Federica Begalli asked herself five questions to get to the heart of what really mattered to her about her chosen career. Perhaps you could try it too…?
What was your dream job when you were growing up? Mine was to wear a white lab coat and be surrounded by flasks brimming with coloured solutions. I am Federica Begalli, and I am a Lecturer in Endocrinology at Queen Mary University, Barts and the London Medical School.
My dream was to be a scientist but, when I was choosing my university degree, I also considered medicine, as I am drawn to building and fixing things. But my interest in tumour biology compelled me to go for my dream – white(ish) lab coat and all.
After a BSc in biotechnology and an MSc in medical, molecular and cellular biotechnology, working on medulloblastoma and glioblastoma, I wanted a more translational approach to science. I completed a PhD in biomedical technologies in clinical medicine. This took me from Rome, Italy, to Imperial College London, where I spent over a year working on colon cancer. Then I stayed for a post-doc on therapeutic approaches in diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
'Despite a plethora of crazy ideas, I am practical to the core and, knowing how tough academia can be, I found myself wondering if it was ‘a game worth playing’ (as we say in Italian).'
This experience suggested that perhaps I could have it all – combine fundamental research with medicine. In endocrinology, I found what I was looking for.
My second post-doc at Queen Mary University of London, in the lab of Professor Márta Korbonits, sparked my love for the field, and I’m grateful to (or ‘blame’, depending on your point of view!) Professors Korbonits and Ashley Grossman for their passion, lively discussions and dedication, which they have managed to infuse me with. I am particularly grateful to have found a friend and a mentor in Professor Korbonits, who always listens to my craziest ideas (and trust me, I have plenty).
Being a Lecturer in Endocrinology means I get to teach and conduct research in endocrine tumour biology, with a particular focus on translational applications – and that dream job is everything I imagined it would be and more.
But how can you tell if your job is ‘the one’ for you? Despite a plethora of crazy ideas, I am practical to the core and, knowing how tough academia can be, I found myself wondering if it was ‘a game worth playing’ (as we say in Italian). As a scientist, I defaulted to making lists and setting thresholds.
Every journey is different, but there are five questions everyone should ask before stepping into this world.
THE FIVE QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK
1. Do I really love research to a point that I am willing to make sacrifices?
I waivered a bit here. You might be thinking, ‘It’s just the first question!’ – but it’s the hardest and most important. For me, the answer was yes. This journey is not a dream anymore, and the road is steep. Imagine yourself tyre flipping for a few years. (Full disclosure: I’m Italian, so perhaps I am being overly dramatic.)
2. What am I willing to sacrifice for my dream job?
I love travelling, nights out with friends, eating and drinking (particularly keen on the eating). Moving to London meant tough choices: leaving my family in Italy and asking my partner (now husband – surprisingly, he stuck around) and friends to stand by me while I spent 15-hour days in the lab.
3. What am I NOT willing to sacrifice for my dream job?
I’m willing to sacrifice a lot to achieve my goals, but not my integrity. Setting limits allows me to stay true to who I am. For example, living too far from my family – for instance in the USA – was not an option for me. Also, my priorities changed over time. Meeting incredible colleagues made me realise I would not compromise on the work environment; supportive colleagues became one of my priorities.
4. What is that you really, really love in your job?
Over the years, I have realised that I love teaching and supervising. I enjoy the challenges students bring, the discussions and the questions they ask. Seeing them succeed is deeply rewarding (although I do sneak into the lab when I miss working at the bench). You don’t have to rush up the academic ladder. Once you know what you want, go for a job where you’re more likely to get it.
5. What are you missing that you need to get ‘The Job’?
'Meeting incredible colleagues made me realise I would not compromise on the work environment; supportive colleagues became one of my priorities.'
My PhD and post-docs gave me a lot, but not everything I needed to qualify for this job. Once you know what ‘The Job’ is for you, figure out what you’re missing – and go get it! Start preparing at least 6 months in advance, do not wait until it’s too late. I obtained my teaching fellowship years before I started job hunting.
If it sounds tough, that’s because it is. But it’s worth it. I love my job. I love my colleagues, and while I’m still working on finding my balance (occasionally I still feel like an elephant on a tightrope), I can unequivocally say that I am happy.
AND ABOUT THOSE QUESTIONS…
It’s OK if you get them wrong. It’s OK to change your mind. I worked in many different fields and, through trial and error, I discovered what I truly enjoy. You cannot go into science expecting everything to be perfect. Failure is part of the process; you can’t avoid it. What matters most is that you worked hard, you did your best, you did what you think is right, so you can be proud of yourself – regardless of the results.
FEDERICA BEGALLI
Lecturer in Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry
