cBCD Weekly Highlights Newsletter
May 19, 2021
Launching your industry job search
Throughout a PhD or postdoc, it is common for biomedical scientists to explore and consider research careers in an industry setting. If you have decided that an industry career seems like a good fit for your skills, interests, and values, the next step is to prepare for your industry job search. See below for a written guide on transitioning from academia to industry, and take a deeper dive into the industry job search and hiring process with a video series on the topic.
- How to sail smoothly from academia to industry (Nature Careers Column)
- Job Hunting in Industry: Searching, Applying, Interviewing, and Negotiating for a Scientist Position in Biotech and Pharma (iBiology)
May 12, 2021
Science Communication: More important than ever
The ability to explain your research to fellow scientists and non-scientists is a skill that takes practice, but it is essential for your individual research progress, your career progress, and the progress of your scientific field. Read two perspectives on how to approach communicating science to a broader audience.
- What we’ve learned from communicating our science during the pandemic (Science Careers)
- Career advantages of sharing your research with a broad audience beyond academe (Carpe Careers)
May 5, 2021
Spring cleaning for your resume and CV
No matter the stage in your career, spring is a great time to look back on all you have accomplished in the last year and make sure that your resume and/or academic CV reflect these accomplishments. Check out the resources below for polishing your CV and resume.
April 28, 2021
Mentors matter
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April 21, 2021
Grow your scientific and professional network
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April 14, 2021
Jumpstart your career exploration
The cBCD’s Weekly Highlights Newsletter returns this week! The newsletter highlights resources, upcoming events, opportunities to grow your skills, and job postings to enhance the career development of Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences students and postdocs.
To celebrate the start of Career Pathways Communities, this newsletter’s Resource Highlights focuses on career exploration. Visit our website to learn about the diversity of opportunities to leverage your training for fulfilling scientific careers. Check out this article from Inside Higher Ed, framing career exploration as a set of experiments.
July 24, 2019
Overcoming failure
As a scientist, setbacks are a part of the job; experiments can go wrong, papers are rejected, and unexpected challenges are frequent. Learning to embrace failure, adapt your approach and overcome these hurdles can boost your resilience and success!
- How adapting to research setbacks can pave the way to greater outcomes (Nature Career Column)
- FAIL! brings together prominent scholars to share the challenges and missteps that led them to where they are today (MIT News)
July 17, 2019
Networking at a conference
Conferences provide great opportunities to share your research, catch up with breakthroughs in your field, network and foster future collaborations. Learn how to prepare and make the most of these career building experiences.
- Navigating Conferences - Live from the Graduate Career Consortium Conference (BU's Vitamin PhD Podcast)
- Making the most of your conference experience (GradHacker/Inside Higher Ed)
July 10, 2019
Be your own superhero
Play a starring role in your own career story by envisioning yourself as a superhero with unique scientific strengths and abilities!
- Yes, You Are a Superhero (Carpe Careers/Inside Higher Ed)
- Postgraduate superpowers - 4 Reasons PhD students are Better than Superheroes
(FindAPhD Blog)
June 27, 2019
The importance of writing
As a PhD student or Postdoc, writing is an important aspect of your work, but it's not always easy. Check out these tips for breaking through "writers block", and other writing challenges.
- Struggling with your academic writing? Try these experiments to get the words flowing (Science)
- 30 Writing Tips for Academic Researchers (Inside Higher Ed)
June 20, 2019
Interview follow up
So you've just interviewed for your dream job, congratulations! Have you written a thank you note? Learn why strategically following-up can help seal the deal on a good interview, or salvage a not-so-great one.
- The Importance of Strategic Postinterview Follow-Up (Inside Higher Ed/Carpe Careers)
- Standing Out After the Interview (Inside Higher Ed/Carpe Careers)
- Send thank-you notes to those who help you along the way (Science)
June 13, 2019
Take advantage of summer
Warmer weather is here, and summer will soon be upon us! Explore ways you can use this summer to work on your professional development!
- A PhD's Guide to Making the Most of Summer (Inside Higher Ed)
- Take a Self-Paced Online course: Planning Your Scientific Journey (iBiology)
- Consider attending a relevant summer conference or meeting, such as one of the Gordon Research Conference series
June 5, 2019
LGBTQ Pride Month
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month! Hear what it's like to be queer in STEM, and learn ways we can support our LGBTQ+ colleagues and work to make science more inclusive for all.
- What's It Like to Be Queer in STEM? (Scientific American)
- Elevating the LGBTQ presence in science and research (Sunnybrook Research Institute)
- Join UMassMed students, staff and faculty marching in the Boston Pride Parade on 6/8!
(UMass Chan Diversity & Inclusion Office)
May 30, 2019
Career in teaching
Interested in a career that involves teaching, but hoping to move beyond the traditional lecture style? Check out these active learning and teaching strategies to better engage students in the classroom.
- Confessions of an Interactive Lecturer: How to make lectures more effective at helping students learn
(Inside Higher Ed)
May 22, 2019
Poster presentation & networking
Poster presentations offer a fantastic opportunity to present your research and network simultaneously. How do you maximize your impact and engage your audience?
- Designing better research posters (American Journal Experts via Youtube)
May 15, 2019
Public speaking & presentation skills
Public speaking and presentation skills are essential for scientists. Learn strategies to engage your next audience by developing a dynamic scientific research presentation!
- Convey your ideas and enthusiasm - and avoid the pitfalls that put audiences to sleep (Elsevier)
- What NOT to do: 5 classic research presentation mistakes (The Thesis Whisperer)
May 8, 2019
International job search strategies
In honor of the UMass Chan International Festival being held this Friday, this week's issue focuses on international job search strategies!
- Job Search Tips for International Students
(Inside Higher Ed)
- International Careers (NIH OITE)
April 24, 2019
Spring is a great time to clean up your LinkedIn profile. Check out these tips on how to get noticed!
April 10, 2019
Reflecting on personal skills
Reflecting on your personal skills, interests, and values can be helpful when considering career options and strategizing your professional development.
- Mine your mind for the data to drive your career (Science)
- Explore career options that align with your skills, interests, and values using myIDP assessments (myIDP)
April 3, 2019
Creating a support team
Having a group of mentors that can support and guide you through your training and into your career is crucial. Learn how to identify your mentorship needs, and start building your support team!
- Why you need a support team (Nature)
- Learn strategies for identifying mentors, and how to maximize your mentoring relationships
(NIH OITE) - Check out Cell Mentor for virtual career advice, tips and resources
(Cell Press)
March 27, 2019
Career in Science Communication, business, industry and academia
Interested in exploring career options in science communication, business, industry, or academia? This Spring, learn from and network with professionals who represent these roles by applying for Career Pathways Communities!
- Successful scientists share their experiences in a variety of careers in education, industry, government, and more (iBiology)
- A Road Map for Successful Career Exploration (Inside Higher Ed/UCSF)
The deadline to apply for Career Pathways Communities is this Friday, March 29.
March 20, 2019
Career in Academic & Research Administration
Do you have a passion for higher education and research, but would like a career outside of the lab? Consider and explore roles in Academic & Research Administration!
- Don't Cry for Me, Academia: For some PhDs, a career in administration is a calling
(Chronicle of Higher Ed)
- Hear from other grads working in Academic and Research Administration
(University of Chicago via Youtube) - Learn more and network with administrative professionals this Spring by applying for Career Pathways Communities by 3/29!
March 13, 2019
The Challenges of working families
In this week's issue we recognize the challenges of being both a parent and a scientist, and consider ways we can support and advocate for our colleagues raising families.
- The Challenges of Being Both a Scientist and a Mom (UC Davis via Youtube)
- After a baby, 28% of new parents leave full-time STEM work (Science)
- When it comes to having a family and an academic career, find what works for you (Science)
March 6, 2019
Tips for self care
During your PhD or Postdoc it can be easy to get consumed by your work and studies, losing track of your passions and self-identity. Check out these tips for self care, finding balance, and staying motivated.
- The Ph.D. Identity Crisis - How to Rediscover Yourself (Inside Higher Ed)
- Self Care As a Scientist
(American Psychological Foundation)
February 28, 2019
Diversity & Inclusion in Science
Diversity & inclusiveness in science is important; ensuring equal opportunity for under-represented groups can boost innovation and the quality of research. Learn more and explore career opportunities in D&I.
- How science benefits from diversity (Nature)
- A passion for pathways: STEM careers in diversity and inclusion
(Science)
February 20, 2019
Tips on giving & receiving feedback
Giving and receiving feedback can sometimes be challenging, but is critical to your professional development. Learn how to gain perspective, interpret, and respond to feedback with these tips from the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education.
- Thanks for the feedback - how to receive and interpret feedback well (NIH OITE)
- Feedback audit: A guide to working with me (NIH OITE)
- A Tool for Giving Feedback: Situation - Behavior - Impact (SBI) (NIH OITE)
February 13, 2019
Women in science
This week we recognize the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Feb. 11, to advance the movement towards equal opportunity and gender representation in STEM careers!
- In Focus: International Day of Women and Girls in Science
(United Nations) - How scientists are fighting against gender bias in conference speaker lineups
(Science)
February 6, 2019
Skills on Teamwork
Strong teamwork and team-building skills are highly sought traits for jobs in and out of the academy. But how can you develop these skillsets during your training, and demonstrate that you're a team-player to hiring managers?
- Tips for gaining essential teamwork skills as a PhD student or postdoc (Inside Higher Ed)
- Transitioning to teamwork: advice for PhDs seeking careers in industry (Science Careers)
January 30, 2019
The Power of Twitter
The cBCD is celebrating 5 years on Twitter! Explore how your tweets, at just a mere 280 characters each, can be effectively used to communicate science with the public, and other scientists, while further developing your career.
- Is twitter an effective tool for scientific outreach? Learn who follows scientists on twitter! (Science)
- How to Win Followers and Influence People: A Scientist's Guide to Twitter (NIH BEST)
January 23, 2019
Communication is key
As a scientist, having the ability to effectively communicate your research to an audience, and tell a compelling story, is key! Before your next talk, take time to brush up on your presentation skills and refine your slide design strategies.
- Learn how to make slides that better communicate your ideas (TED)
- Explore our special collection of books on scientific presentations and public speaking
(cBCD and the Lamar Soutter Library)
January 16, 2019
Planning & Strategizing in 2019
Happy New Year, 2019! Whether you are setting research and training priorities, or launching your job search, a new year brings a fresh opportunity to plan and strategize!
- Step back to move forward: Setting new priorities in the new year (Science)
- New Year - New Career?
(NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education)
December 19, 2018
Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays from the cBCD! As you reflect on your achievements this year and set new goals for 2019, remember to also take some time to assess and replenish your personal wellness.
- You can't pour from an empty cup: Tips for personal renewal as the year comes to a close
(Inside Higher Ed)
- Seven steps to boost your research career in 2019 (Nature Career Feature)
Looking for a job/postdoc/internship in 2019? Check out the exciting featured opportunities!
December 12, 2018
Networking
Yesterday's Career Pathways Celebration brought alumni and other area scientists to campus for an evening of networking and career exploration. Check out these tips to help you prepare for your next networking opportunity.
- Skills for your next networking adventure (Nature Jobs)
- The Psychology of Networking (Ohio State University)
December 5, 2018
Getting the most from your connections
Professional societies and associations can provide access to many opportunities and resources. Learn how to select and leverage your associations strategically, to make the most of your memberships.
- How to Maximize Your Membership in a Professional Society
(NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education) - Prof. Organizations: Why You Should Join Them, How to Get the Most Out of Their Meetings,
and How to Avoid Going Broke Doing So (Ohio State University)
November 28, 2018
Inclusion & Diversity at UMass Chan
Here at UMass Chan, we strive for an inclusive culture and believe that diversity is key to our institutional excellence. This week, hear from two PhDs, ways in which we can better support and advocate for our LGBTQ+ colleagues.
- LGBTQ+ scientists are still left out: A personal perspective (Nature)
- The Autobiography of a Transgender Scientist by Ben Barres
(cBCD Collection at the Lamar Soutter Library)
November 14, 2018
Science in Politics
In the 2018 midterm elections, more scientists and STEM professionals ran for public office than ever before. Explore the potential impacts on scientific research, education and policy.
- How science fared in the midterm elections (Washington Post)
- Why scientists should consider running for public office (Harvard University)
November 7, 2018
Tips & advice to maintain your wellness
On the road to a PhD, hindsight can be 20/20. Learn from those who walked this road before, with advice and tips to help maintain your wellness and productivity!
October 31, 2018
Tricks for Job Interview
Happy Halloween from the cBCD! This week, learn some tricks to prepare for academic job interviews, by considering the questions that scare you most!
- Job Market Trick or Treat: Halloween is a great day to think about the interview questions that terrify
(Inside Higher Ed)
October 24, 2018
Navigating your skills
Want to learn which transferrable skills are most relevant to your chosen career path? Try using your professional network as your career road "GPS", to find out which skills you should develop during your training.
- David Jensen shares the core traits of career success
(Science Careers)
October 17, 2018
Career Exploration
Even with prior research and planning, a new job may not always feel like the right fit for your personal interests and values. What do you do when your new role is not like you were expecting? Time to pivot, and reboot!
- The Fantasy, The Ideal, and The Reality of Career Exploration (UCSF MIND; YouTube)
- Rethinking your career experiment (Inside Higher Ed)
October 10, 2018
Science Policy
In addition to apples, foliage and cooler weather, Fall is also a time for science policy fellowship deadlines! Hear more about science policy-focused careers and explore opportunities to gain training and experience.
- Career conversation with Jason Rao, Director for International Affairs at the American Society of Microbiology
(Johns Hopkins/Youtube) - Browse the various science policy fellowships available using this database from GSA
(Genetics Society of America)
October 3, 2018
Conflict Management
When disagreements cause tensions to run high in the workplace or lab, how do you find common ground? Learn strategies to mitigate conflict, before it impacts your relationships, wellness, and productivity.
- Mind Matters: Managing Conflict in the Lab(Science)
- Why There's So Much Conflict at Work and What You Can Do to Fix It (TEDx Video)
- Check out our books on having difficult conversations, part of our special collection in the Lamar Soutter Library
September 26, 2018
Tips on successful job search
The quest for a new job can be exciting, but can also surprise us with unique challenges. Boost your self-confidence by learning how to adapt to the ups and downs of the job search.
- How to remain resilient during your job search (Inside Higher Ed)
- Explore our tips and resources to develop your job search strategy (cBCD)
September 19, 2018
Postdoc Appreciation Week
This week we celebrate the 9th annual National Postdoc Appreciation Week! Postdocs play integral roles here at UMass Chan, as scientists, colleagues, and mentors. We appreciate and thank you!
- Get to know the Office for Postdoctoral Scholars, a valuable resource for postdocs at UMass Chan
- Become a member of the National Postdoctoral Association (FREE for the UMass Chan community)
- Transitioning into postdoctoral training can be challenging. Check out the NPA's Survival Guide for International Postdocs
September 12, 2018
Science Education and Outreach
Do you enjoy teaching, and communicating the importance of science to students and non-scientists? Consider a career in science education and outreach!
- Read career stories and tips from several science educators
(Science Careers) - Transitioning from researcher to "outreacher"
(Science Careers) - Join the Career Pathways Community "Science Education & Outreach" to explore more and meet
scientists working in this career path. Learn more and apply here.
September 5, 2018
Scholarly Identity
As new UMass Chan PhD students consider rotation labs, it is a good time for all in academia to consider what they wish to be known for, and work towards developing their scholarly identities.
- Shaping a scholarly identity that helps you do what you want in academe
(Inside Higher Ed)
- Learn how to manage your scholarly identity, and explore tools that help measure and amplify the impact of your research
(UMass Chan Lamar Souter Library)
August 29, 2018
Back to School
Next week, new incoming graduate students will join the UMass Chan community! Consider ways in which you can welcome, mentor and support your new peers as they join our campus community.
- Welcome new peers by showing them around Central Massachusetts
- Invite new students to attend the UMass Chan Activity Fair on Sept. 4 in the ASC
August 22, 2018
NIH Fellowships
Learn about the different types of NIH fellowships and how they can benefit your research, training, and career
- Explore the NIH research training fellowship opportunities available (NIH)
- Check out these fellowship application tips from NIH (NIGMS)
- Learn how to navigate the NIH application process at Thursday's seminar with NIAID Program Officer Dr. Tim Gondre-Lewis
August 15, 2018
Academic Job Search
It's academic job search season!
The Academic Career Readiness Assessment (ACRA; developed by UCSF) tool gives insight into what hiring committees look for at different types of institutions.
- Seeking a faculty position this year? Use ACRA to help tailor your application materials.
- Expecting to apply to become faculty in a few years? Use ACRA to consider ways to better prepare yourself for a faculty position.
August 8, 2018
Acing the Interview
Interviewing for a new job can be exciting and stressful, and it pays to be prepared. Learn ways you can stand out from the crowd, and impress during your next interview.
- See our interview tips and resources for roles in academia, industry, or other career pathways. (cBCD)
- Learn how to stand out after your interview with personal thank you notes
(Inside Higher Ed)
August 1, 2018
Wellness
Having hobbies outside of lab is an important component of wellness, but did you know that your pastimes can help you develop translatable professional skills?
July 18, 2018
Social Media for Scientists
This summer, learn ways you can utilize social media to broaden your professional network and advance your scientific career.
- Social media as a scientist: A quick guide (Nature Jobs)
- The Career Counselor's Guides to Social Media for Career Advancement
(NACE)
June 20, 2018
Transferrable Skills
- Fill out (or update) your skills self-assessment in myIDP to identify your strengths as well as which skills may need attention
June 6, 2018
BIO Convention
- Gov. Baker announces $20M in biotech employer incentives: See the list of companies planning to hire (Boston Business Journal)
- What booming biotech means for Greater Boston and beyond (WBUR Public Radio Series)
- Read what people are saying about #BIO2018(Twitter)
May 30, 2018
NAS Reports
The National Academies of Sciences recently released two reports highlighting career development as critical for graduate and postdoctoral education.
- Report Press Release: Breaking Through - The Next Generation of...
(National Academies of Sciences) - Graduate STEM Education for the 21st Century
(National Academies of Sciences)
May 23, 2018
Postdoctoral Training
Unsure if further training is needed for your career of interest? Explore the types of postdoc training opportunities available, and consider questions you can ask to guide your decision.
- To postdoc or not?
(Inside Higher Ed) - Industrial postdocs: The road less traveled
(Science Careers) - The questions you should ask when looking for a postdoc
(BioCareers)
May 16, 2018
Resilience
Being smart can help get you accepted into graduate school, but it takes determination and resilience to overcome the many challenges along the road to completing your degree.
- Mind Matters: Resilience
(Science Careers) - How to Make Stress Your Friend
(TED Talk) - Dealing with Low Points in the Pursuit of Your Ph.D.
(Inside Higher Ed)
May 10, 2018
Career in Research in Industry
This week, the Career Pathways Community, Research in Industry held its first meeting. Explore career opportunities in industry, and learn strategies to succeed in your job search.
- Learn the rules of the road to land that industry job
(Science Careers) - The industry job search is a marathon, not a sprint
(NIH OITE Careers Blog) - Dr. Aysegül Özen shares her journey from UMass Chan student to to Senior Scientist at Pfizer
(IndEx:Meet the Alumni Series)
May 2, 2018
Networking
This week, learn the importance of professional networking and how it can launch and advance your career.
- Networking for young scientists - how to do it and why you should
(The Wiley Network) - "Don't Network Like I Garden": Advice for how to properly nurture your career network
(Inside Higher Ed)
April 25, 2018
Presentation Skills
Preparing to present your research at a conference can be stressful. Boost your confidence by brushing up on your presentation skills.
- Skilled presenters begin with these key considerations
(Science)
(Carnegie Mellon Global Communication Center) - Check out these books on presentation skills from the Lamar Soutter Library
April 11, 2018
The Business of Science
Interested in the business of science? Explore careers in business & commercial development.
- Tooling up: The business development career track
(Science Careers) - A PhD scientist discusses his path to becoming an investment analyst
(Science Mag)
April 4, 2018
Develop your skills
Learn about skills you can develop now to successfully lead and manage a scientific research team in the future.
- Leading and managing a lab: strategies and resources
(ASBMB Today) - Your toughest experiment: taking the lead in the lab. Eight scientists share the secrets of being a successful principal investigator
(Times Higher Education) - Check out books on leadership skills in our special collection of the UMass Chan Lamar Soutter Library.
March 28, 2018
Building your network
Networking is one key aspect of career success. Explore ways to build your network, and learn how to use it effectively to land your dream job.
- Underqualified? Overqualified? How to use networking to be "just right" for the job market
(Inside Higher Ed) - Leveraging LinkedIn to expand and maintain your network: David Jensen explains the key aspects of a high impact profile
(Science/AAAS)
March 21, 2018
Career in Science Communication & Publishing
Do you enjoy writing, reviewing, and talking about science with others? Consider a career in science communication & publishing.
- Milka Kostic shares a day in her life as a scientific journal editor at Cell Press
(CrossTalk) - New Medical Writer Toolkit: Learn about careers in medical writing, how to develop necessary skills, and build your network
(American Medical Writers Association)
March 14, 2018
Career in Academic Administration
Interested in teaching, curriculum development, or leadership? Consider career options in academic administration.
- A deputy dean reflects on her path: Finding job satisfaction in academic administration
(Nature Jobs) - From mentoring and leadership to policy, then academic administration: Interview with Yaihara Fortis Santiago
(Genetics Society of America)
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