Today's guest post is from Zeal Jinwala, Computational Biology PhD student in the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis.

I began my scientific training as an undergraduate student and then went on to work full-time for three years, gaining additional experience before returning to school to pursue doctoral training. This academic journey not only broadened the breadth and depth of my research experiences, but also taught me some invaluable lessons for navigating a rigorous fast-paced workplace. 

As I approach the end of my first year of graduate school, I have come to realize that the value of doctoral training extends beyond deep technical expertise, a publication record, or a 100-page thesis document. It is a time to learn to practice agency: think creatively but also critically, communicate articulately, manage people, and navigate uncertainty. Beyond its routine cadence, a PhD program can also be a platform to help develop relational intelligence, build influence, and explore diverse career pathways, especially in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. Balancing these efforts alongside research is not always straightforward, but I feel that approaching academic growth and career development as connected rather than competing priorities can help me carry my training beyond graduate school and into positions of meaningful leadership and influence.

As a first-generation student, I’m only beginning to realize that pursuing a PhD is both intellectually demanding and deeply personal. The drive that brings us all to this work often comes from a uniquely deep sense of purpose. While many of us trainees share common experiences—long hours in the lab, experiments or analyses that do not always go as planned, and the pressure to contribute meaningful research—our paths are shaped by different research questions, mentors, lab environments, and opportunities. Despite our different paths, research naturally becomes the center of daily life in graduate school, and it can be easy to lose sight of long-term professional growth and broader purpose amid day-to-day demands. 

Despite being in the early stages of graduate training, I have found myself reflecting on the many experiences that have shaped my path so far. The in-between periods of slow progress, unexpected setbacks, and conversations with mentors and peers have all contributed invaluably to my growth. They have reinforced the importance of intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and taking ownership of one’s path. Looking back, there are some insights that have been most influential in shaping my journey so far and ones I hope will continue to guide me forward. 

The low-hanging fruit
Early in graduate school, it is easy to think of coursework, the qualifying exam, and the thesis proposal as requirements to complete off a list. I have started to look at them differently. My prior experiences have helped me approach them with a growth mindset, reshaping them as opportunities to build confidence through repetition and experience, rather than boxes to check. These milestones allow me to practice managing time, thinking critically, communicating clearly, and defending ideas. 

Learning to “manage up”
For me, one of the biggest adjustments in graduate school has been realizing how much ownership it demands. You are expected to own your project fully, from ideation to experimentation to presentation. Progress often depends on communicating clearly with your advisor, managing both your and their time, asking for feedback, setting expectations, and being proactive about identifying what support you need. Managing up involves aligning goals with your advisor’s and understanding different communication styles. Learning to “manage up” has helped me to become more intentional about building meaningful trusting relationships and to reflect on how I would navigate a future workplace.

Learning from the wise

Some of the most useful lessons I have learned in my previous roles have come from informal conversations with peers and senior trainees. For example, in pursuit of an ideal thesis lab, I met with students in my program. Hearing how others navigated uncertainty, made decisions, and approached opportunities, ultimately helped me find the right thesis lab and prepared me to discuss my long-term goals with my thesis mentor, making career development feel more tangible. Often, understanding someone else’s journey offers a level of practical insight and relatability that formal advice does not.

Make career conversations part of everyday life
I have found that career exploration does not always need to happen through formal events or workshops. Using LinkedIn or other career-focused platforms to connect with professionals across industries can offer first-hand insight into different roles, workplace cultures, and required skills, making career decisions more informed and intentional. Sometimes simply asking, “how did you get where you are?” can start a meaningful conversation. These small, regular discussions have broadened my understanding of the different directions a PhD can lead.

The grad school wishlist
One habit that has been helpful for me is maintaining a running list of opportunities beyond the lab. This contains all the conferences I would like to attend as well as funding opportunities and professional development programs I can apply to. These opportunities can be easy to overlook when research becomes all-consuming. Writing them down has helped me stay organized and be more intentional about pursuing them.

Leadership on the go
Getting involved in activities outside the lab, such as my program’s student advisory committee, has given me a broader perspective on how organizational dynamics come into play when important decisions are being made. Through participation, I can gain a closer understanding of how leadership and collaboration are practiced in often conflicted administrative and managerial environments—skills that are broadly applicable beyond academic contexts.

The bigger picture
Research often requires focusing deeply on narrow questions. At the same time, I think it is important to step back and ask what broader scientific or global problems are most pressing. Keeping that perspective allows me to connect  my day-to-day work with a larger sense of purpose; it reminds me why my work matters and helps me not lose sight of what comes next.

That said, I do want to acknowledge that no two paths will look the same. There is no perfect way to do it all. But the overarching idea is to take small steps to invest in your long-term goals. These efforts will compound into meaningful opportunities, greater clarity, and a stronger foundation for the future.

Guest posts are contributed by members of our community. The views expressed in guest posts are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily endorsed by the Genetics Society of America. If you'd like to write a guest post, e-mail communications@genetics-gsa.org.

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