How a Dozen Conversations Changed My Life
A personal story about navigating a career pivot through informational interviews and rediscovering purpose outside the lab by Ellen Dobson, PhD, GCDF.
After earning my Ph.D. in Microbiology in Vancouver, BC, and completing a postdoc in Paris, France, I found myself over a decade into a research career that had taken me far from home. Something deep inside me was pulling me back to Madison, Wisconsin - where I grew up. I was fortunate to land a second postdoc that brought me home. But once I arrived, I was hit with two major realizations: I did not want to move again for work, and I no longer wanted to stay in academic research long term.
With a background in studying bacterial pathogens, specialized training in microscopy, and new skills in computational image analysis, my original plan was to work at a microscopy core facility. But Madison did not offer many opportunities in that niche. So, I shifted gears and started reaching out to people working in science-adjacent roles at the University of Wisconsin. That’s when I began a series of informational interviews that changed everything.
I started by talking to people in scientific outreach, thinking it might be a natural fit. But with each conversation, I refined my understanding of what I did (and did not) want. I made a point to always ask each person: “Is there anyone else you think I should talk to?” That single question organically grew my network, without much heavy lifting on my part.
Eventually, after about a dozen conversations, I met with the Director of the campus postdoc office. She offered me a volunteer opportunity: help with one of two projects. I chose the one focused on developing career programs for postdocs. That was the moment it all clicked. It kept clicking from there: I had found my path.
That path, supporting early-career researchers in their professional development, was not one I could have predicted when I first started exploring. Informational interviews did not just help me discover a career that aligned with my values and strengths, they helped me rule out paths that were not the right fit. I also built genuine relationships along the way, one conversation at a time.
If you are feeling stuck or unsure, start with a conversation. Do not overthink it. Be curious. Be open. Ask questions. The goal is not to land a job, it is to learn. The job might come later, but the clarity can start now!
Written by Ellen Dobson, PhD, GCDF
Postdoctoral & Graduate Program Manager
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-dobson/
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Such a great post. I’ve changed focus in my career after realising that exploring, playing around, enabling others, and discovering new things makes me tick (as opposed to being a hyper competitive group leader).
Talking with others, working in different areas and roles have made me realise that. I surely recognise the great advice written in this thoughtful post!
So many valuable insights from Ellen Dobson. Informational interviews are such a powerful tool to grow your network and gain awareness of career paths that may align with your values. And I agree—don’t overthink, be curious, be open. Also critical: be detached from the outcome. This is the hardest part and definitely easier said than done. Thanks for sharing!