Abigail McConnell

If I had a nickel for every time I was asked the question, “What do you want to do after you graduate from school?”, I would probably have quite a bit of money. I have always been told time after time that in order to succeed in graduate school, I need to have a clear idea of the “why”. Why am I doing what I am doing and why do I need it to do what I want to do.
During the transition from undergraduate life to graduate student life I did some personal development and decided to create a plan of what the next few years would look like. First, I took a look at what my passions are. My previous industry internships helped me to find what it was that I was passionate about. I have always loved the food animal and poultry industry. I was given the opportunity to work in the Research and Development department at Cobb-Vantress and I fell in love with being able to do the research that would create products that will provide food for the growing population. So there it was, research was my passion but I wanted a way to combine that with my love for science as well. I was accepted to graduate school at Auburn University where I am focused in poultry science, more specifically microbiology. This allows me to explore my passions for science and food animal production, while also continuing to direct where my future will go.
Next, I wrote some goals. Using the SMART goals parameters, I wrote what I wanted life to look like after graduate school and what the start of my career would look like. My specific goal is to work in the poultry industry as a microbiologist or research technician. Specifically, I would love to work in a laboratory setting or in a position where I can take samples and do research on ways to protect the health of the animals that are being produced to provide a safe food supply. In order to measure my progress towards this goal, I will be making sure the research and classes I am taking are allowing me to dive deeper into microbiology and biological processes and continuing to do my own research and exploring other scientific research. As for if my goals are attainable, I am working alongside my lab mates who hold me accountable as well as working closely with my professor to stay on track. As for relevancy, my work as a graduate student will allow me access to do the work that I want to do. I am currently working on my master’s degree, but I would love to pursue a PhD in the future as well. As for time, these career goals are in my 5 year plan. Within 5 years, I plan on starting into a career, but I will always be open to personal improvement and would love to always continue to improve my knowledge.