virus, forecasting infection rates, assessing financial markets, directing world leaders, developing diagnostic tools, providing essential medical equipment, testing drugs, and developing vaccines.
Currently no exit strategy has been determined for releasing us from the extreme social restrictions we are currently facing.
But one thing’s for sure, only science can provide the solutions and get us back to our pre-COVID-19 way of life.
The message couldn’t be clearer:
It’s at times like these that the world looks to scientific expertise for answers and solutions.
And this is not just for the current pandemic; other health issues, climate change, food security, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity, are some of the biggest problems we now face. And it will be scientists that provide the answers to these issues too.
Perhaps one upshot of this horrendous situation could be a heightened awareness of the public on the importance of expert advice. And they may even become inclined to more strongly support scientific endeavour in the future.
If you want to use your scientific expertise to help fight the pandemic, you can sign up to this cool COVID-19 initiative.
The World Needs You
As a research-trained scientist, you’ve been taught to approach problems using the scientific method. It is this approach that allows viable solutions and clarity to be discovered to solve problems, such as the current one we face.
Whatever your future career path holds, you’ll carry your research expertise and training in this scientific approach with you.
This training provides you with an advantage in the employment market. It enables you to approach tasks in a logical manner and fix problems in a way that provides clarity and answers. You are the ultimate problem solver!
Since life is nothing more than a string of problems to solve. And since your research training has provided you with the best possible skillset for solving these, you are well equipped to make a success of it!
Jobs pay you to fix things for other people. When it comes to employment, monthly pay checks are contingent with employees’ abilities to solve problems.
You have the skills to deal with the most complex of challenges, so whatever career path you choose, you have the ability to excel.
The key to career success is to make the challenges worthwhile. If you find your daily work tasks interesting, meaningful and important, you’ll be invigorated by these challenges. This is key in self-motivation and preventing burnout, so aim to carry out work that align with your curiosities.
Your problem fixing skills are in high demand by all employers. You owe it to the world to put your skills to good use and make a success of it!
At this present time, you may be thinking to yourself that this is all well and good, but whilst I can’t get into the lab to boost my career prospects, I might as well park my career development for now. But this is a mistake.
There are things you can do during this extended period of home leave to support your career development. Those who take advantage of this, will end this period (when life eventually returns to normal), with a distinct advantage over people who procrastinated or predominantly watched Netflix/sent memes during this time.
Look out for next week’s post, where I’ll outline practical ways to boost your career development whilst working from home…
In Summary
- Despite these anxious times, science will provide the answers we so desperately need to solve the COVID-19 pandemic
- The world is currently looking to scientists to provide them with solutions to the COVID-19 crisis
- Research-trained scientists are taught to solve complex challenges
- These problem-fixing skills are in high demand and provide you with a distinct advantage in the workplace
- Working on problems that you find rewarding and worthwhile, provides you with the self-motivation needed for success
- Whilst working from home, look for ways to boost your career prospects and position yourself well for the future (more to follow on this next week…)
‘Til next time, stay home, stay safe, stay connected and speak soon!
Vicky (BB founder)