Book excerpt: Planning for a Career in Biomedical and Life Sciences:Learn to Navigate a Tough Research Culture by Harnessing the Power of Career Building, Second Edition, presents useful information, insights and tips to those pursuing a career in the biomedical and life sciences. The book focuses on making educated choices during schooling, training, and the job search in both the academic and non-academic sectors. The book's premise lies in the notion that if users understand the full path of a career in either the biomedical or life science fields, they can proactively plan their career, recognize any opportunities that present themselves, and be well prepared to address important aspects of their own professional development.Topics include choosing a training path, selecting the best supervisor/mentor, and negotiating a job offer. Updates to this edition include an outline of core competencies to achieve success, how to build soft skills and tailor them to specific job opportunities, and how to increase collaborations across disciplines. Additionally, coverage on issues around diversity, health, wellness and work/life balance are expanded. This book is a valuable resource for undergraduate, graduate, medical and postdoctoral students in the biomedical and life sciences, as well as academic faculty and advisors. - Revised and updated to address dealing with student failure and rejection and developing resilience - Provides strategies on evaluating biomedical and life sciences education and professional development opportunities in a thorough and systematic fashion - Discusses possible pitfalls and offers insight into how to navigate successfully at various points of a scientist's career - Offers valuable advice on how to make the best choices for yourself at any stage in your career and how to choose supervisors and mentors who will support your career goals