“NYSF introduces science to people but did more than that - it guided people. Your path may not be what you think it might be - but it will be extraordinary"
It was a great turn-out for our new-look NYSF Connect Alumni event hosted by @LMA in Melbourne and @UQ in Brisbane. This reinvigorated format enabled us to re-engage our expansive NYSF alumni network, connecting with partner organisations and scientists through informal panel discussions – ranging from imposter syndrome, early career setbacks, being open to unexpected opportunities and the importance of networking.
We would like to thank Lockheed Martin Australia for hosting us at their Research and Development Lab (STELaRLab), for their commitment to NYSF and for the warm welcome by STELaRLab Director – Dr Tony Lindsay who offered sage advice to alumni when contemplating the agile nature of future STEM careers.
“You will have the tools for whatever you turn your mind to. Don’t define yourself by one thing and surround yourself with diverse people.”
Since establishment of a third session of the flagship Year 12 Program, The University of Queensland has hosted students at St Lucia campus. We would like to thank UQ for hosting the alumni event combined with the Brisbane launch of the 2020 Year 12 Program. Current Provost and Senior Vice-President - Professor Aidan Byrne was a PhD candidate offering student-tours in his lab when NYSF was in its third year. Reflecting on this experience, Aidan spoke on the impact the program has on participants.
“NYSF introduces science to people but did more than that - it guided people. Your path may not be what you think it might be - but it will be extraordinary”
Inspiring Australia’s hashtag theme #thisismylab panel discussions highlighted the diversity of STEM career pathways punctuated by the varied panellists. Through personal stories of STEM career development, alumni audience members were treated to offerings of wisdom, insight, optimism - careers can lead into unexpected directions. Following the discussion, alumni were invited to ask questions to the panellists.
“There are jobs emerging that we can’t even imagine, and it is hard to see how training or previous experience fits or for early alumni – what should you be doing now to snag that dream job down the track”
– Chief Executive Officer, NYSF Melanie Bagg
Imposter syndrome can occur at any stage, panellists spoke on overcoming hesitation in pursuing ambition and the importance of seeking mentors to grow capabilities.
“Women have a tendency to underestimate what they can do. Never let yourself stop yourself – just go for it.”
- Professor Sally-Ann Poulsen, Professor of Chemistry and Acting Deputy Director, Griffith University (NYSF alumna 1986)
“Positive self-talk and a strong network is important. Have mentors. As women go into science, we are just as capable and just as smart.”
- Kate Smith, Australian Synchrotron (NYSF alumna 2011)
Careers aren’t linear, there is value in not defining what is a successful career path - uncertainty and setbacks part of the process of growing as a skilled person in a future STEM workforce.
“I thought I was going to do an environmental science or biology and now I’m doing engineering. Be willing to challenge yourself and be open to opportunities.”
- Elena Vella, PhD candidate STELaRLab, Lockheed Martin Australia
“Volunteer for a lot of things and don’t be too disappointed by setbacks and nos. One ‘no’ doesn’t stop anything it might just push you in a different direction”
- Nate Byrne, Meteorologist & Oceanographer, ABC weather presenter (NYSF alumnus 2001)
“Never let yourself stop yourself – just go for it. The worst thing that can happen is you get a rejection.”
Melody Dobrinin, an NYSF alumna 2008 obtained Master of Philosophy enjoying career success before changing to food science, founding a nutrition education business.
Panellists discussed the value of inclusive workplaces illustrating the saying ‘You can’t be what you can’t see”.
“When I came to STELaRLab and saw women working and having babies, it was really encouraging”
- Elena Vella, PhD candidate STELaRLab, Lockheed Martin Australia
“Families and babies need to be catered for, we need to look at things for the long term and request those rights”
- Richard Dickmann, Head of Government & Public Affairs, ANZ, Bayer
At conclusion of panel discussions in Brisbane, the 2020 Year 12 Program was launched by The University of Queensland Professor Aidan Byrne and NYSF Board member - Professor Sally-Ann Poulsen. In attendance, 2020 participants shared in excitement of the coming program. Following this was an informal mingle and networking opportunity with NYSF partners, panellists and fellow alumni.
With the first year of the newly forged Connect Alumni event format done, we hope the networking and conversations that have started, continue into the future
