THE KEYS: Unlocking Success in Academia
THE KEYS: Unlocking Success in Academia
Academia doesn’t come with a manual—but that doesn’t mean you have to navigate it alone. The Keys is a weekly blog offering practical strategies for academic success, from setting a strategic vision to managing time, setting boundaries, and building a fulfilling career.
I’ve been a researcher for over 20 years, but academia wasn’t a path I had modeled for me. My parents didn’t go to university; instead they forged careers in the construction and retail industries. I learned the unwritten rules through trial and error, and through the invaluable mentorship of colleagues who helped me find my way at every step of my career. Now, I want to pass that knowledge on to you. Whether you’re a graduate student, postdoc, or early-career faculty member, this space is here to help you navigate the knowns and unknowns of academia—so you can define success on your own terms.
More importantly, we’re not just finding the strategic keys to success in the ivory tower—we’re unlocking doors, redecorating, and making academia a more inclusive, sustainable, and welcoming place for everyone. Your academic home should reflect your values as well as your goals. Let’s build it together.
SCIENCE MEETS: Dr Jen Ryan
September 2021 marked 20 years for me as a principal investigator. Which means having a website - one that showcases the RyanLab science, shares our collective and individual experiences, and reflects on lessons learned - is probably long past due. But now, here we are! So why did it take so long?