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The 3 MT ^TMcompetition is held on many campuses and grad students compete to be a finalist.  They have the opportunity to win money.

We were excited to hold our first 3 MT ^TM competition at The University of Georgia on March 29, 2012.  Looking back, it’s fun to read what the 10 finalists said about their experience.

Many told us how they practiced while at traffic lights, over yogurt cones with friends, with international students not in their discipline, or with family members.  What came through loud and clear was how much they learned about themselves, their research, effective communication, and the importance of seeing the big picture.

Why should you do a 3 MT ^TM competition?Here’s what they said.

“We often forget to step outside of our own departments and fields to see how our research and others interact.”  It is important to make research accessible and understandable, so we can have an impact.  Learning to communicate to others in a meaningful way is key.

One student summarized the experience of competing in the competition as way to prepare for his future. “It’s important to think about my research in the eyes of the general audience. You know in the future, we will probably “sell” our ideas or research to others who have no technical knowledge.”

The experience took students from being in the weeds of their research topic to one that enabled them to see from 50,000 feet.

“The experience refocused me on the bigger picture.”  Several students told us that it was an opportunity to rethink their research in a different way.   “You need to have a good grasp on the big picture of your research and why it’s pertinent.”

They said it was important to have a good understanding of what the general public knows and doesn’t know about their research topic, so they could prepare their talk.

Several talked about how the experience of competing was a fun challenge – a “nice departure from the norm.” Others talked about how the competition was an opportunity to challenge themselves.

Finally, this student’s comment sums it up. “We are doing wonderful things we think are necessary but ultimately, if we can’t present our ideas and results to people from all walks of life, we doing a disservice to ourselves.”

Hope to see you at a 3MT ^TMcompetition!

Did you know that social etiquette is as easy as making the letters “b” and “d”?  Keep that in mind the next time you’re invited to dinner at the Department Chair’s home.

When the invitation comes, that’s when I find I have lots of questions. What can I expect? How do I handle this important social event at the Chair’s home?  What happens if there is more than one fork on the table?  Should I bring a gift? Is there anything I should do before hand?

The answers are easy, and it took me a while to figure it all out. Yes events at someone’s home are a little different – usually smaller and more intimate – but easy to navigate. So let’s start at the beginning.

First things first, I put the event in my phone so I have it on my schedule. I don’t want to lose the address and phone number; I may need it later to text a message. I also google directions and know how long it takes to get there.  I’ll talk about that later.

Now I’m ready to R.S.V.P.  When I host a dinner, you won’t believe how many people assume I am a mind reader and know whether they are attending or not. They never R.S.V.P. I know you know that it means Répondez s’il vous plait – please respond.  I always notify my host of any dietary needs I have.  The dinner planned may include a food item I’m allergic to or can’t eat. The host appreciates knowing that up-front so they can plan accordingly. I know I do.

If the invitation is for me. They mean only me. It’s not appropriate to ask if you can bring a friend or even your mom. I did that one time.  I assumed I could bring someone to a wedding —so I responded “yes” with 2 attending.  It was awkward.  The bride had to reach out to me and say… the invitation is only for you.

I often ask the host if I can bring anything. Most often they say “no”. If they say no, I bring a small gift regardless.  What kind of gift do I bring? I usually bring– wine or flowers- but I make it something that doesn’t put my host to work.  Flowers in a vase with water are fine.  I avoid flowers wrapped in plastic that require my host to find a vase, arrange the flowers etc. A potted orchid plant or a bottle of wine always works.

Another important rule I follow is not to arrive early.  My host still may be involved in preparations. The best time to arrive is within 15 minutes after the event’s start time. That is why I checked how long it would take to get there so I can arrive at the correct time.

Also, I don’t want to be the last one to leave.  After the coffee and dessert are served, I figure out it’s time to gather my belongings, say my goodbyes, and thank my host.

Before dinner, it’s important that I mingle with the guests.  I let the guests have a chance to talk with the host – I don’t want to monopolize the conversation with the host.

Often I offer my help to the host by saying, “Can I do anything to help?” instead of saying “What can I do to help?” The first question allows the host to decline my assistance.  With the second question, the host may feel obligated to find me something to do.

Most of all I stay out of the kitchen.  Crowding into the food prep area to carry on a conversation with the host may be more of issue than a help especially when they are trying to get dinner on the table. If I’m invited, then I join in.

This next step always confused me – How do I approach the table? I learned that it’s best to approach the table and enter my chair from the left, and exit from the right.  That prevents me from bumping into other guests. It’s important to keep all personal belongings off the table – cell phones, keys, purses, elbows.

Here is the part you’ve been waiting for – the letters “b” and “d”.  Now as you glance at the table setting from your seated position, most people become confused. I see this all the time when I am at a sit-down dinner at a conference even with distinguished guests. The ultimate question is – who owns which coffee cup, wine or water glass?  I hear this all the time, “Is this one mine or yours?”

Once you learn this you”ll always know which one is yours and can kindly inform the person next to you that this one is yours and that one is theirs. Someone taught me this and I share it all the time. Here is how you do it – it is fail safe.

You are seated. Start with your left side and think of the letter “b” – that stands for your bread plate.  Now look to your right side and think of the letter “d” – that stands for drinks.  In the middle between “b” and “d” is the dinner plate or entree. Therefore, you can spell “bed” and remember what belongs to you.

An even better way to do this is – using your left hand, take your pointer finger and thumb and make the letter “b” and using your right hand, take your pointer finger and thumb and make the letter “d”.  You can’t go wrong. You can’t make a “d” in the wrong hand.

The wine glass will be the closest to you and the water glass behind the wine glass. They are always on the “d” side.  If the coffee cup is preset, it will be set above the spoons. So, when your neighbor starts to grab for your coffee cup you can gently remind them, that cup is for you.

How about all those extra utensils?  I find it can be confusing. The key I found is to start from the outside and work my way in. Salad fork will be on the outside, the main dinner fork will be closer to the dinner plate. Dessert fork and/or spoon may be north of the dinner plate. Look for them there if they have been preset.

Success! Dinner is over.  It was a great event. I knew what to do and did it ever so well. When I return home, I make sure I follow up with a thankyou note. I compliment the host for a lovely evening and the delicious food. I know I love to text or email – but if I really want to score points and get an invite back – a hand-written note is sent. Those are appreciated.

So remembers, to RSVP, Simple gift, Mingle, Practice making “b” and “d”, Outward in, Thank you. Now youare ready to share the letters “b” and “d” with others!

When I was in graduate school, I never miss an opportunity to ask a question of an industry leader, a Dean, or an academic leader on campus.

My favorite question was,  “What’s the best advice you would give me?” I continued to ask that question in some form or another throughout my career. At times it became a bit more specific other times more general.  Now, I ask that question of alumni, industry leaders, and faculty members on behalf of graduate students.

Recently, I had the privilege of meeting with a group of 20+ alumni over lunch. They ranged in age and experience from recently hired to having a long career in industry. I asked them to share a bit of wisdom for those of you thinking about a career outside the academy.

I have taken their comments summarized them, included some direct quotes, and grouped them into four categories: 1) Your brand, 2) An open mind, 3) Jump in, and 4) Skill set for the “tool box”.

YOUR BRAND. “You are always your own brand.”  It’s important to have your talking points together.  You need to have your 2-minute spiel ready at all times. You want to be able to communicate the value you add to the company. Sometimes you may find yourself in the elevator with a VP and they ask you, “So, what do you do?”  Now you’re ready with your 2-minute talk.

Another important part of your brand is your credibility. “Your credibility is earned, not given.” An important part of that credibility and your brand is ethics. “Ethics are important.”

OPEN-MINDEDNESS. “Don’t be afraid to try something you didn’t think you can do.”  “Never limit yourself.”  By trying new things, you may give yourself a different perspective and be able to add more value to the company.

“Figure out how to connect the dots to get you to the final place you want to be.”  This may mean starting in one position and looking for opportunities and networking to open doors.  It’s about figuring out how to build your value so you can move to that next position.

Trying something new can lead you and prepare you for future opportunities. It’s important to be open to try something new and get new experiences. As one alumnus put it, “Don’t be afraid to try something you might not like because you may find out you do like it, or you can use that information and experience as fuel for your next job.”

JUMP IN.“Just Do it!” This alumnus was adamant about getting in there and do the job – especially for women in industry. You can’t be timid.  It’s important to keep an open mind.

“It’s okay if you don’t know – be humble – be open to learn.” Don’t sit back or you will miss out on opportunities. Even if you don’t know- just get in there and give it a try. Women too often think they are not prepared…they make great leaders. The key is to quiet the inner critic and move forward, even if it is just a tiny step.

“You can’t rely solely on the academic information you learned.”  Industry is changing.  “There is rapid change.”

TOOLBOX SKILL SET. In your tool box you will need a set of skills on which you can rely. “Networking is key if you want to advance.”  “You need to network to build connections” not only for advancement, but also for the projects you are working on.”   You need people in other parts of the company to assist you in solving or working on your project. “You can’t do it alone.”

Teamwork is important.  You may find yourself leading a group and it’s “critical to understand the group dynamics. You need to know what motivates each member.  You also want to see how you as the leader fit into the group.”

It’s important to “develop the skill of telling stories” and be comfortable at it. Storytelling is a great way to get your message across.  People always remember the story.

Don’t forget to look up.  “Need to look up and see what’s going on in the company. Lift your head up. Understand where the company is going and where the changes are.” You want to understand where the company is changing. “It’s even better if you can predict where the company is going.  You will be able to adapt more quickly and be on board with what’s coming down the road.”

“If you are running a race you can go real fast, but if you are going in the wrong direction, you will never cross the finish line.”  Bill Coed, ASHRAE President.

Each person talked about the excitement and challenges of their work.  They said to really enjoy what you are doing and if not, look for what’ next!