Careers Beyond Academia

• Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math Seminars
• Humanities and Social Sciences Seminars
• Seminars for All Graduate Students and Postdocs
• Upcoming Spring 2015 Seminars

The 2014 Career Beyond Academia Series is co-sponsored by the Office of Postdoctoral Services, Career Center, and the Graduate School’s Professional Development Series.

Note: Most of the seminars will be recorded and may be viewed on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel.  As videos become available, the link will be added to the seminar descriptions below.

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Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math Seminars

Tues Sept 9, 9:30-11:30 am

WHAT: “Finding The Right Fit: Career Exploration and Decision-Making” with Dara Wilson-Grant
WHERE: Location provided upon registration
WHO: Class size is limited to 25 participants to facilitate small group discussion. Registrants must be graduate students, Postdoctoral Associates or Postdoctoral Scholars in the sciences and engineering (a separate workshop will be held for students and postdocs in the social sciences and humanities). Because space is limited, please do not register unless you are sure you can attend. Persons who register but fail to attend will have a $100 course fee assessed to their PI/lab.
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/9-9-2014-Regis

Back by popular demand! The Office of Postdoctoral Services welcomes Dara Wilson-Grant, who will present her highly-rated workshop on how to choose the right career. This workshop will help postdocs understand what makes a career the right or wrong fit, and provide them with a framework for choosing a rewarding career path. Through a series of self-assessments and small group activities, participants will have an opportunity to identify and explore key factors that contribute to career satisfaction.

This is an ideal workshop for postdocs  who are contemplating a career change or looking to further clarify their career direction.

SPEAKER: Dara Wilson-Grant, LPC, is Associate Director at UNC Chapel Hill’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and a National Certified Career Counselor. With over fifteen years experience providing professional development education and counseling, Dara’s mission is to help individuals develop a framework for choosing a meaningful and rewarding career path, plus develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of career success.

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Tues Sept 23, 9:30-11:30 am

WHAT: “How to Identify and Leverage Your Transferable Skills” with Dara Wilson-Grant
WHERE: Location provided upon registration
WHO: Class size is limited to 25 participants to facilitate small group discussion. Registrants must be graduate students, Postdoctoral Associates or Postdoctoral Scholars in the sciences and engineering (a separate workshop will be held for students and postdocs in the social sciences and humanities). Because space is limited, please do not register unless you are sure you can attend. Persons who register but fail to attend will have a $100 course fee assessed to their PI/lab.
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/9-23-2014-Regis

A common question asked by postdocs and graduate students preparing to compete in the non-academic job market is, “How do I prove that I am qualified, even though I do not have direct industry experience?” The key is learning how to translate your graduate education and postdoctoral training into a language that is understood beyond academia. Dara Wilson-Grant will help postdocs and students identify their core strengths and learn specific strategies for communicating their skills and experience to a broad audience via the cover letter and resume. Participants will also gain insight into the skills and personal traits most desired by employers.

This workshop is ideal for postdocs and students interested in pursuing careers beyond academia where a heavy emphasis is placed on “soft” skills (e.g., teamwork, communication, leadership).

SPEAKER: Dara Wilson-Grant, LPC, is Associate Director at UNC Chapel Hill’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and a National Certified Career Counselor. With over fifteen years experience providing professional development education and counseling, Dara’s mission is to help individuals develop a framework for choosing a meaningful and rewarding career path, plus develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of career success.

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Thurs Sept 25, 9-10 am

WHAT: Careers in Medical Writing
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/medical-writing

As graduate students and as postdocs, PhDs are constantly honing their writing and communication skills. Many PhDs go on to successful careers in medical writing, working in big pharma, CROs, startups, and independent companies. In this panel, PhD scientists will discuss what a medical writer does and who would be a good fit for the job. They will also talk about their job searches, give tips on applying for these types of jobs, and give postdocs advice on how to get their foot in the door for medical writing positions.

PANELISTS:

• Michael Hast, PhD, Medical Writer at MedThink SciCom
• Kristi Norris, PhD, Research Scientist at Camargo Pharmaceutical Services
• Bill Siesser, PhD, RAC, Medical Writer 2 at Quintiles
• Amy Wollish, PhD, RAC, Associate Medical Writer at PPD

Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services Youtube Channel

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Thurs Oct 23, 9-10 am

WHAT: Careers in Small- to Mid-Sized Biotech Firms
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/oct23biotech

While most postdocs and grad students are familiar with large biotech firms like GSK and Syngenta, you may not be aware of smaller firms, which are abundant in the RTP area. Our panelists will discuss how they got their jobs, what a typical day is like, and the pros and cons of working for a smaller company.

PANELISTS:

• Martyn Darby, PhD, Director of Research at Affinergy, LLC
• Nick Trotta, PhD, Associate Director of Market Development at Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc
• Daina Zeng, PhD, Scientist at Agile Sciences

Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services Youtube Channel

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Tues Oct 28, 9-10 am

WHAT: Careers in Science Communication
WHERE: Perkins 217
REGISTER: http://bit.ly/CareersSciCom

If you enjoy explaining science to audiences beyond the colleagues in your immediate discipline, possess excellent communication skills, and have a drive to share science with the wider world, then you may be interested in a career in science communication. Join our panel discussion to learn how to build a portfolio, gain experience, and sell your science skills to potential employers.

PANELISTS:

• Lauren Anderson, PhD, Research Development Associate, School of Medicine, Duke
• Robin Arnette, PhD, Science Writer/Editor, NIEHS
• Abby Olena, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, Science and Society, Duke (former AAAS Mass Media Fellow and science writer for The Scientist)
• Robin Smith, PhD, Science Writer, Office of News and Communications, Duke
• Kendall Morgan, PhD, Freelance Science Writer

Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services Youtube Channel

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Fri Oct 31, 9:30-10:30 am

WHAT:  Research Commercialization and Tech Transfer at Duke
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER:  http://tinyurl.com/olvtaqd

Do you have a good idea that you might like to commercialize? Would you like to learn more about the tech transfer process – that is, how ideas born in an academic lab can be developed into an industry startup company? Are you interested in learning more about Duke resources for PhD entrepreneurs? If so, please attend this session with Judd Staples, the Administrative Director for the Duke Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative. Judd will discuss the research commercialization process, tech transfer policies, and how postdocs and grad students can turn their ideas into action!

Tues Nov 4, 9-11 am

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Mon Nov 17 through Fri Nov 21

WHAT: Careers in Government Research
WHERE: Online at Versatile PhD
REGISTER: No registration required; more information at http://vphd.info/1wuluUh

Free online panel discussion featuring panelists who are PhDs or ABDs in STEM fields, working in agencies such as NASA, EPA, US Air Force, US Geological Survey, California Department of Water and Resources, and Health Canada. Panelists introduce themselves on November 17 and answer questions through Friday; visit the Versatile PhD STEM forum to join the conversation. Registration at Versatile PhD is free.

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Thurs Dec 4, 9-11 am

WHAT: Managing Your Research Career Using an Individual Development Plan (IDP)
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/RCRFall2014

For better or for worse, your experiences and the training you receive as graduate students and postdoctoral researchers can greatly impact the rest of your career.  However, there are strategies and resources that can enhance your chances of getting what you came for. During this program participants will learn how to develop clear and specific goals and objectives, along with a plan for executing them. Topics covered in this RCR module include:

• The importance of setting goals and developing an IDP
• Introduction to the SMART goals model
• Resources for crafting and executing your IDP
• Strategies for establishing expectations and effectively communicating research and career goals with your mentor/PI

SPEAKER: Dara Wilson-Grant is the Associate Director at the UNC-Chapel Hill Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and a National Certified Career Counselor. With over fifteen years experience providing career management education and counseling, Dara’s mission is to help individuals develop a framework for choosing a meaningful and rewarding career path, plus develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of career success.

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Thurs Dec 11, 9-10 am

WHAT: Careers in Big Pharma
WHERE: Rm 103 Bryan Research Bldg
REGISTER:  http://tinyurl.com/Dec2014BigPharma

The RTP area is a hub for major pharmaceutical companies, including GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Novartis, Pfizer, and Zoetis. What’s a typical day like for a big pharma scientist, and how can PhDs position themselves for this career? Come listen to our panelists, all former postdocs and PhD students, discuss their career paths, how they made the transition from academia to biotech, and how you can make the leap.

PANELISTS:
–  Cassandra Lambeth Braxton, PhD, Scientist II – Quality Control Virology, Biogen Idec (formerly Senior Process Specialist/Scientist at Merck; Research Fellow at Wake Forest University)
– Maria Cristina Cruz, PhD, Principal Research Scientist II – BioAnalytics,Grifols Inc (formerly postdoc at Duke Molecular Genetics and Microbiology)
– Jeffrey Pavlicek, PhD, Virology Scientist at Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics (formerly postdoc at Duke Human Vaccine Institute)
– Elizabeth Turpin, PhD, Scientist, Diagnostic Services and Global Marketing, Zoetis (formerly Senior Scientist for  Viral Vaccines at Pfizer and postdoc at Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences)

Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services Youtube Channel

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Humanities and Social Sciences Seminars

Fri Sept 26, 12-2 pm

WHAT: Finding The Right Fit: Career Exploration and Decision-Making
WHERE: Rm 217 Perkins Library
WHO: Class size is limited to 25 participants to facilitate small group discussion. Registrants must be graduate students, Postdoctoral Associates or Postdoctoral Scholars in the humanities and social sciences (a separate workshop was held for students and postdocs in the sciences and engineering). Because space is limited, please do not register unless you are sure you can attend.
REGISTER: http://bit.ly/FindingRightFitHumSS

Back by popular demand!  Dara Wilson-Grant will present her highly-rated workshop on how to choose the right career. This workshop will help postdocs understand what makes a career the right or wrong fit, and provide them with a framework for choosing a rewarding career path. Through a series of self-assessments and small group activities, participants will have an opportunity to identify and explore key factors that contribute to career satisfaction.

This is an ideal workshop for graduate students and postdocs  who are contemplating a career change or looking to further clarify their career direction.

SPEAKER: Dara Wilson-Grant, MSEd, NCC, is Associate Director at UNC Chapel Hill’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and a National Certified Career Counselor. With over fifteen years experience providing professional development education and counseling, Dara’s mission is to help individuals develop a framework for choosing a meaningful and rewarding career path, plus develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of career success.

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Fri Oct 17, 12-2 pm

WHAT: Identifying Transferable Skills
WHERE: Rm 217 Perkins Library
WHO: Class size is limited to 25 participants to facilitate small group discussion. Registrants must be graduate students, Postdoctoral Associates or Postdoctoral Scholars in the humanities and social sciences (a separate workshop was held for students and postdocs in the sciences and engineering). Because space is limited, please do not register unless you are sure you can attend.
REGISTER: http://bit.ly/TransferableSkillsHumSS

A common question asked by postdocs and graduate students preparing to compete in the non-academic job market is, “How do I prove that I am qualified, even though I do not have direct industry experience?” The key is learning how to translate your graduate education and postdoctoral training into a language that is understood beyond academia. Dara Wilson-Grant will help postdocs and students identify their core strengths and learn specific strategies for communicating their skills and experience to a broad audience via the cover letter and resume. Participants will also gain insight into the skills and personal traits most desired by employers.

This workshop is ideal for postdocs and graduate students interested in pursuing careers beyond academia where a heavy emphasis is placed on “soft” skills (e.g., teamwork, communication, leadership).

SPEAKER: Dara Wilson-Grant, LPC, is Associate Director at UNC Chapel Hill’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and a National Certified Career Counselor. With over fifteen years experience providing professional development education and counseling, Dara’s mission is to help individuals develop a framework for choosing a meaningful and rewarding career path, plus develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of career success.

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Thurs Oct 23, 3-4:30 pm

WHAT: Careers in University Presses
WHERE: Friedl 225, East Campus
REGISTER: http://bit.ly/CareersAcadPub

Humanists and social scientists who enjoy the academic environment but seek opportunities beyond the tenure-track path can find opportunities in academic publishing. Whether in book acquisitions, journals marketing, or manuscript editorial divisions, university presses can be employers that leverage the transferable skills that graduate students and postdocs have developed in their education. Our panelists will discuss the different roles available in university presses, ways to gain experience and entry into the field, and career advancement opportunities. All of our panelists have either hired Duke PhDs or are Duke PhD alumni working in the field.

PANELISTS:

• Jocelyn Dawson, MA, Journals Marketing Manager, Duke University Press
• Erin Hanas, PhD, Editorial Associate, Duke University Press
• Gina Mahalek, MA, Director of Publicity, University of North Carolina Press

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Seminars for All Graduate Students and Postdocs

Thurs Oct 9, 12-1:30 pm

WHAT: Interviewing Skills
WHERE:  Rm 217 Perkins Library
REGISTER: http://bit.ly/1BK9oL9

There is much more to interviewing than being the most educated candidate or wearing the nicest suit. Interviewing is the rubber-hitting-the-road moment where an employer evaluates how your knowledge and skills fit with their needs, and how your working style fits with their organization. In this workshop you will learn the various types of interview questions, review a structure for crafting interview responses that illustrate your experiences, practice responding to interview questions in real time, and discuss effective nonverbal communication.

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Thurs Oct 30, 12-1:30 pm

WHAT: Converting Your CV to a Resume
WHERE: Rm 217 Perkins Library
REGISTER: http://bit.ly/1zc3E8M

Non-academic employers typically request that applicants provide a focused 1-2 page resume, versus a more exhaustive and lengthy CV. In this workshop you will learn how to reformat, reorder, and enrich the content of your CV so that it meets the expectations of employers and makes a compelling case for your candidacy by detailing the knowledge, skills, results, and distinctions that comprise your qualifications.

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Weds Dec 10, 9-10 am

WHAT: How to Use LaTeX to Format Professional-Looking Resumes
WHERE: Rm 465 Sands Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/DukeLaTeX

LaTeX is a document preparation system commonly used by scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. Unlike a traditional “what you see is what you get” (WYSIWYG) word processor, LaTeX uses a plain text markup language that is compiled into a PDF document using optimal typographical rules. This results in professional-looking documents that are of a different class to the output from a word processor.

In this hands-on workshop, Dr Christa Kelleher will demonstrate how to use LaTeX to create professional-looking resumes and other documents. Please bring your laptop! Bagels and coffee will be provided.

Note: This workshop will discuss resume formatting, not content. For information on resume content, please refer to the Duke Postdoc Services Professional Development Resources.