Out of the Lab, Into the Light

The journey from student to professional involves navigating a complex set of philosophical and practical dilemmas (e.g. grad school vs workforce, academic vs industrial institution, more pay vs more play). This transition has many potential avenues to success, with an equal number of pitfalls to failure along the way. Having the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others is invaluable and should be accepted with an open mind, but not without critical thought as to how it might affect personal priorities. Expectations of the post-COVID society will be discussed, as well anecdotes of personal triumph and defeat will be shared to help guide the next generation “out of the lab and into the light”.