This intentionally-designed series blends OACD programming with top-rated virtual content to give advanced doctoral students and postdoctoral trainees at Pitt access to an expanded set of sessions covering a variety of career development skills, career options, and key transitional steps that will help you identify, prepare for, and succeed in landing the next step of your career (see the career-specific stage and the career transition stage of the ADAPT model for more information).
List of acronyms: BtP: Beyond the Professoriate; HSLS: Health Sciences Library System; NPA: National Postdoctoral Association; OACD: Office of Academic Career Development.
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Aug. 19-23, 2024BtP: Academic Job Market Boot Camp
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Provided by Beyond the Professoriate
Time: 12-12:45pm ET
Location: VirtualDescription: Get ready for the academic job market by attending the 2024 Academic Job Market Boot Camp. Designed to help you stand out as a candidate, these workshops will demystify the various documents that make up an application package. You’ll learn strategies you need to clearly and confidently communicate who you are as an educator and scholar to hiring committees.
These virtual workshops are designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all disciplines who want to strengthen their application package.
Can’t make it live? Replays will be available — register in advance to receive notification.
- Monday, August 19: Cover Letters
- Tuesday, August 20: Research Statements
- Wednesday, August 21: Teaching Statements
- Thursday, August 22: Teaching Portfolios
- Friday, August 23: Diversity Statements
The webinar will be held via Zoom webinar and will be recorded.
To register, log into Beyond the Professoriate, selecting "through your institution" (Pitt), and then REGISTER HERE. Advanced registration is required.
Please also be sure to mark “member@beyondprof.com” as a safe sender to receive our email reminders.
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August 29, 2024OACD: Certification in STEM Teaching: Pitt-CIRTL *Recording Available*
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Time: 3-4pm ET
Location: Virtual
Presenter: April Dukes, PhDDescription: Are you interested in pursuing a career in academia or enhancing your teaching, mentoring and advising skills? This session provides information about the free on-campus and online programming and certification program designed to help develop the skills needed for a professional career in STEM. The University of Pittsburgh is one of over 40 higher education institutions that partner with the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) to provide professional development to STEM graduate students, postdocs, and new faculty.
Attend this session to learn about the three levels of certification in STEM teaching and determine what you need to do to advance your career in academia!
Presenter Bio: Dr. April Dukes is the Institutional Co-leader for Pitt-CIRTL at the University of Pittsburgh and the Faculty and Future Faculty Program Director for the Engineering Educational Research Center (EERC) in the Swanson School of Engineering. April collaborates on the national educational research initiative, the Aspire Alliance’s National Change, to support systemic changes towards excellence and inclusivity in higher education. April's research and teaching goals are to improve the learning, development, and experiences of undergraduate and graduate students during their academic and professional pursuits.
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Sept. 11, 2024BtP: How to Set Yourself Up for Career Success
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Provided by Beyond the Professoriate
Time: 12-12:45pm ET
Location: VirtualDescription: PhDs and postdocs are busy. There’s so much to do NOW that it’s hard to think long term.
But what will you do after your PhD? Have you started exploring career options yet? It’s important to think about these questions early because a job search can take 6+months.
This webinar will help you make goals and set priorities so that you can be successful in your program AND prepared to launch your career. It is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- How do I find time to add job searching to my already busy to-do list?
- How can I make choices about coursework and research now that will set me up for future success?
- What do non-academic employers want to see in PhDs transitioning out of academia?
To register, log into Beyond the Professoriate, selecting "through your institution" (Pitt), and then REGISTER HERE. Advanced registration is required.
Please also be sure to mark “member@beyondprof.com” as a safe sender to receive our email reminders.
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Sept. 18, 2024HSLS: Skills, Knowledge, and Tools for Peer Reviewing
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Provided by Provided by University of Pittsburgh, Health Sciences Library System (HSLS)
Time: 12-1pm ET
Location: Virtual
Presenter: Helena VonVilleDescription: Peer review of health research journal manuscripts exists to ensure that a manuscript submission meets the standards of the journal to which it was submitted. Peer reviewers are critical for ensuring the high quality of published articles, thereby contributing to the reduction of research waste. But what skills and knowledge are peer reviewers expected to have? And are there tools that can provide a framework for providing an objective, methodical, and transparent peer review?
Upon completing this class, you should be able to:- Identify roles and tasks of peer reviewers
- Compare and contrast reporting guidelines and critical appraisal tools
- Construct a thorough and objective peer review
This class will not be recorded. Class materials will be shared with attendees.
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Sept. 24, 2024NPA: Advocating for Public Policy
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Provided by National Postdoctoral Association (NPA)
Time: 3-4:15pm ET
Location: Virtual
Presenter: Richard Watkins, Ph.D., Span-IncRegister Here after logging into the NPA site. If you are not yet a member of the NPA, join here as an "Affiliate Individual Member" Graduate Student, Postdoc, or Other, and select the University of Pittsburgh as your institution.
Description: Everyone desires effective policy, but few truly understand the intricate process of crafting and passing legislation that shapes policy. Even fewer possess the determination needed to drive change. Advocacy and public policy are crucial components in the broader landscape of power dynamics. Embracing the adage that knowledge is power, we invite attendees to recognize their potential to influence public policy and realize they are far from powerless in enacting change.
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Oct. 23, 2024BtP: Academic Publishing
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Provided by Beyond the Professoriate
Time: 12-12:45pm ET
Location: ZoomDescription: To land a tenure-track job, you’ve got to publish. To be successful, you need to know where to submit your work and what academic publishers are looking for in submissions. This webinar will explain the academic publishing process. You’ll learn tips and strategies to help you be successful as a scholar.
This webinar is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- How do I know when my research is ready to be published?
- How do I draft and revise my own work to improve its chances of publication?
- How does peer review work?
- What is an expected timeline for academic publishing?
To register, log into Beyond the Professoriate, selecting "through your institution" (Pitt), and then REGISTER HERE. Advanced registration is required.
Please also be sure to mark “member@beyondprof.com” as a safe sender to receive our email reminders.
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Nov. 5, 2024NPA: Finding an International Faculty Position in Biology After a US Postdoc
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Time: 11 am -12pm ET
Location: VirtualPresenters: Anusha Shankar, Robert Peuß, and Naima Starkloff
Provided by National Postdoc Association
Are you a postdoc considering a faculty position outside the United States? Join the NPA International Committee for an engaging panel discussion featuring panelists who completed a postdoc in biology in the United States and have transitioned to faculty roles in various countries, whether that be returning to their home country or embarking on a new adventure. All postdocs, domestic and international, are encouraged to attend this panel to ask questions, gain valuable advice, and consider their options in the next step in their academic career! Our panelists, Anusha Shankar, Ph.D. (India), Robert Peuß, Ph.D., (Germany) and Naima Starkloff, Ph.D. (Netherlands), will share their experiences and participate in breakout rooms to network with current interested postdocs.
Register here after logging into the NPA site. If you are not yet a member of the NPA, join here as an "Affiliate Individual Member" Graduate Student, Postdoc, or Other, and select the University of Pittsburgh as your institution. -
Nov. 6, 2024BtP: How to Write a Resume that Hiring Managers will Actually Read
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Provided by Beyond the Professoriate
Time: 12-12:45m ET
Location: Virtual
Presenter: David Giltner, PhDDescription: PhDs and Postdocs often approach resume writing as a self-reflective exercise — they “convert” their CV into a resume and focus on their academic accomplishments. But if you’re trying to catch a hiring manager’s attention, this is a failed strategy.
Instead, PhDs and postdocs should treat their resume as a persuasive document, designed to convince a hiring manager to contact you for an interview. An effective resume focuses less on your list of accomplishments and more on describing how you can solve a hiring manager’s problems.
This webinar is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- What do I need to include in my resume?
- What are common mistakes PhDs make on the resume?
- How can I apply more effective strategies to ensure my resume catches the attention of the hiring manager?
To register, log into Beyond the Professoriate, selecting "through your institution" (Pitt), and then REGISTER HERE. Advanced registration is required.
Please also be sure to mark “member@beyondprof.com” as a safe sender to receive our email reminders.
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Nov. 12, 2024OACD: Level Up Your Career: Leverage Your PhD Transferable Skills
Hybrid -
In collaboration with Pitt's SOM Graduate Studies
Time: 4-5:30pm ET
Location: Scaife 3702/3704
Presenter: Tracy Costello, PhDTo attend in-person: Register here!
To attend remotely: Register with Zoom!
Description: Level up in your career planning by attending this session! Graduate studies and postdoc training develops a wealth of transferable skills that you can leverage and apply to a diverse range of career paths. We will delve into how research develops critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and other transferable skills that are essential competencies sought after by employers across career sectors. This in-person, hands-on workshop will provide practical strategies for identifying, articulating, and leveraging your transferable skills to create a compelling professional profile.
Presenter: Tracy Costello, PhD, is currently the director of postdoctoral affairs and graduate student development at the University of South Florida, and founder and coach of Coach4Postdocs. Since 2012, her professional focus has been on professional and career development for postdoctoral fellows and graduate students in the areas of career exploration and job searches, and professional development including student success, leadership, mentoring, communication, grant writing, and ethics, at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Moffitt Cancer Center, and now USF. She earned her doctorate in biomathematics and biostatistics and human and molecular genetics from The University of Texas MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. During her postdoctoral training at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Tracy was actively involved with postdoc affairs, including serving on the Board of Directors of the National Postdoctoral Association and subsequently transitioned to staff positions in academia and industry. She founded Coach4Postdocs, a consultancy focused on providing professional development training at numerous universities, professional societies, and nonprofits, as well as providing private 1-1, early- and mid-career coaching. She serves on the STEMPeers Board of Directors, as the executive coach for the STEMPeers Gurukool program, and as a reviewer on study sections currently for the NIH and previously for the NSF.
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Nov. 19, 2024NPA: Understanding Research Development Careers
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Provided by National Postdoctoral Association (NPA)
Time: 3-4:15pm ET
Location: Virtual
Presenter: Samarpita Sengupta, PhDRegister Here after logging into the NPA site. If you are not yet a member of the NPA, join here as an "Affiliate Individual Member" Graduate Student, Postdoc, or Other, and select the University of Pittsburgh as your institution.
Description: Two roads diverged after a postdoc, and we took the one non-traditionally travelled. Research Development (RD) is a non-traditional career path. RD professionals (RDP) make team science happen by guiding researchers and teams through proposal development, team science, and strategic planning for research innovation and excellence. Postdoctoral training confers effective and highly transferrable skills that make postdocs valuable as RDP candidates.
Presenter: Samarpita Sengupta, PhD, assistant dean for research, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona; member, Board of Directors, National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP); co-chair, iKNoW Affinity Group, NORDP; certified mentor trainer, CIMER. NORDP seeks to improve the visibility of RD as a viable, rewarding career path for scientists from all facets.
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Nov. 20, 2024BtP: How to Prepare for a 1st Round Interview for a Faculty Job
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Provided by Beyond the Professoriate
Date and Time: 12-12:45pm ET
Location: VirtualDescription: You’ve submitted your faculty job applications and are now anxiously awaiting to hear back about interviews. Maybe you’ve already booked your first screening interview and you’re wondering what to expect. What kinds of questions will be asked? How should you prepare for a virtual interview?
Join us for this upcoming webinar on how to prepare for first round interviews. This webinar is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- What is the typical format of a 1st round interview?
- What types of questions can I expect to be asked?
- What is the best way to answer common questions that will help me stand out as a candidate?
To register, log into Beyond the Professoriate, selecting "through your institution" (Pitt), and then REGISTER HERE
Please also be sure to mark “member@beyondprof.com” as a safe sender to receive our email reminders.
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Dec. 6, 2024NPA: NIH Fellowships and Career Development Opportunities
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Provided by National Postdoc Association
Time: 1-2 pm ET
Location: Virtual
Presenter: TBDRegister Here after logging into the NPA site. If you are not yet a member of the NPA, join here as an "Affiliate Individual Member" Graduate Student, Postdoc, or Other, and select the University of Pittsburgh as your institution.
Description:
This presentation will offer an overview of NIH and NICHD extramural funding mechanisms, highlighting key programs and resources to support researchers at the postdoctoral career stage. Attendees will also gain insights into effectively reading and interpreting Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) and guidance on creating a compelling biosketch.
Speakers: Leigh Allen, Ph.D., program officer, Contraception Research Branch (CRB), NICHD; Lesly Samedy-Bates, Pharm.D., Ph.D., program officer, Obstetric and Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics Branch (OPPTB), NICHD
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Dec. 9, 2024OACD: Health Sciences Industry Career Symposium
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Time: 3:30-5pm ET
Location: VirtualDescription: This annual symposium will have a new focus this year-on careers in industry! The symposium is designed to enhance the professional development of postdoctoral fellows and graduate students by providing you with direct access to PhD professionals who have successfully made the transition to exciting careers in industry! The virtual format, which uses a series of breakout rooms, provides you the opportunity to meet alumni in a small group setting so you can learn about diverse career paths and ask your own questions.
Feedback from past symposia:
"It was so valuable being able to engage with post-PhD professionals who spoke candidly about their decisions in choosing their path/career."
"Now I know which topics I need to focus on to improve the development of my science career."
"There was a lot of valuable information, especially how a career in academia is no longer the only or the most succesful career path for PhD holders."
"It was a great opportunity to interact with experts!"
"I didn't know much about other job opportunities outside of academia and industry so I appreciated having other people (like science policy) there."
"It was really valuable hearing how the panel leaders prepared themselves for their given careers."
"This program provides you the opportunity to ask specific questions related to your personal doubts about a science career."
"I think it is a good program for PhD students who are unsure of whether to do a postdoc next or make a leap outside of academia."
"It was valuable learning about the different career options and how to get there." -
Dec. 9-12, 2024BtP: How to Decide Between Academic & Non-Academic Careers- Optimal Career Pathway
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Provided by Beyond the Professoriate
Time: 12-12:45pm
Description: PhDs work wherever smart people are needed. In today’s creative economy, a faculty career isn’t the only option for PhDs who are seeking engaging and rewarding work. PhDs work in every part of the economy – industry, nonprofits, higher education, and government.
Location: ZoomBut what career pathway will be right for YOU?
This special workshop series is designed to walk doctoral students, PhDs and postdocs through a series of exercises to help them evaluate career options and identify next steps in building their career either as faculty or beyond the professoriate.
During the series we’ll talk about:
December 9 – Introduction to Optimal Career Pathway/Career Satisfaction
December 10 – How to identify your values
December 11 – How to identify your most marketable skills
December 12 – How to research career options best suited for youWho should attend: This series is uniquely designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering: Is a faculty career path right for me? What other career options are available to PhDs in my discipline?
To register, log into Beyond the Professoriate, selecting "through your institution" (Pitt), and then REGISTER HERE
On December 9th you can also navigate back to this page (bookmark it!) to join the free event. Please also be sure to mark “member@beyondprof.com” as a safe sender to receive our email reminders.
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Dec. 17, 2024NPA: Identifying and Applying for Research and Training Opportunities at the NIH
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Provided by the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA)
Time: 3-4:15pm ET
Location: VirtualRegister here. If you are not yet a member of the NPA, join here as an "Affiliate Individual Member" Graduate Student, Postdoc, or Other, and select the University of Pittsburgh as your institution.
Facilitator: Erica Barr, Ph.D., Office of Health Equity, NIH
Description: This session will provide an overview of identifying and applying for opportunities at the National Institutes of Health with a specific focus on the research areas of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). The presenter will provide information on the intramural and extramural research, training, and funding opportunities. Attendees will also learn about resources and strategies for identifying and applying for these opportunities at the NICHD.
VIEW PAST SERIES:
Spring 2024 Career Development Series
Fall 2023 Career Development Series
Spring 2023 Career Development Series
Fall 2022 Career Development Series
2021-2022 Professionalism Series