Things to improve on:
- Confidence in interview settings. I try too much to please people and say what I think they want to hear. I should instead be clear what I stand for and what I don’t, and argue clearly. It should not be that easy to rattle me.
- Expressing my value clearly. Here there is something I don’t understand. Obviously my work has immense value, as seen by citations, invitation to give talks, and in almost every conference I meet someone who thanks me for my work. On the other hand, it does not seem to translate to the bottom line of a physics department?
- Expressing my long-term vision clearly. I need to more clearly articulate how my approach differentiates from other’s use of AI and data science, and the long-term perspectives. I have to express this with high level language and not be too excited about explaining technical details.
- Accepted funding proposals for a track record of self-sufficiency. However, two interview panels gave me feedback that they are not worried, and that I would be able to acquire sustained funding once hired.
- Prizes and awards. I am not a fan of accolades and do not even want to think about being on a stage receiving an award. That said, it is a way for the community to recognize a person. The approach of encouraging others to suggest me for an award is really against my nature.
- Handling rejections. Part of writing funding proposals or applying for a position is getting excited about the prospect, seeing opportunities, which vanish with a rejection letter, no matter how politely it is formulated. I should take it better, as a positive that I tried and put myself out there, and grow a thicker skin. I think I am improving on this already.
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