Career paths are not always straightforward. Choosing a scientific vocation can involve challenging and unanticipated decisions, often with no tour guide to follow. Some scientists may hop from the lab bench into industry while others progress up the academic research ladder. Others decide to leave research behind and explore science communication,  teaching, setting up their own business or working in technical roles outside of the lab. 

While a love of science can lead to varied and fulfilling careers, it may be lonely trying to evaluate the next step to take. Recently, initiatives such as “This is what a scientist looks like” and the #IamScience discussions, have shone a bright light on scientific career trajectories. In our latest Soapbox Science series, we focus on some interesting examples of scientific career transitions. We will hear from different contributors, all of whom use their scientific background in their current jobs, asking each of them the same questions: how did you decide on your career path, what are your motivations, and what does the future hold?

In this post Asha Tanna talks about her transition from writing into science.

Asha Tanna has been a broadcast journalist and television presenter for more than 13 years, covering everything from news and entertainment; to politics and sport. In 2010, she decided to go back to university to re-train as a Primatologist (monkeys and apes). In September 2012 she will start her new job as Science Reporter for Channel 4 News. You can keep updated on Asha’s latest field trip to Uganda in her blog, whogivesamonkeys, where she posts once a week about day-to-day life in camp and in the forest. In her spare time she enjoys scuba diving, playing the piano, running and cooking. You can find her on Twitter @whogivesamonkey. Continue reading →