At ten years old, I declared, “I want to be an accountant.” By eighteen, I had decided to pursue a career in forensics, medical research, or academia.
I could do anything I wanted. All I needed to do was pick a school, pick a program, and I’d certainly be on the right path. But even at eighteen, before I even really knew myself, something inside me drove me to “keep my options open.” While it is impossible to count the number of careers that I’ve considered over the years, there’s one place I never thought I’d find myself – the political arena.
So how did I become a Parliamentary Research Assistant?
This certainly seems like a mismatched career for a Molecular Biology and Genetics major with a Microbiology minor. As a scientist, I love the laboratory, and I love research. But there came a time when I wanted to do something different. I wholeheartedly pursued a career working with post-secondary students. I spent years building the necessary skills to do this kind of work. And then, unexpectedly, I found myself urgently looking for a new role.
As I searched and reviewed job ads, I came across an interesting position: Parliamentary Research Assistant. I applied and started my new role after successfully navigating the selection process.
But why did they hire me?
They hired me because of the valuable work experience and education I had acquired over the years. As a lifelong learner, I had been “keeping my options open.” After completing my Master of Science in Biology, I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, and a Diploma in Sustainability. I had developed a skillset and knowledge base that made me a unique and competitive candidate who stood out among other qualified candidates.
I had been honing my research skills for years. I had been advancing desirable transferable skills including critical thinking, effective communication, project management, and time management. All these skills are important in the role of Parliamentary Research Assistant.
But why a biologist? Why pure science and not political science?
Good policy is evidence-based and grounded in ethical science. So, policymakers and scientists must work together!
The work of the team I joined centres around policies related to environmental protection and sustainability. So, as a biologist with expertise in sustainability, I am a great fit for the work we do. Indeed, evidence-based policy is essential if we hope to tackle the climate, biodiversity, and environmental crises of our generation.
Connecting scientists with policymakers
It is vital that we improve and advance scientific advice for decision-making. We must bring scientific and political communities together and we must prepare scientists for this type of work. It is imperative that scientists receive education and training in public policy and advisement. This is how we can strengthen science for policy.
But I never received any policy related training.
So seriously, how did I get here and why can I do the job?
I believe that the breadth and depth of my educational background and work history make me good at what I do. I am an experienced researcher and scientist who can also offer an interdisciplinary perspective. And at the heart of everything I do is the scientific method.
However, I would not be a Parliamentary Research Assistant if I had not applied for the position. Thus, the way I approached my career brought me here. I never limited myself. I never stopped learning. I never stopped dreaming. I kept my options open, diversified my skillset, and expanded my knowledge base. I volunteered, took career risks, and stepped outside my comfort zone.
Where do I go from here?
I still can’t tell you what I want to be when I grow up, but I can tell you this.
I have no regrets. I value my unique career path and know that it means I have a lot to offer employers. While I am not sure what the next stop on my career journey will be, I am certain of one thing. No matter where I go, I can meaningfully contribute to making this world a better place.
Remember your options are boundless. Science has a place beyond the laboratory! Don’t be afraid to keep asking yourself, “what do I want to be when I grow up?” The answers you find may surprise even you.
About the Author
Cheryl Soullière is an avid amateur birder who holds a MSc, a honours BSc, a BA, and a Diploma in Sustainability. She is an accomplished biologist and experienced researcher with expertise in sustainability and learning and development.
SCIFAA 