At Promega, we believe that creativity drives innovation, challenges conventional thinking, and amplifies our ability to solve complex problems. Our annual Employee Art Showcase, a tradition since 1998, serves as a perfect expression of this belief. This event highlights the incredible creative talents of our employees and their families, offering a space to explore art in all its forms.

This year’s event was nothing short of inspiring, with 130 pieces of art submitted by employees and their families, beautifully displayed at the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center on the Promega Madison campus. The opening reception, held on January 16, featured a lively atmosphere with music performed by the Promega band, Major Groove, and a cozy hot cocoa bar—setting the perfect stage for appreciating the diverse artwork on display.

Remember learning to swim and realizing you could float without trying? While floating alone did not make you fit for the Olympics, it did mean you were ready to start learning the moves without sinking. As a PhD student or recent graduate exploring a career away from research, you might feel similarly unprepared, but without realizing it, you have been building the skills you need right from the start.

Phase 1: Exploration

In every PhD comes a time where you must decide between following the academic route, switching to research in industry, or leaving the bench behind altogether. Facing this decision, you might find yourself facing more questions than answers or even start to doubt your choice of degree. If this is the case, let me reassure you, you are not alone.