• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Penn BGS Career Development

BGS Career Development

Making It Count!

  • Core Competencies
  • Career Paths
  • Career Blog
  • Career Paths Mentorship Program
  • Alumni Outcomes

Core Competencies

Competencies developed through predoctoral training in the biomedical sciences are valued in a variety of professions – academic and private research, to be sure, but professions that relate as well to other facets of medicine, technology, and innovation. It is essential for a student to be able to articulate these competencies clearly for two reasons: i) the competencies gained represent a statement of what predoctoral training comprises, and ii) potential employers need to know precisely what distinguishes a student in the biomedical sciences from others in relation to the potential for success within a professional setting.

This section describes competencies that have long been a focus of training in BGS. They are divided into five major categories: critical thinking, mathematics and computation, experimental design, management, and communication. The link to each in the sidebar provides a description of some of the constituent skills and a set of resources for pursuit of additional information. We provide as well an outline below:

Critical Thinking

  • Acquiring and processing information
  • Gauging evidence and arguments
  • Recognizing assumptions
  • Recognizing logical relationships
  • Drawing warranted conclusions

Mathematics and Computation

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Statistical inference
  • Systems-level modeling

Experimental Design

  • Articulating a scientific premise
  • Developing a hypothesis
  • Testing hypothese / Protocol design
  • Reagent validation / Troubleshooting
  • Data management
  • Reproducibility/Transparency

Management

  • Time management
  • Project management
  • Mentorship
  • Leading and motivating others
  • Networking
  • Conflict management
  • Work ethic; Work/life balance

Communication

  • Clarity, precision, and intent
  • Effective listening and feedback Manuscripts
  • Grant applications
  • Posters
  • Speaking to a scientific audience
  • Speaking to a lay audience

Competencies are usually distinguished from traits. The latter relate more to qualities intrinsic to an individual than those learned. Traits cultivated or reinforced in predoctoral training are important as well, and are listed here as Traits.

Core Competencies

Critical Thinking

Mathematics & Computation

Experimental Design

Management

Communication


Contact Us | Admin | Log in

Copyright © 2023 The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania