Don’t follow in the footsteps of your idols. Create your own career path inspired by their work, says Sofia Otero.

Contributor Sofía Otero 

In the 1880’s Nikola Tesla moved to New York City to work with his idol, Thomas Alva Edison, the inventor of the phonograph and the founder of Edison Electric (the future General Electric) on his ideas for alternating current systems. He believed that together they could illuminate the world. Unfortunately, Edison didn’t recognize Tesla’s talent and, since he believed that Tesla’s alternating current threatened Edison’s investment in his inefficient continuous current, he started a campaign to discredit his new adversary.

Idols are not necessarily as we imagine them: their outstanding achievements may not match an outstanding personality. Even so, they might have pioneered discoveries in their fields and are an inspiration for young scientists, attracting them to their laboratories in search of an opportunity to share their knowledge and foresight. Fingers crossed then, that your hero will mentor you and help you grow as a scientist, creating a relationship that will be fruitful for many years. However, don’t worry if for whatever reason this is not the case: be inspired by your boss but make your own decisions and become a leader. Continue reading →