THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING FOR AN UNFORESEEN CAREER

As scientists, we operate in our scientific world, but should not forget that we are also human beings who bring our identities and complexities to the workplace. Our lives and careers have bends on the way, and the key is to be ready with our toolkits and transferrable skills, even those that don’t seem useful at first blush. In this talk I will address the challenges and rewards of taking risks at those key points and accepting change as part of the path. I started my scientific career as a botanist in Argentina, but after my PhD and a series of jobs in the U.S., I gravitated to the geosciences, where I am happily based today. The generosity of geoscientists is legendary, and I am part of the community now. The various skills I acquired during my formal (and informal) education and my links, friendships, and collegial relationships with Earth scientists from around the world are key to my international geoscience job today. My exposure to different areas of natural sciences throughout my life allows me to see them in a holistic way and help others bridge the gap. Enthusiasm and curiosity are key to a fulfilling career and to building a community. We don’t construct our careers on our own: I have had mentors, colleagues, and friends who have helped, supported, and guided me at crucial junctures and throughout my career path to this day and beyond. It is thus fundamental to me to pay it forward and give everyone, but especially women and minoritized populations, a hand up so we can all rise together.