Scientific pivoting
How to switch an academic field?
- Practice self-awareness to recognize if a change of the academic field or workplace is necessary
- Stay open to other scientific fields and networks to discover what aligns with your interests and works best for you
- Transitioning to a new scientific field requires courage: approach challenges with patience and self-acceptance
There are moments when your research seems dull and empty, and you are not sure if you want to do something like that for the rest of your career. Is it time to go or is the grass always greener on the other side? Here we have a classic explore-exploit dilemma.
To remain in your current position or to switch to the scientific field? To stay in your city or to move? To leave things as they are now, or jump into the unknown – it could make things better, but there's also a chance it could make things worse.
Alas, the questions like these usually cannot be solved explicitly. However, there is a set of certain habits (mindsets, virtues) that appear to be very useful to practice in such situations.
Before the switch
Honesty with yourself and self-awareness
If you start disliking your job or studies, it is important to notice, acknowledge, and think about what to do about it. On one hand, it can be that the job is fine and you enjoy it, but certain elements do not align with your other values or do not satisfy your other needs. Ask yourself: Is it the scientific or industry field you need to switch? Is it just a place of work and your colleagues? Can you do something similar in a different setting?
On the other hand, some issues might be more systemic: the scientific field may be shrinking and not have enough positions. This would make you feel extremely insecure if you remain in it. (In my case it was the theory of elementary particles). Identifying what exactly might be “wrong” is sometimes not an easy virtue to develop. You might benefit from therapy, coaching, mentorship, and career programs (these four can also be helpful in the next steps).
Last but not least - make sure that you are not in a state of burnout right now. It is possible that your feelings about your current job are affected by the burnout, and you are not in the best shape to make such a decision. Make sure that you have a clear understanding of why you need to change the field before taking the next steps. Additionally, all the next steps require lots of energy from you, which you may not have right now. If you have a suspicion that you are in burnout, first address it by getting professional help and only then consider the rest.
Curiosity-driven networking
We all sometimes get the urge to make a dramatic career switch and burn all the bridges to escape the damning environment or scientific project. But it is better to not just jump into the completely unknown.
Moreover, even when you are happy with your current project, it is good to follow what else happens in science and outside of it. Not as a duty or homework - rather as a thing you like to do that helps you find what drives your interest.
This way you increase your chances of finding other topics or positions that you like.
This practice goes hand in hand with networking: make new contacts and learn what they are doing. Talk with your friends about what they are doing. This way you will not only broaden your understanding of the available options but also get a support group in your potential transition, which is crucial for all the following steps and your mental health.
Once you find something that might be of potential interest to you – explore it more. Read the relevant publications. Follow people who are doing it on X (or Twitter) and LinkedIn. Try to connect via common friends and peers with someone whom you can chat about this new scientific interest. Talk with them, and ask for more contacts.
You might find not only people who are already in the area of your interest but also those who have a scientific career path similar to yours. Then, they can also give you all the nuts and bolts of the career-switching process.
Willingness to take action
So, you are not completely satisfied at your current place, and you found something that seems interesting. How to get there? You will need to take actions now that will require some compromise from you: initially, your efforts and time.
To begin, consider taking on a small project related to your area of interest. Try to find someone in your geographical location who is doing something related and reach out to them. If the project can be done remotely you even do not have to limit yourself by geography.
It's of course more convenient to start within the university (if you're a student or pursuing a Ph.D.) or the company where you currently work. If you have a good relationship with your current supervisors, it's advisable to ask for their recommendations. You actually might be surprised how willing PIs can be to help their students outside of the work they are doing together.
Alternatively, you can apply to a summer school, boot camp, or a similar program where you can acquire the essential skills for your prospective research field or a transition in your career path.
The advantage of these proposed actions is that you do not immediately leave and change your current research area or scientific position. You do not burn your bridges. You simply explore what seems to be an interesting option. Discovering that this small project or the course is not as interesting is a positive outcome. It's better to realize this now rather than after signing the job contract for three years!
And, of course, if you decide to move on and switch career paths, now you have something in your resume that will certainly help in your job search!
During the switch
Courage and patience
Well, it is the time when your life might change quite significantly. So, it is totally fine to be nervous about this decision. Here, do not hesitate to ask for help, be it therapy, coaching, mentorship, or a career program. You might also reach out to your network for support and look for resources if your planned scientific career switch requires relocation.
However, courage is not recklessness, so safety measures must be taken. Unless you are fairly certain about securing a position in the new scientific area, it makes sense to still apply for short-term positions in your current research field as a safety precaution. If you can afford to wait longer before the switch, be patient until a good opportunity reveals itself. In the meantime, network and prepare for the scientific career transition.
After the switch
Willingness to learn
You are completely new to the field and need to learn a lot. You might find yourself at the postdoc career stage but know about the scientific field less than undergrads in your lab. Perhaps in your previous years, having mastered your field, you got used to doing everything by yourself and even helping others. Now, you find nothing seems to work without someone helping you. You got used to consistently producing new results, but now you are in the learning phase. Meanwhile, people who joined the lab after you might already have cool results and you are still figuring out what is going on…
This might feel like a somewhat humiliating experience, so it is better to be ready for it and try to accept the situation.
The trustworthy relationships with your new supervisor and colleagues in your new lab are extremely important.
It might be wiser to start with a collaborative project rather than with a project that you are doing alone. Working with a colleague, even if they are also relatively inexperienced, can be more psychologically manageable than facing the obstacles alone (and you might be stuck during your transition to a new scientific field!).
Self-forgiving and acceptance
Your new life path may not be covered with rose petals. It is very tempting in this situation to start regretting the choice you have made and think about the past. Be aware that switching the field is already very stressful. If you add additional life changes, such as relocation or starting a new position (e.g. Ph.D. or postdoc), the overall experience can become even more challenging.
It is completely normal to spend several months before starting to get used to a new life. In my case, it was two years. You will have your highs when you think that you finally figured it out, and your lows when everything seems to be lost.
Take care of your mental health and well-being. In such situations, therapy is very helpful, as well as having a supportive circle of friends and a network of peers who have navigated similar challenges before.
It might be true that this new field is indeed not the right fit for you, but do not decide on it too hastily. Take into account all the challenges and stress that you have navigated so far. Acknowledge that you were not functioning at your full potential during the process of the scientific career switch, so you do not judge yourself too harshly. And, if after all, you’ve decided that it is not your cup of tea - well, that’s life. Don’t dwell on regrets and think about what the best next move is.
About Sci.STEPS
Sc.STEPS scientific mentoring program is designed to support scientists undertaking the challenging journey of changing scientific fields. By offering tailored mentorship, skill enhancement, networking opportunities, peer support, and a commitment to continuous learning, sci.STEPS empowers scientists to navigate successful transitions and thrive in their evolving scientific careers . Our experienced mentors will work closely with participants in a systematic long-term program or during short targeted consultations, helping them assess their research interests, strengths, and goals.