This spring, three panelists with postdoctoral work experience shared their stories and advice on obtaining a postdoc position and moving beyond in the Expand Your Career Options virtual panel.
Key takeaways from this panel are captured below.
Reasons for Pursuing a Postdoc Position
- Continue developing your research projects originating from your PhD;
- Expand skills and experience within research;
- Set a foundation for future faculty career;
- Continuation of collaborative projects or connections with individuals at the research center or lab
Tips for Searching Postdoc Positions
- Network with people at conferences;
- Reach out to professors;
- Connect with those who share similar research interests with you;
- Get to know a variety of postdoc opportunities such as fellowships at institutions and government agencies;
- Seek advice on your research statement for various postdoc funding applications.
Deciding What is a Good Fit
- Factors for consideration include mentors, your relationship with them, geographic location, benefits, healthcare, the notoriety of the lab, etc.;
- Think about the next job after the postdoc and how the postdoc you choose positions you for the next project or job;
- Talk to other postdocs at the institution and learn about their experiences;
- Find a postdoc that expands your skills or allows you to dive into some exciting research questions.
Strategies to Advance Your Career Beyond Postdocs
- Invest time in on-demand skills in your field;
- Send application materials to as many people as possible for their review to identify weaknesses in your CV;
- If you are interested in going into the industry, talk to your cohort or friends who have been in the industry;
- Decide your career goals and keep updating them; set short-term and long-term goals;
- Don’t restrict yourself to certain positions that align with your research, but be open minded;
- Plan ahead and change your approach if it’s not working;
- Start your search a year ahead or earlier.
Time Management Tips
- Keep track of everything you are juggling;
- Use a calendar to “time-box” your day to prioritize tasks;
- Reserve your most productive hours for the hardest tasks;
- Tackling procrastination by moving your procrastinating tasks to different time blocks;
- Do a reevaluation of your priorities.
Advice for Doctoral Students Looking for Jobs
- Talk to people in and outside your field, in academia and in industry;
- Keep networking and asking for advice;
- Be open to new experiences and opportunities;
- Recognize that graduation and job search occurring at the same time is stressful; don’t let the stress consume you;
- Be organized; split your time and spend 20% of your time in job search;
- Keep your career options open – don’t keep all your eggs in one basket;
- Have faith that you can get a job and finish your PhD.
