Beyond the academic herd: how to pursue opportunity


Spread the love

Years ago, during my grad school interviews, the late Seymour Benzer told me that I would be forced to decide in grad school whether I would “run with the herd,” or instead become one of the few scientists who would be comfortable operating more independently. That succinct statement encompassed all of his advice to me—a clear yet puzzling challenge. I have reflected on this comment during and beyond grad school. In my roles in industry and as a consultant, this challenge has remained relevant. There are rewards and challenges to delving into the unknown and working independently.