1. What challenges did you encounter in the course of your 2-year MSCA fellowship?
During my 2-year MSCA fellowship, I faced the challenge of managing multiple tasks within a constrained timeframe. The fellowship involved around five weeks of project training, which was a significant time commitment. In addition to this, I had to balance my research activities, which included conducting experiments, preparing manuscripts, attending conferences, writing reports, and participating in meetings and workshops. This made me constantly feel pressed for time, leading me to believe that a longer project duration would have been more beneficial.
2. What were the most rewarding aspects of being a MSCA fellow in this IMPACT program?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an MSCA fellow in the IMPACT program was the comprehensive training I received. This included project management, effective work communication, and project presentation skills. Additionally, I gained valuable insights into fostering collaborations between research and industry that are mutually beneficial, as well as developing business cases based on my research topic. These experiences significantly enhanced my confidence in communication and presentation within the academic sphere.
3. In what way did the MSCA program (including the pitch of your business case) has helped or will help you in mapping out your next career path?
The MSCA program, particularly the experience of developing my business case, has significantly broadened my perspective. Learning to craft a business case grounded in my research topic has allowed me to view my work through a commercial lens. This shift in thinking has been instrumental in understanding how to apply my professional knowledge in industrial contexts and in exploring ways to monetize this knowledge. This experience has been vital in shaping my future career path.