Careers Beyond Academia

The 2019-20  Careers Beyond Academia Series is co-sponsored by the Office of Postdoctoral Services, The Graduate School, and the Career Center.

Tues Sept 10, 2-3:30 pm 

WHAT: Cover Letter Writing Workshop for Graduate Students & Postdocs
WHERE: Brodhead Center, 068 Multipurpose Room
REGISTER: Graduate students register at Career Connections; postdocs register at https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bqk9vSWUDbOdpm5

Cover letters are very common in the US and provide you with an opportunity to communicate why you are interested and how you can contribute to the organization’s success. In this workshop, you will discover what employers are really looking for, how to analyze a job description and create a persuasive cover letter. The focus of this session will be on non-faculty positions. Please bring a paper copy of your cover letter draft in order to polish it and get immediate feedback.

Thurs Sept 12, 12-1 pm 

WHAT: Know Thyself: An Introduction to ImaginePhD
WHERE: Room 102, The Graduate School (2127 Campus Drive)
REGISTER: https://gradschool.duke.edu/student-life/events/know-thyself-introduction-imaginephd-0

Socrates noted, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Yet in academic life we offer ourselves little time for reflection on the relationship between the ways we spend our time each day and how those temporal investments serve our long-term goals (or not). Spend an hour getting to know yourself better with ImaginePhD, a free online tool that helps you assess your skills and interests as well as examine your values. ImaginePhD can help you surface gaps between your skills—the things you’re good at doing—and your interests—the activities that bring you satisfaction. Armed with that self-knowledge, you can make a plan to grow in the skills that matter to you. ImaginePhD is designed for PhD students and recent alumni in the social sciences and humanities, but this workshop is open to all Graduate School students and postdocs. Bring a laptop or tablet to participate in the workshop. Pizza will be provided; please bring a beverage to enjoy.

Fri Sept 13, 12 – 1:30 pm 

WHAT: How to Not Stress Out During the Job Search
WHERE: Brodhead Center, 068 Multipurpose Room
REGISTER: Graduate students register at Career Connections; postdocs register at https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4MIeOdm8wpM3O5f

In this workshop, learn techniques for managing stress and how to apply those techniques throughout the job search process.

Fri Sept 13, 11:15 am – 1 pm 

WHAT: PhD Etiquette Workshop and Luncheon
WHERE: Parizade Restaurant
REGISTER: https://gradschool.duke.edu/student-life/events/graduate-etiquette-workshop-and-luncheon-1

Networking and interviewing activities frequently involve the challenge of balancing professional conversation with good table manners in handling food and drink. This workshop will build your skills and confidence in dining etiquette over a three-course luncheon at Parizade. You will gain experience ordering from a menu, navigating a table setting, and practicing networking skills.

Speaker: Caroline Korda Poole, MPH, is Principal, Centered Career. Ms. Poole worked for over 15 years in international and community development, with extensive experience advising mid-career international graduate students.

Registration for this limited-enrollment workshop closes Thurs Sept 5 at 11:59 pm. Participants must agree to arrange their own transportation (ie, via the campus H-5 bus) to arrive promptly at 11:15 am and stay through 1:00 pm. Participants who register and fail to notify The Graduate School by Sept 5 that they can no longer attend will be asked to reimburse The Graduate School for the cost of their lunch ($30).

Mon Sept 16, 12-1:30 pm

WHAT: Leveraging Your Strengths
WHERE: Korman Assembly Room, Perkins Library
REGISTER: https://gradschool.duke.edu/student-life/events/leveraging-your-strengths-3

How do you describe your five greatest strengths? How can you leverage this information to communicate your capabilities to colleagues and potential employers? Using the CliftonStrengths assessment, this workshop will help you explore a new way to talk about your skills. We will investigate strategies for communicating your strengths to others, the challenges that your strengths might pose for you, and ways you can use information about your strengths to thrive in a team setting. The online CliftonStrengths assessment is offered to all registered participants in this limited-enrollment workshop. Our facilitator is Melissa Bostrom, PhD, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Professional Development.

Curious about the value of this workshop? Lucy Chikwetu, PhD student in Electrical & Computer Engineering, reflected on what she learned from a past workshop: “That experience gave me the language that I needed to articulate my strengths and identify how they’ve helped me succeed.”

Because of the limited seats available for this workshop, all participants must agree to complete the online assessment by Sept 10 and to attend the 90-minute workshop on Sept 16. Instructions to access the online assessment are provided upon registration submission. Registrants who complete the assessment but do not attend the workshop may be asked to reimburse The Graduate School for the cost of the assessment. Registration closes Sun Sept 8 at 11:59 pm. Pizza will be served; please bring your own beverage to enjoy.

Weds Sept 18, 10-11:30 am 

WHAT: Effective Networking for Graduate Students and Postdocs
WHERE: Brodhead Center, 068 Multipurpose Room
REGISTER: Graduate students register at Career Connections; postdocs register at https://bit.ly/324dfoB

We have all heard that networking is essential for your career but many of us aren’t sure how to go about it effectively. In this workshop, you will learn strategies to help you network more successfully in the US across all types of industries, including academia. We will practice using online tools to make contact with new people and to also maintain your relationships over time. Please bring a laptop or smart device to make the most of this workshop.

Weds Sept 18, 6-7:30 pm 

WHAT: Date Night with Data: Exploring Careers in Data Analytics & Data Science
WHERE: Duke Career Center, Smith Warehouse
REGISTER: Students may register at Career Connections. Postdocs may attend without registering.

Over the past few years, data analytics and data science have consistently ranked as one of the top careers. Employers across every industry are creating and recruiting for these types of roles, and they want to meet you. This multi-company networking event will provide you with a great opportunity to talk with employers to learn more about data analytics and data science within their organization as well as trends in the industry. Register to attend this event to talk with representatives, learn about available and future job opportunities, and share your resume. Attending employers include Accenture, Align Technology, Allscripts, Allstate, Barings, ConnectWise, Covance, Credit Suisse, Deloitte, Dimensional Fund Advisors, IQVIA, LexisNexis, Well.

Questions? Email Monique Turrentine, Assistant Director of Employer Development, at monique.turrentine@duke.edu.

Fri Sept 20, 12-1:30 pm 

WHAT: Conflict Resolution in Professional Relationships
WHERE: Brodhead Center rm 068
REGISTER: Graduate students register at Career Connections; postdocs register at https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bC7ZTYYYocGcx2l

In this interactive workshop, learn effective strategies for dealing with conflict in professional relationships. You will also learn about resources on campus to help with handling conflict, difficult conversations, and relationship concerns.

Thurs Sept 26, 12-1 pm

Fri Sept 27, 10-11:30 am 

WHAT: Interview Practice for Graduate Students and Postdocs
WHERE: Brodhead Center, 068 Multipurpose Room
REGISTER: Graduate students register at Career Connections; postdocs register at https://bit.ly/2XIE2r8

Whether conducted in-person, virtually, or via phone, interviews are a time to tell your story while clearly conveying your skills, interest and overall fit for a specific position and organization. In this workshop, you will learn useful strategies to prepare responses and practice answering some of the most common interview questions while receiving constructive feedback. We will practice behavioral style questions, not case or technical interview questions. You do not need to have an upcoming interview to attend this workshop but please bring along a description of an opportunity (job, internship, etc) that you are interested in.

Weds Oct 2, 12-1:30 pm 

WHAT: Finding Your Fit: How to Explore Career Options with Your Graduate Degree
WHERE: Brodhead Center, 068 Multipurpose Room
REGISTER: Graduate students register at Career Connections; postdocs register at https://bit.ly/324dfoB

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of choosing a career after graduation or following your postdoctoral appointment? Learn how to design an effective method for exploring, evaluating and deciding on the next steps in your career. No matter where you are in the career decision-making process, this workshop can help you!

Tues Oct 15, 10-11:30 am 

WHAT: Successfully Negotiating Job Offers for Female Graduate Students and Postdocs
WHERE: Brodhead Center, 303 Tower Room
REGISTER: Graduate students register at Career Connections; postdocs register at https://bit.ly/2XGS10z

In this workshop, designed specifically for female and female-identified graduate students and postdocs, you will learn how to evaluate and negotiate job offers so that we can start to close the gender pay gap! You will also practice how to identify your value, conduct market research to benchmark salary/benefits and role-play scenarios using effective responses and strategies. This workshop is useful for those targeting any type of job, including academia or industry.

Weds Oct 16, 2-3:30 pm 

WHAT: Small Talk Can Be Awkward, but You Don’t Have to Be! A Workshop For Graduate Students and Postdocs
WHERE: Brodhead Center, 303 Tower Room
REGISTER: Graduate students register at Career Connections; postdocs register at https://bit.ly/324dfoB

Making small talk is an essential skill that is important for your professional and personal life. Events like conferences, department gatherings, industry sessions and other social situations may require you to be adept at this. It is even important during the interview process. If small talk makes you nervous, come to this interactive workshop where you can practice topics to discuss, strategies for approaching people, entering/exiting conversations gracefully and how to follow up with people afterwards.

Weds Oct 23, 2-3:30 pm 

WHAT: Job and Internship Search for Graduate Students and Postdocs
WHERE: Brodhead Center, 068 Multipurpose Room
REGISTER: Graduate students register at Career Connections; postdocs register at https://bit.ly/2xs1qKK

Searching for a job or internship can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure of what the steps in the process look like. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to identify the types of positions you’re interested in, prioritize your search and create a targeted plan for outreach. You’ll leave this session with resources on how to look for jobs or internships and clear next steps. Please bring a laptop or smart device to make the most of this workshop.

Thurs Oct 24, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

WHAT: STEM PhD Careers at RTI International: A Panel Discussion with Duke Chem Alumni
WHERE: French Family Sciences 2237
REGISTER: https://gradschool.duke.edu/student-life/events/stem-phd-careers-rti-international-panel-discussion-duke-alumni

RTI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition with a vision is to address the world’s most critical problems with science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. What opportunities are available for STEM PhDs at RTI International? Join Duke Chemistry PhDs for a panel discussion of their research careers at RTI International and their paths to their current positions. Lunch will be provided; please bring your own beverage.

Speakers:

• James Harrington, PhD, is a Research Chemist in the Discovery Sciences group, where he contributes to development of environmental exposure research and other strategic areas of interest to RTI’s Center for Analytical Sciences.
• Melanie Silinski, PhD, is a Senior Research Chemist in theDiscovery Sciences group, where she performs chemical analysis and supervises the daily activities of professional, technical, and clerical staff who work on projects that involve handling of chemicals.
• Ian Stewart, PhD, is a Research Chemist 1 in the Engineered Systems group, where he explores spray-dried, inhalable drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis and other airway pathogens as well as micro-particle and nanoparticle synthesis for enhanced oil and gas recovery.

Tues Oct 29, 9:30-10:30 am

WHAT: “Leave a Lasting Impression:  Interviewing Tips & Tricks from a Recovering Recruiter” with Stacy Schnieber, Vice President of People and Culture, Camargo Pharmaceutical Services
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: https://tinyurl.com/Fall2019Camargo

Preparing for an interview can be exhausting, even for the most seasoned professional.  It takes a lot more than practicing standard interview questions you may find from a quick Google search!  From researching the job and company, to making that first great impression, this session will give you insider information from a veteran HR professional. Come prepared to learn about connecting with the interviewer, answering interview questions and general etiquette.  You’ll leave armed with the confidence to ace that next interview!

Speaker: Camargo Pharmaceutical Services is a global strategist providing comprehensive drug development services specialized for the 505(b)(2) approval pathway and global equivalent processes. Stacy Schnieber brings more than eighteen years of experience in Human Resources to Camargo, where she works as Vice President of People and Culture. She draws on diverse industry experiences in both large and small organizations, including Staples, Communicare Health Services, and Trak Group executive search firm.

Thurs Oct 31, 2-3:30 pm

WHAT: Polishing Your Online Presence for Graduate Students and Postdocs
WHERE: Brodhead Center, 068 Multipurpose Room
REGISTER: Graduate students register at Career Connections; postdocs register at https://bit.ly/2J4Zuyo

Online tools such as LinkedIn, portfolios or personal websites can be useful opportunities to promote yourself. If you would like assistance creating or polishing your online presence then join us during this hands-on “lab” where you can look at samples, receive tips and get immediate feedback. Please bring a laptop or smart device to work and make edits.

Thurs Nov 7, 12-4:30 pm

WHAT: Innovative Careers for PhDs
WHERE: The Bullpen, 215 Morris St, Durham (https://entrepreneurship.duke.edu/the-bullpen/)
REGISTER: https://tinyurl.com/Fall2019Innovative

The career landscape for PhDs has changed dramatically—the majority of PhD holders now pursue non-academic careers. What are these careers, and how do you position yourself to be competitive for one? In this workshop, you’ll explore careers in startups, private industry, and beyond, then learn how you can find opportunities—and practice marketing yourself to best highlight your skills and experience. The session will include an overview, breakout sessions by field, and a fireside chat with Nancy Go ’00, a marketing executive who has managed brands for Wayfair and P&G. A reception will follow.