Spring 2017 | Careers Beyond Academia

The 2016-17 Careers Beyond Academia Series is co-sponsored by the Office of Postdoctoral Services, The Graduate School, and the Career Center.

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Science and Engineering Seminars
Humanities and Social Sciences Seminars
Seminars for All Postdocs and Graduate Students

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Science and Engineering Seminars

Weds Jan 25, 9:30-10:30 am

WHAT: Whitsell Innovations Medical Writing Internship Session: Scope of Medical Communications
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/Spring2017Whitsell

Interested in the next steps after completing your PhD or post-doctoral fellowship? Wondering what to do if the bench isn’t for you? If so, please join us to learn about potential careers in medical and scientific communication in the life science industries.

Whitsell Innovations (https://www.whitsellinnovations.com/) is a certified woman-owned, full-service medical and scientific writing company headquartered in Chapel Hill, NC, with writers in 11 US states. Robin Whitsell, Founder and President of WI, will host an informational session entitled “Scope of Medical Communications.” The presentation will provide an overview of potential careers for scientists that combine scientific acumen and writing skills. Ms. Whitsell will also discuss the WI Internship Program. Now in its 7th year, this opportunity is an 18-month, part-time, paid internship available to researchers who are interested in a careers in the life sciences.

Feb 6-10

WHAT: Versatile PhD Webinar: Careers in Conservation for STEM PhDs
INFORMATION: Careers in Conservation for STEM

STEM PhDs can make a positive impact on the planet by working in Conservation – the protection and preservation of biodiversity, the environment, and natural resources toward sustainable use for future generations.

In this free online panel discussion, panelists are ABDs and PhDs from STEM fields who have made the transition to careers in conservation. Panelists introduce themselves on Monday and take questions all week. You can interact with panelists through the discussion forum or follow the conversation via email. All questions welcome, from the most general to the very specific.

Duke’s subscription to The Versatile PhD is sponsored by The Graduate School. Registration at Versatile PhD is free and can be anonymous; use your Duke NetID upon registration to access subscriber-only content.

Tues Feb 14, 9-10:30 am

WHAT: Careers in Education for STEM Graduate Students and Postdocs
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/Spring2017STEMEd

There are many opportunities to teach beyond academia. Careers in education are found in K-12 classrooms, at museums and online. Graduate students and postdocs who want to share their interests and knowledge with others should attend to learn about working with different populations of learners. The panelists will share how they transitioned from STEM disciplines into their current roles, how they found these jobs, and steps that attendees can take to learn more and prepare for careers in education.

Panelists:

Megan Aldrup-MacDonald, MS (Genetics & Genomics), Biology Instructor, North Carolina School of Science & Math
Debra Bailey, BS (Medical Laboratory Technology), Coordinator, Micro World Investigative Lab, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Geoff Patterson, PhD (Mathematics), Math Curriculum Designer, IXL Learning
Kelly Witter, MS (Civil & Environmental Engineering), MBA, Director of STEM & Environment Outreach, US Environmental Protection Agency

Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

Thurs Mar 2, 9-10:30 am

WHAT: Careers in Data Science for STEM Graduate Students and Postdocs
WHERE: Rm 103 Bryan Research Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/Spring2017DataScience

Data science was the top-rated career path of 2016 according to Glassdoor. The analytical and technical skills needed for data science are often a good match for people with advanced STEM degrees. At this event, panelists will talk about how they apply principles of data science to various industries. They will share how they transitioned from academia into their current roles, how they found these jobs, and steps that attendees can take to learn more and prepare for careers in data science.

Panelists:

Jamie Shorey, PhD (Electrical & Computer Engineering), Solutions Manager-Data Analytics, NC State University Lab for Analytic Sciences
Laura Kavanaugh, PhD (Genetics), Senior Computational Biologist, Syngenta
William LeFew, PhD (Applied Mathematics), Principal Data Scientist, CoVar Applied Technologies

Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

Weds Mar 8, 9:30-10:30 am

WHAT: Insight Data Science Fellowship Info Session
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/Spring2017Insight

Yan Kou, Head of Insight Health Data Science Fellowship program, will be leading a discussion on careers in data science and data engineering. Top companies are hiring data scientists and engineers to help find insights in the petabytes of data that they collect every day. Scientists and engineers from diverse fields, including physics, astronomy, computational biology, neuroscience, math, and statistics are playing key roles in transforming the way of working with data to impact our daily lives.

The Insight Fellows Program is a training fellowship designed to bridge the gap between academia and a career in data science. Insight provides seven-week, full-time, postdoctoral training fellowships in Silicon Valley, New York and Boston. They offer a full tuition scholarship, dedicated office space, and project-based learning under the guidance of top industry mentors. Over 800 Insight alumni are now working at Facebook, Apple, LinkedIn, Twitter, Reddit, Netflix, NBC, MTV, Khan Academy, Biogen and other top companies.

In this info session, we will provide a high-level overview of data science in industry and describe the Insight Fellows Program. The session will include time for Q&A, and advice for those interested in transitioning to careers in data science and data engineering. Learn more at: insightdatascience.com

Bagels and coffee will be provided.

Fri Mar 10, 9:30-10:30 am

WHAT: Camargo Pharmaceutical Services Info Session and Postdoc Internship Program
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/Spring2017Camargo

Are you interested in a career in regulatory affairs, medical writing, or drug development? Please join us for an info session with Camargo Pharmaceutical Services, a global strategist providing comprehensive drug development services specialized for the 505(b)(2) approval pathway and global equivalent processes. Lisa Crose, PhD, Camargo Research Scientist and former Duke postdoc, will discuss what it’s like to work at Camargo and also the Camargo Postdoctoral Internship Program. Several Duke postdocs have gone on to full-time positions with Camargo after completing the internship! *Please note: If you are a graduate student you are welcome to attend this info session. However, you are not eligible for the postdoctoral internship program.

The Internship Program, now in its 5th year, is a 6-month, part-time, PAID internship based in Camargo’s Durham office. As a postdoctoral intern, you will gain invaluable experience with drug development strategy and regulatory affairs. Interns work closely with cross-functional teams on a variety of projects to assist with literature searches, database reviews, and hands-on preparation of drug development strategic and regulatory documents. Throughout the duration of the internship, interns gain exposure to Phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials, nonclinical pharmacology and toxicology studies, FDA approval processes and much more. The intern is expected to be on-site for an average of 10 hours per week. Interns are required to be able to legally work in the United States outside a University and must sign and abide by a Confidentiality Agreement provided by Camargo

Bagels and coffee will be provided.

Fri Mar 10, 12:30-1:30 pm

WHAT: Research & Development Careers in Biotech with Fannie Mitchell Expert in Residence Ben Buehrer, PhD ‘94
WHERE: MSRB 1, Room 001
REGISTER Postdocs: Email Dave McDonald
REGISTER Graduate Students: http://tinyurl.com/Spring2017Buehrer

Research and development (R&D) careers in the biotech and pharma industries are a popular choice for students and postdocs interested in conducting research outside of academia. After graduating from Duke with his PhD, Ben Buehrer has had multiple R&D roles in biotech. Now he is Vice President at ZenBio, a company that provides human cell systems, reagents, and contract research services to clients. During this lunch discussion, Ben will talk about his experiences in industry, answer your career-related questions, and provide tips for breaking into the field.

Ben Buehrer is Vice President at ZenBio and has over 10 years of industrial experience leading discovery and research programs. From 2004 to 2007, he was ZenBio’s Director of R&D, managing the internal, contract, and collaborative research and development programs. Prior to that, Ben led small molecule drug discovery and pre-clinical development for Karo Bio’s prostate cancer program, managing research at both the US and Swedish sites. Most recently, Ben led internal discovery programs at Affinergy, Inc. focused on site-specific delivery and retention of bioactive agents to medical device and tissue surfaces. Ben received his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Duke University in 1994.

Lunch will be provided.

Apr 3-7

WHAT: Versatile PhD Webinar: Careers in Think Tanks for STEM PhDs
INFORMATION: Careers in Think Tanks STEM

In this free online panel discussion, panelists are ABDs and PhDs from STEM fields who have made the transition to careers in think tanks. Panelists introduce themselves on Monday and take questions all week. You can interact with panelists through the discussion forum or follow the conversation via email. All questions welcome, from the most general to the very specific.

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Tues Apr 4, 9:30-11:30 am

WHAT: Managing Your Research Career Using an Individual Development Plan (IDP)
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/SPRING2017IDP

For better or for worse, your experiences and the training you receive as graduate students and postdoctoral researchers can greatly impact and shape 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 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, LPC 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.

NOTE: This Forum provides Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) credit. Duke postdocs are required to take yearly RCR training as outlined at http://ors.duke.edu/orsmanual/rcr-postdoctoral-researchers. If you are a Postdoctoral Associate or Postdoctoral Scholar and have attended either the day-long Postdoctoral RCR Forum or the 5-part Trent Center RCR Course, you are thereafter required to attend one RCR Forum (such as this one) every subsequent year of your postdoctoral training.

Thurs Apr 6, 9:30-10:30 am

WHAT: “Applying for Industry Jobs” with Kelly Scientific Resources
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/Spring2017Kelly

In this informative session, Angela Barbry Stewart, Sr Recruiting Manager, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Strategic Accounts and Operations, will discuss what industry employers are looking for. Topics will include the most effective way to construct your resume, references, networking skills, and interviewing.

Since founding in 1995 as Kelly’s scientific specialty service, Kelly Scientific Resources (KSR) has emerged as the leading scientific and clinical trials staffing company in the world today. On average we employ over 400 clinical trials professionals and 4,500 scientists in temporary, contract and full-time positions – from more than 100 locations in North America, Europe and the Pacific Rim.

Tues Apr 25, 9-10 am

WHAT: Careers in Regulatory Affairs
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/Spring2017Regulatory

Regulatory Affairs (RA) has developed from the desire of governments to protect public health by controlling the safety and efficacy of healthcare and related products, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biologics and nutritional products. Organizations including major multinational pharmaceutical corporations, small biotech companies, and research universities like Duke and UNC have specialist departments of Regulatory Affairs professionals. RA is a promising field for scientists searching for alternative careers because it offers a multitude of starting jobs and opportunities for advancement.

Panelists:

Josh Johnson, PhD (Experimental Psychology) Regulatory Affairs Manager, Merz Pharmaceuticals (former Duke postdoc)
Kelly Lindblom, PhD (Pharmacology), Regulatory Affairs Scientist, Duke Office of Regulatory Affairs and Quality (former Duke PhD student)
Kelly McKnight, PhD (Genetics), Regulatory Affairs Coordinator, Duke Cancer Institute (former Duke postdoc)
Xiaoting (Tina) Wang, PhD (Neuroscience), Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist, GW Pharmaceuticals (former Duke postdoc)

Access to the videorecording of this panel discussion is available by permission only. Request access via email to the Duke Postdoc office.

Humanities and Social Sciences Seminars

Weds Jan 18, 1-2:30 pm

WHAT: Versatile Humanists at Duke Internship Program Launch: Conversation and Networking
WHERE: David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Room 249 (Carpenter Conference Room)
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/Spring2017Humanists

Are you seeking meaningful work experience to amplify your dissertation research, or interested in exploring a new career path? Join us to learn about the new Versatile Humanists Internship Program for Duke doctoral students in the humanities and interpretive social sciences.

Representatives from the National Humanities Center, Research Triangle International, Museum of Durham History, and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences will be on hand to present newly created, stipended opportunities for Duke graduate student interns. We will also discuss the process for students who are interested in designing and proposing their own internship experiences. The event will be followed by informal discussion and networking.

Thurs Feb 9, 12-1:30 pm

WHAT: How I Took a Social Science PhD to the Private Sector: A Talk with Jillian Powers, PhD
WHERE: Gross Hall, Room 230E
REGISTER: http://bit.ly/Spring2017Consulting

What kinds of training from a social science PhD is attractive to employers in the private sector? How does a professional in the private sector adopt her working strategies to make a successful transition? Alumna Jillian Powers has worked in both academia and the private sector since receiving her PhD in Sociology in 2011. Dr. Powers is currently a consultant at ReD Associates, an international consultancy firm that delivers insights into human behavior to its clients. Dr. Powers previously held positions as Florence Kay Fellow in Immigration and American Society at Brandeis University and as a Postdoctoral Fellow in American Culture Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. Join us for an informal talk and conversation over a light lunch.

ReD Associates is a strategy consulting company that was founded in 2005. We apply social science methods to help solve C-level strategy and growth challenges and discover innovation opportunities. Our unique value proposition is based on, applying human science expertise to business problems, serving C-suite executives in Fortune 100 companies, and answering strategic questions about customer behavior, leading to new and improved products, services, and business models. At ReD, we put a deep understanding of real people back at the center of business decision-making.

Thurs Feb 23, 3-4:30 pm

WHAT: Careers in Publishing for the Humanities and Social Sciences
WHERE: Perkins Library, Room 218
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/Spring2017Pub

Humanists and social scientists who enjoy reading and research can leverage their skills and interests in publishing. Our panelists will discuss the different roles available in the publishing industry, identify ways to gain experience and entry into the field, and share career advancement opportunities. Our panelists include alumni of The Graduate School as well as managers who have hired Graduate School alumni.

Panelists:

Jocelyn Dawson, MA, Journals Marketing Manager, Duke University Press
Heather Mallory, PhD, freelance writer and editor
Mark Simpson-Vos, MA, Editorial Director, University of North Carolina Press
Max Sinsheimer, Founder, Sinsheimer Literary, LLC

Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

Tues Feb 28, 12-1 pm

WHAT: A Social Sciences PhD’s Career Path in Consulting
WHERE: Perkins Library, Room 218
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/Spring2017Choi

Learn how alumnus William Choi navigated a path from academia to consulting after receiving his Ph.D. in Economics from Duke. Dr. Choi began his career as a Senior Consultant at Micronomics/InteCap before transitioning to a role as Economist with Econ One Research Inc. He is currently Managing Director with AlixPartners in the San Francisco Bay area.

Delicious pizza will be provided. Please bring your own beverage to enjoy.

Weds Mar 1, 3-4:30 pm

WHAT: Careers in Writing, Editing, and Communications
WHERE: Perkins Library, Room 218
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/Spring2017Writing

Humanities and social sciences graduate students hone their writing and editing skills throughout their programs. What kinds of career opportunities exist for those interested in leveraging these skills professionally? Our panelists will share their experiences as writers, editors, and in communications work.

Panelists:

Heidi Scott Giusto, PhD (History ‘12), Principal, Career Path Writing Solutions
Margy Thomas, PhD (English), Academic Writing Consultant & Editor, ScholarShape
Joshua Kolling-Perin, PhD (English), Vice President of Corporate Communications, Medical Mutual

Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

Mar 6-10

WHAT: Versatile PhD Webinar: Careers in Think Tanks for Humanities and Social Science PhDs
INFORMATION: Careers in Think Tanks HumSS

In this free online panel discussion, panelists are ABDs and PhDs from Humanities and Social Science fields who have made the transition to careers in think tanks. Panelists introduce themselves on Monday and take questions all week. You can interact with panelists through the discussion forum or follow the conversation via email. All questions welcome, from the most general to the very specific.

Sat Apr 8, 10 am-2:30 pm

WHAT: An Ivory Tower with a View: Approaching the Non-Academic Job Market with a Humanities PhD
WHERE: West Duke Building, Room 202
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/Spring2017Ernst

This professional development event will feature Dr. Zachary Ernst, who will share his experiences and insights on how to leverage graduate education to meet the demands of a non-academic job market. Dr. Ernst received his PhD in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Before becoming a data engineer in Chicago, he was a tenured professor of philosophy at University of Missouri-Columbia and Florida State University.

This event is funded by The Graduate School’s Professional Development Grant, and hosted by the Philosophy Department. Questions? Email Lok Chan at lok.c@duke.edu.

Lunch will be provided.

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Seminars for All Postdocs and Graduate Students

Thurs Jan 12, 12-1:30 pm

WHAT: Resume Workshop for Graduate Students and Postdocs
WHERE: West Union Bldg, Room 068

Non-academic employers typically request that applicants provide a focused 1-2 page resume instead of a more exhaustive CV. What are the essential accomplishments to include in a resume? How do you identify the relevant qualifications that highlight the best of what you have to offer? In this workshop you’ll learn how to create a focused, tailored resume that creates a compelling depiction of your significant skills and experiences. Postdocs are welcome to attend this event; no need to register in advance.

Tues Jan 17, 12-1:30 pm

WHAT: Career Fair Prep Workshop for Graduate Students and Postdocs
WHERE: West Union Bldg, Room 068

Career Fairs are a great opportunity to connect with employers, explore career trends, and to practice your communication and networking skills. Preparation is the key to a successful Career Fair Experience. Come to the Career Fair Preparation Workshop to learn about what to expect at the fair, effective company research, professional networking, and communicating with employers at a career fair. You will leave this interactive workshop with strategies and tools to help you make the most out of your Career Fair experience. Postdocs are welcome to attend this event; no need to register in advance.

Thurs Jan 26, 12-1:30 pm

WHAT: Cover Letter Workshop for Graduate Students and Postdocs
WHERE: West Union Bldg, Room 067

According to employers, job applicants who write persuasive cover letters can surge ahead in the competition for interviews. Cover letters are your opportunity to expand on the information in your resume, tell your story for an employer in a way that makes it explicit how and why you would add value to their organization, and illustrate your communication and persuasion skills all at once. In this workshop you will learn a powerful structure for your cover letters and how to make explicit the fit between what you bring and what the employer wants. Postdocs are welcome to attend this event; no need to register in advance.

Fri Jan 27, 12-1 pm

WHAT: Working in DC: What to Know Before You Go to Jobs and Internships in Government, Think Tanks, Nonprofits, and More
WHERE: Perkins Library rm 217 (pizza provided; please bring your own beverage)
REGISTER: https://gradschool.duke.edu/student-life/events/working-dc-what-know-you-go-jobs-and-internships-government-think-tanks

Are you interested in working in Washington, DC for an internship or professional employment? Learn about the range of opportunities available in DC, successful job-seeking strategies specific to the area, and ways to prepare for the experience. Our speaker is Chris Simmons, Duke’s Associate Vice President for the Office of Government Relations.

Thurs Feb 2, 12-1:30 pm

WHAT: Networking Workshop for Graduate Students and Postdocs
WHERE: West Union Bldg, Room 068

Learn ways to build mutually beneficial professional relationships, including tips for creating conversation with people you don’t yet know, networking norms and strategies, and effective ways to follow up to sustain those relationships. Postdocs are welcome to attend this event; no need to register in advance.

Tues Feb 7, 9:30-11 am

WHAT: “Interviewing in the Real World: What to Expect and How to Prepare” with Dara Wilson Grant
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/Spring2017Interviewing

Are you planning to pursue a non-academic career path? If so, you will need to prepare for a style of interviewing that is quite different than the academic interview process – from the interview structure to the types of questions asked. Special attention will be given to a common HR/industry method of interviewing called behavior-based interviewing.

SPEAKER: Dara Wilson-Grant, LPC, Associate Director, UNC-Chapel Hill Office of Postdoctoral Affairs

Thurs Feb 9, 12-1:30 pm

WHAT: Job Search Workshop for Graduate Students and Postdocs
WHERE: West Union Bldg, Room 068

Make the most of your time and energy when searching for a job. Learn how to identify your skills, plan a targeted search, conduct informational interviews and build a job and internship search plan that works for YOU. Leave with resources for where and how to search for opportunities and clear next steps to take in your process. Postdocs are welcome to attend this event; no need to register in advance.

Thurs Feb 16, 12-1:30 pm

WHAT: Interviewing Workshop for Graduate Students and Postdocs
WHERE: Rubenstein Library Carpenter Conference Room 249

Interviews are a great opportunity for you to tell your story and show how you can fit with and contribute to an organization. Learn how to effectively prepare for behavioral interviews, including strategies for conducting research about the organization and the STAR format for organizing your responses to interview questions. Postdocs are welcome to attend this event; no need to register in advance.

Tues Feb 28, 9:30-11 am

WHAT: “How to Avoid Self-Sabotage and Win at Salary Negotiations” with Dara Wilson Grant
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/Spring2017Salary

Let’s face it, for most of us, the negotiation process is one of the most stressful parts of the job search. Not long after the initial excitement of receiving an offer comes panic followed by dread.

Do I negotiate for more money and risk seeming pushy or ungrateful?
Will I lose this opportunity if I negotiate for too much?
What should I ask for?

If one or more of these thoughts swirl through your head when you think about salary negotiations, you are not alone! This workshop is a step-by-step guide to navigating the negotiation process, especially when it comes to managing your emotions.

SPEAKER: Dara Wilson-Grant, LPC, Associate Director, UNC-Chapel Hill Office of Postdoctoral Affairs

Thurs Mar 23, 9:30-10:30 am

WHAT: Careers in Evaluation and Community-Engaged Research
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/Spring2017Community

Jessica Sperling, PhD, is Manager of Evaluation & Engagement for the Duke Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) & Duke Education and Human Development Incubator (EDHi). Jessica will discuss her path to evaluation and careers in evaluation – an area of work that utilizes PhD conceptual and empirical training in applied settings. She will also discuss how interested postdocs could gain experience in evaluation through SSRI/EHDi Evaluation & Engagement.

SPEAKER: Jessica Sperling is Manager of Evaluation & Engagement for the Duke Social Science Research Institute & Education and Human Development Incubator (EDHi). She is dedicated to developing community-engaged and applied research, improving programs through responsive and collaborative evaluation, as well as developing educational programming with hands-on learning opportunities. Prior to joining SSRI, she was a Research Analyst in the CUNY Office of Research, Evaluation, and Program Support and also managed the research and evaluation program for StoryCorps, where she developed an overall framework for evaluation, as well as specific data collection and analysis projects. She holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, where she focused on immigration, race/ethnicity, and inequality and was funded by the NSF, the Social Science Research Council, and Zeit Stiftung/Bucerius. As a sociologist, Jessica brings a focus on institutions and social structure to her work, and she appreciates being actively engaged in solutions to social problems.

Bagels and coffee will be provided.

Tues Mar 28, 9:30-11 am

WHAT: “Leaving the Ivory Tower: Managing the Emotional Side of Career Change” with Dara Wilson Grant
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/Spring2017Leaving

A large part of how we define ourselves and how others define us is based on what we do for a living – our professional identity. But what happens when we are no longer a [fill in the blank]? How do we deal with the loss of self, the loss of professional status, the loss of affiliation with an elite group that we’ve been aligned with as long as we can remember?

The overall loss of identity that we feel when we decide to leave academia is comparable to healing after the loss of a loved one or after the breakup of a long-term, and possibly dysfunctional, relationship. Letting go can be difficult, but we have to let go and give ourselves permission to grieve before reaching a point where we are ready to commit to making a career change.

In this informative session, participants will learn about the emotional obstacles that can keep us stuck in an academic career path that is no longer fulfilling. Participants will also learn how former postdocs and graduate students found the courage to follow a more rewarding career path.

In this session, you will:

Learn about the emotional obstacles that can keep us stuck in an academic career path that is no longer fulfilling
Be taught strategies for letting go and moving on to form, and eventually embrace, a new professional identity
Learn about resources that can help you navigate through the transition phase and into a more rewarding career.

SPEAKER: Dara Wilson-Grant, LPC, Associate Director, UNC-Chapel Hill Office of Postdoctoral Affairs