BGS Career Development

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Articles

Science: “Like virtual reality for careers: A new online resource helps scientists explore job options”

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This article in Science describes the career exploration path of Shengpei Wang—a fifth year Ph.D. student at Syracuse University in New York. While considering a move toward a career in data analytics, Shengpei found herself unsure of whether she was capable of the career switch. She visited her university’s career support center, where she learned of a set of online “job simulations.”

The author describes how the simulations helped Shengpei and other scientists at various points in their careers to explore various industries before making a decision. Each simulation takes about 4 to 8 hours, considerably less time than is required to explore potential careers through training, internships, or interviews. Topics include business, clinical trials, science communication, regulatory affairs, and more.

Read more here.

IHE: “Uncovering the Secrets of the Cover Letter”

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Penn Career Services’ Associate Director, Joseph Barber, provides insights for job seekers looking for positions beyond faculty roles, specifically when writing a cover letter. Since it is less structured than a resume, the cover letter can easily become a source of confusion. In this Inside Higher Ed article, Barber provides a narrative format that can highlight one’s resume in an engaging way.

Read more here.

OITE: “Cognitive Distortions Create Imposter Syndrome”

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NIH’s Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE) Careers Blog recently wrote about imposter syndrome. The article acknowledges the difficulties of maintaining a work-life balance with a career in science. When handling a large amount of external stress, internal challenges can also arise. These include automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) and imposter syndrome. The article defines these and other cognitive distortions before explaining how recognizing and consciously countering these thoughts can help minimize their effects.

Read more here.

SfN: “How This Postdoc Found a Position Right for Her”

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The Society for Neuroscience interviewed Elizabeth Glover, a postdoctoral fellow at the Medical University of South Carolina. In this article, Glover reflects on her search for a postdoc position and shares the qualities she sought in mentors, such as expertise in certain methodological approaches or success in obtaining grants. She also speaks to the importance of lab culture, networking, and female mentors in her career development path.

Read more here.

BPS: “How to Prepare for an Academic Job Interview”

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Those interested in a career in academia may find some helpful insights in this career article from the Biophysical Society. The author summarizes the various processes involved in an academic job interview. These may include a phone or Skype call, individual meetings, a research talk, a chalk-talk, or teaching a course. The author also lists characteristics of the academic institution that the interview candidate should assess, from resources available to programs promoting work-life balance.

Read more here.

Science: “A unique calling: Careers in career development for STEM doctorates”

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This Science article discusses the emerging field of career development for doctorates in STEM. As STEM grad students and postdocs consider their career prospects, they may realize their  greatest passion to be helping other Ph.D.s find impactful careers. The article discusses recent growth in formal institutional administrative divisions, such as postdoc affairs offices, where Ph.D.-trained professionals may find opportunities in career development.

The article features insights from Ph.D.s who have successfully pursued their passion in career development. They draw parallels between their research training and their varied professional responsibilities. For example, proposal development and data collection prove similar to event planning, communications, fundraising, and more. They also discuss the gratification of remaining a part of the scientific enterprise and influencing future scientists.