This week, I focused on numerous important tasks in my Independent Study and Mentorship Class. First, I completed my digital portfolio, which will serve as my database for storing and organizing all the information I gather throughout the year with my mentor. While working on the portfolio, I gained valuable insights into design principles and how to present myself professionally.
I also created my resume and carefully proofread it multiple times. It's crucial that my resume is well-organized, easy to read, and completely free of errors since it's the first thing potential mentors will see.
I also finalized my set of interview questions to ask potential mentors. I initially struggled to come up with questions because I wanted them to be more insightful than the standard ones readily available online. To overcome this challenge, I thought about the unanswered questions I have about the cosmos and realized I was eager to know the opinions of professionals on these matters. Next thing I know, I have come up with over a dozen questions instantly.
Additionally, I completed my first research assignment for the ISM program, where I explored the education requirements, experiences, and essential skills needed to pursue a career in astrophysics. This assignment gave me a clearer roadmap for my next few years and a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in this field.
Now that I've prepared the necessary tools for networking, my next step is to identify potential mentors. My goal is to discover at least three potential mentors by next week. To achieve this, I plan to research the astrophysics faculty members at nearby universities and also read their research papers. Reading their research papers will not only help me learn more about astrophysics but also allow me to assess if their work aligns with my interests.
Comments