Exploring Multiple Career Opportunities
For graduate students across the United States, there is no greater sense of accomplishment than having their years of hard work result in a Ph.D. degree. Often, the major challenge comes after course work is completed and finding a job—especially a tenure-track position—proves elusive.
Leah Guthrie, graduate student in the laboratory of Dr. Libusha Kelly“Because of the fierce competition and uncertainty concerning career prospects in academia, many Ph.D. graduates and postdocs are seeking careers away from the bench,” noted Dr. Victoria Freedman, associate dean for graduate studies in biomedical sciences. “It’s therefore important for them to know about fields where their hard-earned degree and specialized skills can open doors of opportunity they might not have considered before.”
To help them learn about such careers, Einstein’s graduate program and Belfer Institute for Advanced Biomedical Studies have teamed to offer resources and opportunities through the office of career and professional development. A number of clubs also offer supportive activities and skill building.
“Preparing for a career outside academics requires honing certain skill sets that may not be within the scope of graduate training,” noted Leah Guthrie, a graduate student who serves as director of research and strategic planning for Einstein’s Entrepreneurship and Biotechnology Club. “Our club coordinates with the career and professional development office to offer events that highlight some of the different internship and volunteer opportunities available at Einstein and in the greater New York City area that can help graduate students and postdocs expand their skill base.”
Internships and Community-Based Programs
Fadi-Luc Jaber, Ph.D., writing intern and postdoc in the lab of Dr. Sanjeev GuptaAmong the many opportunities available at Einstein is the writing internship instituted by the department of communications and public affairs in conjunction with the graduate program and Belfer Institute.
“I’ve always believed that scientists have a duty to communicate their ideas and findings clearly not only to their peers, but also to the general public,” said postdoctoral fellow Fadi-Luc Jaber. “As a writing intern, I create a variety of content in several different formats for Einstein’s website and publications. Some stories require interviews, and others need complex information simplified so that a lay audience can appreciate the work our faculty and students accomplish. Honing these skills is a must for anyone who wants to pursue a career in scientific communication.” It helps you as a scientist, too, because being able to discuss one’s work in a way that all people can understand is an invaluable skill for all scientists to possess.”
Students and postdocs can also take part in the Technology Transfer Intern Program (T2IP), overseen by the offices of biotechnology and business development. Through this experience, interns learn about licensing of technologies developed by researchers at Einstein to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
“It’s a gratifying experience to nurture a basic research discovery and move it from the bench to an applicable industry such as technology transfer, consulting and equity research analysis,” said postdoctoral fellow and T2IP intern Arijit Bhowmick.
Einstein’s Community Based Service Learning (CBSL) program offers another avenue for acquiring useful hands-on experience in teaching and community outreach.
“CBSL offers a wide range of prospects, from mentoring high school students representing underserved communities who take part in the Einstein Enrichment Program to educating hospitalized children through the TEACH [Together Educating All Children in Hospitals] program,” said Ms. Guthrie.
Other Opportunities for Gaining Skills & Experience
Arijit Bhowmick, Ph.D., technology transfer intern and postdoc in the lab of Dr. Matthew LevyThere also are clubs—offered at Einstein and in the greater scientific community in New York City—that provide a forum for skill development and activities for gaining useful experience. For example, the student-run Einstein Consulting Club prepares graduate students and postdocs for a career in consulting.
Members of the club work pro bono, advising clients establishing start-up businesses in the biotechnology sector. They also work on building the skills essential for strategic problem-solving that are at the heart of consulting.
Beyond the Einstein campus there are organizations such as the Bio and Health Tech Entrepreneurship Lab (ELab), a six-month competitive program based in Manhattan, which is designed to promote business development among graduate students, postdocs and early-career researchers. Participants of ELab take a mini-MBA course and network with investors, scientific experts and business leaders.
There is also the Virtual Student Foreign Service (VSFS) Internship program, an eight- to ten-month internship that offers students a chance to contribute to the efforts of the U.S. government, working on policy-related projects.
“A real plus factor to being a VSFS intern is that all work and communications can be done remotely, so it doesn’t take time away from thesis research,” noted Dr. Rebecca Nebel, who graduated in early 2016 and is currently assistant director of scientific programs at the Society for Women’s Health Research in Washington, D.C. “It’s an excellent program if you’re interested in a career in science policy.”
“It’s never too early to start thinking about your career goals,” said Dr. Freedman. “We encourage students and postdocs to make the most of the various opportunities that can help them gain a foothold in careers outside academia, if that’s the path they wish to take. Our aim is to prepare them for every success, whether in academia or in another field that allows them to use the skills and expertise they’ve gained through the Ph.D.”
Posted on: Tuesday, August 30, 2016