This summer, we want to know what happened to the people who helped us create and shape the concept of the PostDoc Office in 2022. In 2022, the PostDoc Office was officially opened - and since then, it has been a shared effort between researchers and researcher developers to build and maintain a community that allows everyone to shine, be inspired, and exchange ideas with brilliant peers.
What are these researchers doing now?
First up: Vesela Simeonova. We remember Vesela fondly because she was one of the two people who came up with the idea for the Writing Retreat, which is now an institution in its fourth year.
My current affiliation is still with Uni Graz, but two big changes happened since 2022. Now I am the PI of a research project and I have a baby. My current job is 100% research, which is quite a luxury! I've worked at the Germanistik department and now do my research at Slawistik.
2) What is your advice on how to make good career decisions and be satisfied in your work life?
Connect with peers from other disciplines! It sounds counterintuitive, but this has been extremely helpful and enlightening for me. I am pretty sure that I am still in academia today because of that support. As for satisfaction, my best tip is to consider every effort a win, keep track of all wins and review them monthly. For example, submitting an abstract/project/paper/job application is a win and should be celebrated (even if it's later rejected). Helping a colleague or a student is a win. At the end of each month, I look at my wins and I realize that I have accomplished so much more than I thought.
3) What's a memory of University of Graz that stands out in your mind?
My best memory was an activity from the post-doc office where we described our academic journey in the framework of the hero's journey (Joseph Campbell). It made so much sense! Another great memory was the writing retreat. It was not only extremely productive in terms of writing, but also sparked lasting friendships. I've been affiliated with 8 universities in 4 countries and I've never experienced the level of support that the Uni Graz welcome center and PostDoc Office offer. It really makes a difference. My advice is to make the most of it and use the services they offer.
Thank you so much for the interview, Vesela, congratulations on your new research grant, and we're happy you are still contributing to our community here in Graz!
Picture credit: Stadlbauer / Uni Graz, interview date: 24.4.2025
