Source: Madlen Chao
"Go to as many conferences as possible to gather important contacts for your future career."
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.
Dr Madlen Chao, what did you study and what fascinated you about it?
I studied chemistry at the University of Potsdam. The subject of chemistry has fascinated me since the 7th grade because of the chemical reactions in which a completely new product with new properties is created from two reactants. Since then, it was clear to me that I wanted to work in this field later on.
What special memory/experience as a research assistant at BAM did you take with you?
During my time as a research assistant at BAM, I particularly appreciated the interdisciplinary cooperation and the exchange with other departments. I have special memories of the LIBS conference in Pisa and the meetings of the GdCh working group on process analytics, where important contacts could be made.
Do you have any career advice for young scientists?
Go to as many conferences as possible to gather important contacts for your future career as well as to learn about possible job opportunities. Network via platforms such as LinkedIn or Xing. Use your doctoral period at BAM to acquire useful additional qualifications.
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.