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Story by Dr. Evgeniya Vorobyeva
I went to the Moscow State University (MSU), Moscow, Russia, to the chemistry department. Five years of non-stop learning between the classroom, practicum, and lab work. I had a great thesis supervisor. She taught me how to ask the right questions and set up the right experiments to get the answers. She had an amazing ability to make a fine dining dish out of the mush of my results - she showed me how to structure information and create a logical presentation. She was not only my supervisor, she was my mentor at that moment. I shared with her my fears about relocation, and she encouraged and supported me. She also encouraged me to send my resume to several professors who run research groups where I could continue my research career as a graduate student.
By the middle of my fifth year I already had a clear idea of my relocation strategy: my CV and motivation letters were ready, I was practicing my English and German with my teachers - thanks to my dad for this opportunity.
Unfortunately, none of my letters got a positive answer: either my own funding was needed or my experience was not suitable. Most of my letters have not been answered at all. When I shared my failures with a senior colleague from the lab, he asked me about a professor from Zurich and if I had sent him an application. I looked - he was not on my list. I had somehow bypassed Switzerland when I was considering countries to move to. I remember very well the emotions of that moment - I will send a letter, one more one less, what difference does it make... But this professor from Zurich answered me in 20 minutes - and invited me for an interview: they had a job opening just on my scientific topic! My second interview ended with an invitation to graduate school, and I jumped to the ceiling - wow, that "one more one less" letter was decisive.
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About Sci.STEPS
Are you a scientist seeking to work on your education and career? Sci.STEPS scientific mentorship program offers valuable insights and guidance from experts all over the world in the form of long-term structured guidance or targeted short consultations. From refining your research skills to navigating the complex world of academia and industry, the program is designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence needed to excel in your scientific journey.
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