Great posts by DrugMonkey and Dr. Free-Ride (part I and II).
It reminds me of a bit of advice given to a fellow postdoc by Dr. Richard Hynes - try to attend every seminar. I would also add that in my comparatively short science career I have found that conferences are great as well. You meet people, people meet you, you learn, you communicate, and you develop this type of long distance acquaintance. Over the years as a grad student I got to know quite a few of my peers in the cytoskeleton community, only to jump ship and enter the RNA community. Although I haven't been going to many conferences, I've manage to build one here at Harvard, and I've managed to meet most of my peers in this field.
I think that in a way, scientists are spoiled. Most PIs are quite nice, open minded and willing to give advice to younger scientists they meet. You can talk to these senior scientists not only about science but about your career, past events in the field and other related topics (even politics is a relatively safe topic in the basic sciences especially the goings on with NIH funding). But if you think that going to a seminar or going to lunch with the speaker is a waste, think again. These are part of your fringe benefits - enjoy them and use them, not only for "careerism" but as a genuine learning tool.
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Meeting people is nice.
I've never known a "PI", myself included, who has ever refused a drink in a bar.
"But if you think that going to a seminar or going to lunch with the speaker is a waste, think again."
Sharing ideas and knowledges are the best during relaxing periods such as lunch time, tea time & etc.
In my opinion, young scientists should not be self centered. They have to be sociable and adaptive to various environment.
yes. i just got back from a meeting myself and you know what it confirmed for me? that i love, love, love talking about science.
also, biologists are freaking adorable at the dance party.