Aaron Grade, PhD
Career Coach
Science Policy | Climate Science | Science Communication | Scientific Assessments
My Coaching Approach
In our sessions I balance nuts-and-bolts strategy and realistic goal-setting with deep self-reflection. To map out how to get to where you want to go, we need to dig into and even challenge your assumptions about what life would be like if you did achieve your current goals. I coach the whole person, and I want to make sure that this process instills you with more self-confidence, and ensures that if your career journey throws you a curveball (which it often does), you can return to your fundamental values as well as your interests and skills to chart a new and rewarding course.
You’ll also walk away from our sessions with practical job search and personal branding skills to hone over time, which will allow you to stand out from other candidates in this competitive environment. I want you to come across in your applications and interviews as the unique person you are, and not just another resume and list of accomplishments. I want them to SEE you on their team, complementing their colleagues’ skills and personalities.
Reach out for an inquiry session to chat with me about how I can empower you on your career journey!
About Me
Like many in science, I’ve had quite the windy road from a student and then researcher focused on conserving urban nature and fauna to working as a fellow and then consultant on federal science policy and communication. Na
Navigating this path when neither of my parents had college degrees, let alone backgrounds in science, was the ultimate “Do It Yourself” task, and I learned and grew along the way. Luckily, the journey was truly an adventure: from living at a remote field site in the mountains where we camped out for several months to being dressed in my best suit having lunch with the President’s Science Advisor in the White House Navy Mess, across from the Situation Room! Science happens in both of those places, and it’s been an honor to experience that breadth of science impacts.
Through it all, mentors, trusted friends, and career coaches supported my personal growth and worked with me to reflect on what my core values and personal mission were as I deviated from the normal scientific researcher path in science program management, policy, and communication. I faced loads of setbacks, challenges, and wins. And through it all I gained knowledge and wisdom, as well as empathy for those who have to navigate science education and careers, especially with no legacy family knowledge. I’m excited to have the opportunity to support your career growth as a scientist in this turbulent time! I believe that everyone brings their unique persona to the table, and there are often fulfilling opportunities where you least expect them.
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▶️ Watch my interview on the Diverse Routes Podcast, where I share my STEM career path and how it shaped my approach to career coaching. If my journey or approach aligns with the kind of support you’re looking for, I’d love to meet you!