FYPC Podcast EP. 61: Dr. Nicole Tschierske, STEM Career Coach

Dr. Nicole Tschierske is a career expert with a passion for helping overlooked women in stem. As an action coach, she helps working women confidently unlock new opportunities for themselves, getting their employers to say, “we need you on this job!” As a scientist and career expert, Dr. Nicole supports her clients in strategically turning their career frustrations into a renewed love for their work.

Tune into my conversation with Dr. Nicole Tschierske to learn take charge of your career on Find Your Passion Career Podcast!

Qualified = Playbook + Potential

Let’s face it. In a perfect world, you might have the security to dramatically quit that job that makes you feel completely “bored-out.” Since most of us rely on that paycheck for rent, though, it makes sense to reclaim your career journey in baby steps.

“Your current role is a super nice and safe space to experiment and to learn and lean more into the things that you maybe want to be doing later,” said Dr. Nicole.

Feeling qualified begins with your potential and your passion according to Dr. Nicole. By building upon your skillset in areas you’re passionate about in your current company, you’ll gain a better understanding of your potential, all while keeping a steady income.

“If we don’t [take charge] we might wait forever and we might not like what we get,” said Dr. Nicole.

In your current position, there will always be opportunities to take up a new project or tap into a new skill. Volunteer for a leadership role on a project, or gain expertise in another department within your company. You’ll build your resume, learn about your passions, and maybe even discover that your job isn’t as boring as you thought.

Instead of taking the backseat in your career journey—complaining how bored you are at your job—take charge.

You can’t google experience

Rather than watching TikToks about the experience you’ll have at a job, Dr. Nicole advises you to get some of your own.

“Reading about a job or talking to people who have the job is always secondhand reality. Tapping into it and getting those real-life experiences is always more valuable,” said Dr. Nicole.

Hands-on experience will help you understand where your true passions lie. You’ll give yourself the chance to work through trials and errors, actively make mistakes, and learn what works best for you. All of which brings you closer to finding and falling in love with the career path that best suits you.

“[Gain experience by] testing things out and learning by doing,” said Dr. Nicole.

Don’t feel discouraged if things go wrong when tapping into a new interest. Life inevitably fails to follow a plan, so remember that there’s no shame in guessing your way through a difficult situation. There’s no such thing as “mistakes”—only “happy little accidents.” Thanks, Bob Ross.

To hear more of Dr. Nicole’s story and her advice on building a purposeful career, download my podcast interview with her here on iTunes! After tuning in, look for one way you can volunteer for a new opportunity at your current company.