Careers Beyond Academia
Graduate students and postdocs interested in exploring career options in industry, government, and nonprofit can learn about opportunities in the Careers Beyond Academia series throughout the 2014-15 academic year. You can find topics relevant to all students as well as specialized panels for two broad disciplinary areas: the humanities and social sciences, and sciences and engineering. This series is offered every two years and is co-sponsored with the Duke Career Center and the Office of Postdoctoral Services. Visit the Careers Beyond Academia webpage for complete details.
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math Seminars
Finding The Right Fit: Career Exploration and Decision-Making (STEM)
Tues Sept 9, 9:30-11:30 am
The Office of Postdoctoral Services welcomes Dara Wilson-Grant, who will present her workshop on how to choose the right career, helping participans understand what makes a career the right or wrong fit, and provide them with a framework for choosing a rewarding career path.
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How to Identify and Leverage Your Transferable Skills
Tues Sept 23, 9:30-11:30 am
Dara Wilson-Grant will help postdocs and graduate 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.
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Careers in Medical Writing
Thurs Sept 25, 9-10 am
Rm 143 Jones Bldg
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 advice on how to get their foot in the door for medical writing positions.
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Careers in Small- to Mid-Sized Biotech Firms
Thurs Oct 23, 9-10 am
Rm 143 Jones Bldg
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.
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Careers in Science Communication
Tues Oct 28, 9-10 am
Perkins 217
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.
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Research Commercialization and Tech Transfer at Duke
Fri Oct 31, 9:30-10:30 am
Rm 143 Jones Bldg
In this session Judd Staples, the Administrative Director for the Duke Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative, will discuss the research commercialization process, tech transfer policies, and how postdocs and grad students can turn their ideas into action.
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Job Hunting in the Biotech Industry: How to Locate and Apply for Jobs, and How to Land Interviews
Tues Nov 4, 9-11 am
Rm 143 Jones Bldg
In this seminar, you will learn how to prepare resumes for your search for research jobs in the biotech industry. Also, you will learn about job search strategies necessary for success on the biotech/pharma job market. After this seminar you will understand how to conduct the four job hunting techniques that comprise a comprehensive job search in the biotech industry.
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Careers in Government Research
Mon Nov 17 through Fri Nov 21
(Free online panel discussion hosted by The Versatile PhD)
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.
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Managing Your Research Career Using an Individual Development Plan (IDP)
Thurs Dec 4, 9-11 am
Rm 143 Jones Bldg
During this program participants will learn how to develop clear and specific goals and objectives in an individual development plan (IDP) along with a plan for executing them.
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Careers in Big Pharma
Thurs Dec 11, 9-10 am
Rm 103 Bryan Research Bldg
The RTP area is a hub for major pharmaceutical companies, including GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Novartis, Pfizer, and Zoetis.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.
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Humanities and Social Sciences Seminars
Finding The Right Fit: Career Exploration and Decision-Making
Fri Sept 26, 12-2 pm
Rm 217 Perkins Library
Dara Wilson-Grant will present her workshop on how to choose the right career. This workshop will help postdocs and graduate students understand what makes a career the right or wrong fit, and provide them with a framework for choosing a rewarding career path.
More Information
Identifying Transferable Skills
Fri Oct 17, 12-2 pm
Rm 217 Perkins Library
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.
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Careers in University Presses
Thurs Oct 23, 3-4:30 pm
Friedl 225, East Campus
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.
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Seminars for All Graduate Students and Postdocs
Interviewing Skills
Thurs Oct 9, 12-1:30 pm
Rm 217 Perkins Library
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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Converting Your CV to a Resume
Thurs Oct 30, 12-1:30 pm
Rm 217 Perkins Library
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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How to Use LaTeX to Format Professional-Looking Resumes
Weds Dec 10, 9-10 am
Rm 465 Sands Bldg
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.
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Core Competencies
Duke Graduate Student Etiquette Dinner
Wednesday, September 3, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Durham Marriott
The Professional Dining Etiquette Program is designed to enhance students' competence and comfort in professional-social settings.
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Preparing PhD Applications: A Workshop for Master’s Students
Thursday, October 2, 12:00–1:30 p.m.
Room 102, The Graduate School, 2127 Campus Drive
Tips for improving your applications to Ph.D. programs. Open only to current master's students in The Graduate School.
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Competing for NSF Fellowships: A Panel Discussion (Webinar)
Friday, October 3, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Learn how to craft successful applications for National Science Foundation fellowships.
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Cultivating Communication for Collaboration
Tuesday, October 7, 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Allen 326
Find out what your communication style is and how to use it effectively.
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Adapting Your Research Presentation for US Industry Culture
Thursday, October 16, 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Languages 211
Learn how to present your research in a way that appeals to industry in the United States.
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An Introduction to Your Professional Development at Duke
Monday, October 20, 12:00–1:30 p.m.
Old Chemistry 201
Find out what career and professional development resources are available to you at Duke and beyond.
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Communicating in US Industry Culture
Tuesday, October 21, 12:00–1:30 p.m.
Allen 326
Learn how to communicate effectively within the industry culture of the United States.
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Ph.D. Career Paths
Careers in Subject Matter Consulting
Monday, September 22 through Friday, September 26
(Free online panel discussion hosted by The Versatile PhD)
Join a weeklong online discussion featuring Ph.D.s or A.B.D.s working as subject matter consultants.
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Careers in Higher Ed Development
Monday, October 20 through Friday, October 24
(Free online panel discussion hosted by The Versatile PhD)
Join a weeklong online discussion featuring humanities and social sciences Ph.D.s or A.B.D.s working in university development (sometimes called advancement).
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Careers in Government Research
Monday, November 17 through Friday, November 21
(Free online panel discussion hosted by The Versatile PhD)
Join a weeklong online discussion featuring STEM Ph.D.s or A.B.D.s working in government research.
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Careers Beyond Academia
Graduate students and postdocs interested in exploring career options in industry, government, and nonprofit can learn about opportunities in the Careers Beyond Academia series throughout the 2014-15 academic year. You can find topics relevant to all students as well as specialized panels for two broad disciplinary areas: the humanities and social sciences, and sciences and engineering. This series is offered every two years and is co-sponsored with the Duke Career Center and the Office of Postdoctoral Services. Visit the Careers Beyond Academia webpage for complete details.
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math Seminars
Career Choices for PhD Scientists in the Age of Biotech: How to Decide Which Path is Right for You
Thursday, January 22, 9:30-11 am
Rm 103 Bryan Research Bldg
In this presentation, William Schrader, Ph.D., will discuss the pros and cons of academic, industry, and government research.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw2houYqxP8&list=PLWxjJg36lSTt6S05cvdKWMFM-I18Hu47C
AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship Info Session
Friday, February 20, 9-10 am
Gross Hall rm 270
Dr. Charles Podolak, AAAS Congressional Science and Engineering Fellow and former Duke postdoc, will talk about AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowships, an opportunity to gain valuable experience working in the federal government.
Medical Writing Info Session with Whitsell Innovations: “Scope of Medical Communications”
Tuesday, February 24, 9:30-10:30 am
Rm 103 Bryan Research Bldg
Robin Whitsell, Founder and President of Whitsell Innovations (WI), Inc., will be hosting an informational session entitled “Scope of Medical Communications.” This presentation will provide an overview of medical-writing careers and discuss the WI Internship Program, an 18-month, part-time, paid internship available to postdoctoral researchers in the life sciences who are interested in medical, scientific, and technical writing.
Careers in Business and Consulting for Science and Engineering PhDs
Thursday, March 12, 9-10 am
Rm 143 Jones Bldg
Join Ph.D.s from the sciences and engineering to discuss their experience in business and consulting, and how they transitioned from Ph.D. researcher to the private sector.
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Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel
Managing Your Research Career Using an Individual Development Plan (IDP)
Tues Mar 24, 9:30-11 am
Rm 143 Jones Bldg
During this program participants will learn how to develop clear and specific goals and objectives in an individual development plan (IDP) along with a plan for executing them.
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Careers in Grant Writing
Tues May 19, 9:30-10:30 am
Rm 143 Jones Bldg
Grant writing is often the first step to a career beyond the traditional tenure track for many postdocs and graduate students. Grant writers secure funding for nonprofits (eg, NC Biotech Center, National Humanities Center), businesses (eg, local start-ups and mid-sized biotech firms), and government agencies. Increasingly, research universities employ grant officers to help faculty and staff secure funding. Consequently, skilled grant writers are typically able to find employment in an otherwise tough job market. More information.
Humanities and Social Sciences Seminars
Careers in Non-Profits
Tuesday, February 10, 3-4:30 pm
Perkins 218
Humanities and social sciences scholars with graduate degrees may find good fits for their research, analysis, writing, grant-writing, and quantitative skills in nonprofit contexts. This panel will feature several successful professionals, some of whom hire Ph.D.s, leveraging their graduate degrees in a variety of nonprofit settings.
More Information
Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel
Careers in Business and Consulting for Social Science and Humanities PhDs
Thursday, February 19, 3-4:30 pm
Perkins 218
This panel discussion features PhDs who have found rewarding professional lives working in business settings or who have started their own businesses. Join us to learn how to translate the skills you’ve developed in pursuing your humanities or social sciences PhD to demonstrate value in the business world.
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Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel
Seminars for All Graduate Students and Postdocs
Converting Your CV to a High-Impact Resume
Tuesday, February 3, 9:30-11 am
Rm 143 Jones Bldg
For a career outside of academia you will need to convert your curriculum vitae (CV) into a resume, and this session will show you how. In addition to learning the differences between an academic CV and a resume, you will learn specific steps and strategies to help you craft a resume that effectively promotes your qualifications in a way that appeals to a broad audience.
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Networking: A Tool for Exploring Careers & Building Professional Relationships
Tuesday, March 3, 9:30-11 am
Rm 143 Jones Bldg
In this workshop, participants will learn the keys to tactful networking along with easy-to-use strategies for face-to-face networking, corresponding via email, and the appropriate use of social media.
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Behavior-Based Interviews: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Thursday April 9, 9:30-11 am
Rm 143 Jones Bldg
Are you planning to pursue a non-academic career path? In this workshop, learn how to 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.
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How to Avoid Self-Sabotage and Win at Salary Negotiations
Tuesday, April 21, 9:30-11 am
Rm 143 Jones Bldg
For most of us, the negotiation process is one of the most stressful parts of the job search. This workshop is a step-by-step guide to navigating the negotiation process.
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Core Competencies
Implicit Bias and Subtle Association
Friday, January 30, 12-2 p.m.
Perkins 217
Dr. Benjamin D. Reese will engage participants in a workshop that considers the impact of implicit bias in their roles as researchers, teachers, and prospective employees. This event is co-sponsored with the Responsible Conduct of Research forums.
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Developing Your Personal Leadership Brand
Monday, February 2, 12-2 p.m.
Perkins 217
Duke alumnus George L. Grody (class of 1981) will teach you how to define who you are to others, draw from your experiences to connect with team members, and effectively use your core values and principles in a leadership role. Learn why you need a brand and what it can do for you.
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Between Stress and Distress
Wednesday, February 4, 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Flowers 201
This workshop will provide some useful paradigms to help graduate students understand stress, as well as introduce some skills and practices that help keep stress as a useful source of motivation rather than evolve into disruptive distress.
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Enhancing Your Public Speaking Skills
Wednesday, February 25
Rm. 102, The Graduate School, 2127 Campus Dr.
Enhance your public speaking skills with coaching from Joy Javits, president of In the Public Eye. This workshop gives you tools, not rules and an education, not a critique. Please bring a 2 minute presentation and your questions.
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How to Hold a Renovation Conversation
Wednesday, March 18, 2015, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
If you are like most grad students, you feel at the mercy of your adviser’s opinions, approaches, and "quirks." This seminar shows you a different way of relating to your mentors so that you can build surprisingly great relationships with them.
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Developing Your Career Management Plan
Monday, June 1, 2015, 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
This program will provide you with a map of how to develop and implement a plan for your career. More information
Ph.D. Career Paths
Careers in Technology for Humanities and Social Science Ph.D.s
Monday, January 26 through Friday, January 30
(Free online panel discussion hosted by The Versatile PhD)
Join a weeklong online discussion featuring humanities and social sciences Ph.D.s or A.B.D.s working in technology careers.
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A Humanities Ph.D.'s Career Path in Arts Management
Friday, February 13, 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Join Duke alumna Jenny Woodruff, current education director for the Savannah Music Festival, for a discussion about her career in the arts and education.
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A Humanities Ph.D.'s Career Path in Arts Development and Academic Administration
Friday, February 20, 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Join Duke alumna Camille Crittenden, current deputy director for CITRIS (Center for Information Technology in the Interest of Society), for a discussion about her career in arts develoment and academic administration.
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Careers in Informal Science Education
Monday, February 23 through Friday, February 27
(Free online panel discussion hosted by The Versatile PhD)
Join a weeklong online discussion featuring STEM Ph.D.s or A.B.D.s working in informal science education careers.
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Alumni lunch: Biological sciences
Tuesday, March 24, 12-1:30 p.m.
Meet distinguished and local alumni over lunch in an informal setting as part of Graduate Student Appreciation Week.
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Alumni lunch: Physical sciences and engineering
Wednesday, March 25, 12-1:30 p.m.
Meet distinguished and local alumni over lunch in an informal setting as part of Graduate Student Appreciation Week.
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Alumni lunch: humanities and social sciences
Thursday, March 26, 12-1:30 p.m.
Meet distinguished and local alumni over lunch in an informal setting as part of Graduate Student Appreciation Week.
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Careers in Marketing for STEM Ph.D.s
Monday, June 8 through Friday, June 12
(Free online panel discussion hosted by The Versatile PhD)
Join a weeklong online discussion featuring STEM Ph.D.s or A.B.D.s working in marketing careers.
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