Career directions. Real-world guidance from successful biomedical professionals

Talking to employers and successful biomedical professionals reveals a profile of traits in common. Successful biomedical professionals exhibit a desire to excel and a willingness to work hard. They push beyond personal comfort zones to identify weaknesses and build skills that may not come easily. Whether on the job or in the classroom, they are always learning. Short-term sacrifices are endured for the long-term payoffs provided by academic degrees and certification. Successful biomedical professionals challenge assumptions, especially their own, in order to advance their careers. When it comes to important career decisions, they solicit advice and do research. Ultimately, however, the decisions they make must be in accord with their own internal guidance systems. Career management is important to get right. Aside from the financial security and emotional satisfaction provided by career choices, there is the practical matter that, in a sense, the journey lasts a lifetime.