Source: Fieda Berg
"Stay curious!"
Do you already know which career path is right for you? Do you know how to get there and which steps are up next? The BAM career fireside chats series invite alumni and other partners of BAM to an informal chat focusing on their career paths. Developed for BAM’s early career scientists, this series aims to help PhD students and postdocs figure out which career path would be best suited for them. We invite a wide range of professionals from different sectors, including science, industry and the public sector. Additionally, we aim to include different professional backgrounds. We ask our guests about their experiences and invite the audience to ask questions.
Jun-Prof. Dr. Cui Wang, you did your doctorate at BAM and then decided to pursue a career in a university environment. Today, you head a research group at the Osnabrück University that deals with the molecular design, synthesis and optical characterization of luminescent transition metal complexes. Was it a conscious decision to go into research rather than industry?
I started to think about staying in academia in my second PhD year, because I realized that research is very interesting to me, but also very challenging. I enjoy the process of finding and solving problems, and this makes me more proficient in my fields. Meanwhile, I got some positive feedback for my efforts, as reflected by the publications, which in turn motivates me further. After finishing my doctoral study, I was very determined to stay in academia, because I knew that is where my passion, interest, and motivation lie.
What special memory/experience did you have as a doctoral student at BAM?
Well, the whole doctoral study at BAM was already a very special and memorable experience in my life, because that is where I started with research. Specifically, I have felt myself very lucky to work in the group of Dr. Ute Resch-Genger, who was very supportive to me during my whole doctoral phase and gave me a lot of freedom to study what I was interested in. I could also develop deep friendships with a few BAM colleges, who offered a lot scientific and mental support whenever I needed.
Do you have any career advice for young scientists?
Work hard for what you want. Never pass any chance that is meaningful to you, even if you think you are not prepared for it.
Are you a former BAM researcher? Did you work at BAM while pursuing your Ph.D.? Did you partner with BAM on a research project?
Stay in touch with BAM by joining the Alumni@BAM network! Simply register online here.