Gearing Up for Career Success at Einstein Ph.D. Alumni Symposium
Many soon-to-be and newly minted Ph.D.s complete their doctoral training well equipped to do research yet still needing some of the practical knowledge and skills that will help them to advance and thrive in their careers. To address this issue, Einstein's division of biomedical sciences teamed with the office of development to establish the Ph.D. Alumni Career Symposium.
Dr. Victoria Freedman (third from right) is flanked by Ph.D. alumni participants (from left) Drs. Arthee Jahangir, Joseph Harrison, Koenraad Van Doorslaer, Anjani Shah and Kenny WongLaunched in 2015, the symposium is now offered annually. This year's event, held on Wednesday, June 22, in Lubin Dining Hall, drew about 75 Einstein graduate students and postdocs eager to learn from their predecessors who have transitioned successfully from the laboratory to the "real" work world.
"I attended the first symposium last year. It was a great learning and networking experience, so I was excited to attend this year's event," said Alyssa Casill, a Ph.D. candidate in molecular pharmacology in Dr. Matthew Gamble's lab.
"I wanted to learn more about career options and to network with people in different fields, as well as get to know more members of the Einstein alumni community—and my expectations were definitely met," she added.
One program highlight was a lunchtime speed-networking session. Einstein Ph.D. alumni were seated at tables grouped by career path. Students and postdocs rotated to the tables that represented the areas of interest to them, garnering practical tips and advice from their more seasoned peers.
During the speed networking session, graduate students and postdocs spoke with professionals in fields that interested them"I learned a lot, particularly about what it's like to work in science publishing," said Ms. Casill. "The speed-networking format allowed for a variety of one-on-one interactions. I was able to ask specific questions about different career paths and have in-depth conversations about what different careers entail."
The afternoon featured two guest speakers. Dr. Yaihara Fortis-Santiago, science alliance director for the New York Academy of Sciences, discussed "transferable skills and understanding the next steps to your career." Dr. Ryan Hallet, co-founder and director of operations at Dualogics LLC, a biotech company based in Chapel Hill, NC, shed light on how to leverage research skills and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Also on the agenda: workshops on social media and how to write an effective CV or résumé. The program concluded with a networking reception.
"I learned how to boost my résumé, build my network and improve on skills that will help me move my career forward," said Ms. Casill. "Any graduate student, whether just starting out or already looking for a job, can benefit from taking part."
Posted on: Monday, August 01, 2016