Changing gears

As I've mentioned the past couple days, I am now switching gears at work and moving on to some new jobs.  Specifically today I tackled a design to modify one of our collaborators NMR systems so that we can try out some new experiments.  Not only did I have to draw up the parts in our CAD software, but I also had to write up an explanation of the plans to circulate amongst our collaborators and the manufacturer of the original hardware, who are kindly supporting our efforts.  This was a neat change of pace as it was essential to communicate my ideas for discussion before moving forward.  In science we frequently share ideas, but, ignoring conversations at our home institution, most of these interactions happen after the fact.  As opposed to my current situation where I am looking to solicit feedback before moving forward.  Interestingly there is a difference in how to present information in these two cases and I think my current exercise is fantastic practice prior to heading into the job market after my PhD.