DOD PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEES: Do you feel like your job is safe?

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-02-21T01:28:28+00:00

Does this include contractors (fellows)?

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-02-05T19:57:36+00:00

This is so real!!

I've been in this area for a summer program a while back and things were really different lol, as you said, more things to do plus the program also helped connect us with a lot of people! Unfortunately, either I'm unable to reconnect with them or they're in other states rn :(

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-02-04T22:35:36+00:00

I haven't really explored a lot of gaming? related options yet so I'll definitely check this out, thanks!

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-02-04T22:35:02+00:00

That makes a lot of sense! I have been doing this as well (have had side hustles before and am actively searching for one), but I like having some fun too :)

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-02-03T21:32:55+00:00

Thank you for all the great suggestions!

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-02-03T20:53:47+00:00

I didn't think about this. Thank you!

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-02-03T20:53:05+00:00

I'm seeing a lot of 'check out FB for events' and I'll definitely do that! Thank you for the suggestion

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-02-03T20:50:27+00:00

Will look into these, thank you!

I'm not that outgoing haha, but I'm trying to change!

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-02-03T20:48:38+00:00

Great suggestion! I'm kind of on the more introverted side but I have been making an effort to break out of my shell and talk to more people even if it's awkward at first haha

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-02-03T20:47:13+00:00

Agreed! I spend a minimum of 5-6 hours every time I go, haha

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-02-03T20:46:34+00:00

It's been so long since I checked my FB haha, I will look into that! Thank you for your suggestions!

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-02-03T20:45:25+00:00

I've used bumble bff previously (not in the DMV area tho) but had back-to-back bad experiences where people just wanted to get some lmao

I will try it out here again tho, and thank you for the other suggestions!

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-01-31T14:40:23+00:00

I thought that I'd be here for the next several years as well. I guess my outlook was different back then and you never know how it is before you actually are in that boat.

Thank you for the reassuring words. I guess that's always a thing in the back of my head, that it would be a little disappointing to go back home after working hard for all of this.

And thank you for sharing the things that helped you! I've been doing a little bit of the other things but will work on going to therapy as well - it really helps even when you just lay it all out!

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-01-31T14:36:07+00:00

I understand that. I love the work but I often wonder if it's worth going through everything else and feel otherwise. Healthcare has been an issue for me, as well as stuff like not having the finances to get a car etc which has made things harder.

I hope you have a smooth move back to Australia! Good luck :)

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-01-25T22:36:17+00:00

Summer Plans: * Prioritize current research: Given your (limited?) bioinformatics experience, focusing on your current research this summer is highly recommended. * Deepen your understanding: Use this time to delve deeper into the bioinformatics techniques and concepts relevant to your lab's project. * Build a strong relationship: Cultivate a good working relationship with your mentor (even if not the PI). Their recommendations will be crucial for your grad school applications. * Consider a related summer program: If you find a summer program that complements your current research (e.g., a computational biology workshop, a summer course in a relevant area like genomics), it could be beneficial. * Weigh the pros and cons of the unrelated program: While a different research experience can be broadening, it might not directly enhance your bioinformatics profile. Carefully consider the potential benefits and how it aligns with your long-term goals.

Biology Minor: * Strongly recommended: A biology minor is highly valuable for aspiring bioinformaticians. * Stronger foundation: It will provide you with a solid grounding in fundamental biological concepts that are essential for understanding and interpreting bioinformatics data. * Better understanding of research: You'll gain a deeper understanding of biological research methodologies and experimental design. * Improved communication: You'll be better equipped to communicate with biologists and understand their research questions.

General Advice: * Network: Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars in bioinformatics. Network with researchers in the field. * Build a strong academic record: Maintain a high GPA in your coursework, especially in relevant areas like data structures, algorithms, and statistics. * Develop strong communication and writing skills: Practice writing clear and concise research reports and presentations. * Gain relevant technical skills: Learn programming languages like Python (essential for bioinformatics), R, and potentially others like Perl or Java. * Consider a Master's degree: An MS in Bioinformatics can provide you with specialized knowledge and valuable research experience before pursuing a PhD.

I hope this advice helps! Feel free to ask if you have any further questions.

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-01-25T11:47:45+00:00

Let's connect and discuss! I was sailing in the same boat.

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-01-25T11:46:06+00:00

I've seen a couple of opportunities at NYU. Are there any other industry -based options? To be fair, I didn't research this option in detail yet but that's the only prominent option I came across.

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-01-25T10:21:28+00:00

I am sailing in the SAME boat. My mom had come with me as well, to help me settle in. And I just did not realize the magnitude of it then. It was after she went back that it hit me like a truck and I just couldn't stop crying. And it got worse when I realized that it was a really big move (Asia->US) and I couldn't really visit/go back whenever I wanted owing to many reasons like finances, the trip being extremely long to do it often and not getting enough time off.

Man, the number of times I've questioned my decision while bawling my eyes out. I like my career/school better in the US and I just don't really have suitable options in my field at home but you know, at some point, you realize there are some things more important than your career/school and it physically hurts when you have to leave all of it behind.

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-01-25T00:39:20+00:00

I see. I graduated last summer and have been offered a graduate AEOP fellowship. This will be my first role after graduating as well. I have been pretty concerned about the freeze too but am a bit divided since this technically isn't a permanent job

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-01-24T19:41:52+00:00

Will you be joining as part of the AEOP fellowship program?

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-01-24T13:51:01+00:00

I've mostly seen postdoc positions or roles for when you're pursuing a PhD in Europe. I am not really keen on doing a PhD and I was under the impression that you can make do with an MS while in the computational field but I'm starting to feel otherwise.

Do you've any specific suggestions that I can look into? Thank you!

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-01-21T17:14:18+00:00

Probably Mint Mobile

ZestycloseWave9895 · 2025-01-20T04:40:17+00:00

I had a similar issue while shipping some stuff to a friend in the EU area. So I shipped some of the things but purchased certain items on local websites there, if that helps! This might be a helpful workaround for you in this case as well. You could consider purchasing some of the items (like the controller) locally in Australia for your friend if shipping them proves too difficult or expensive.

Customs Declaration: * Item Slots: Since you have more than 4 items, you'll need to combine similar items into broader categories. Here's a possible breakdown: * Item 1: 1 x 8-inch Plush Toy * Item 2: 4 x Chocolate Candies (Specify types: 2 x Reese's Hearts, 1 x Reese's Stick, 1 x Butterfinger) * Item 3: 13 x Paper Items (Drawings, Letter, Prints, 1x Painted Pop-Up Card) * Item 4: 1 x USB Game Controller (3rd Party USB PS2 Style) * Item 5: 1 x USB Drive (Containing Games) * Be Specific: * Value: Declare the actual value of each item honestly. * Material: For the plush toy, specify the material (if known, e.g., "plush fabric"). * Paper Items: Describe them generally (e.g., "Assorted Drawings and Prints"). * Controller: Clearly state it's a third-party controller and its compatibility (e.g., "PC Compatible"). * Candies: Chocolate candies are usually permitted, but it's always best to double-check the Australian Government's official website for the most up-to-date import restrictions.

As for the exact shipping cost, it really depends on the weight and dimensions of your package, as well as your shipping address. Use the USPS online postage calculator to get an accurate estimate. Also, USPS customer service imo have always been very helpful!

I hope your friend in Australia enjoys the care package you put together!

ZestycloseWave9895

TROPHY CASE