Science is a wonderful thing if one does not have to earn one's living at it.            ~Albert Einstein

Although many postdoctoral scholars may desire a faculty position, it is important for them to consider a career path in science that may veer from the traditional path of an academician.  The purpose of this program series, Beyond the Bench:  Alternative Career Paths in Science, is to provide postdocs information and support with identifying and exploring careers outside of academia.  This seminar series will focus on alternative career paths within industry and government.  The goal of these seminars is to provide postdocs with insights as to how the academic work environment differs from other employment settings as well as how scientists, well-skilled in research, prepare for a rewarding and successful career within a non-academic culture where workforce skills are essential.

Postdocs are encouraged to attend every session so as to build upon the information and insights they gain from the presenters.  Attending each seminar will assist postdocs with their career search process and help them be better prepared to both interview for and obtain a position within a non-academic setting.  Funding for this program series has been provided by the North Carolina Career Development Association; therefore, the evaluation and feedback postdocs provide regarding these seminars is needed and will guide the future professional development endeavors offered through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. To register: Please note that all postdocs can attend any of the Beyond the Bench programs but must register for these through The Graduate School’s online registration system (PFLSARS) at:  https://gsoars.acsad.ncsu.edu/pds/.

2009 Program Schedule

Beyond the Bench:  Is A Career in Industry or Government Right for You?
Panel Members: 
Dr. Vivian Doelling, former Vice President of Research and Development, Embrex/Pfizer Animal Health
Dr. Susan Laws, Endocrinology Branch, US EPA
Phil Hanson, Human Resources, National Institutes of Health
Dr. Nick Hamon, Vice President, Product Development & Sustainable Development, Bayer Environmental Science
Date:  Thursday, September 10, 2009
Time:  12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
Location:  2405 Williams Hall

Panel members will provide information on what it is like to work in an industrial or government setting and how these work environments differ from the academic institution.  Panelists will share their perspectives on the skills that are most critical for scientists to have so as to achieve success in these employment settings.  Presenters will also discuss the potential career paths scientists have available to them within these types of organizations.  Participants will have an opportunity to ask the panelists questions so as to gain more information about pursuing a career within industry or government.

Elements of the Non-Academic Job Application
Presenters:
David Smith, District Manager, North and South Carolina, Kelly Scientific Resources
Angela Barbry, Scientific Recruiting Consultant, Kelly Scientific Resources
Date:  Thursday, September 24, 2009
Time:  12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
Location:  2405 Williams Hall

The resume, the cover letter, the reference list…are you familiar with the various documents that are associated with the application process for a non-academic position and how these are different from the application materials for a faculty position?  Presenters from a scientific recruiting firm will provide guidance on how to structure and organize these various parts of the job application will be provided as well as suggestions for how to begin a search for positions within industry.

The Job Interview:  What to Expect When Interviewing for a Non-Academic Position
Presenters:
David Smith, District Manager, North and South Carolina, Kelly Scientific Resources
Angela Barbry, Scientific Recruiting Consultant, Kelly Scientific Resources
Date:  Thursday, October 1, 2009
Time:  12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
Location:  2405 Williams Hall

You got the call for a job interview – now what?!?  Presenters from a recruiting firm will provide guidelines on how to prepare for the job interview as well as what to expect when interviewing for a position within a non-academic setting.  There are some major differences between the interview process for a position in higher education as compared to the process within an industry setting.  This seminar will offer the insights needed to prepare postdocs for a successful job interview.

Teams and Collaborators:  How to Make Them Work
Presenter:
Peter Janca, Adjunct Lecturer, College of Management and past Senior Manager for Cisco Systems and IBM
Date:  Thursday, October 15, 2009
Time:  12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
Location:  2405 Williams Hall

Teamwork and collaboration are major components of the work environment within an industry setting, and being able to work with a team is a critical skill for a scientist to have.  Teams often consist of people from a variety of areas and disciplines within a corporate setting; therefore, scientists need to know how to collaborate with a wide array of people from various areas within the business.  Peter Janca has over 20 years experience working with teams within various companies, and he will share ways in which postdocs can successfully work with teams and colleagues that are both within and outside of their respective disciplines.

A Primer on Project Management
Presenter: Dr. Vivian Doelling, former Vice President of Research and Development, Embrex/Pfizer
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2009
Time: 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m.
Location: 2405 Williams Hall

This program will define Project Management and explain who participates, how it is structured, and why it is particularly important in industry. Additionally, the key components of project management will be reviewed including working in and managing teams, project planning and the development of milestones and goals, the criticalness of project timeliness and appropriate resources and, most importantly, effective team communication. Knowing something about project management is important if you are looking for a position within a corporate setting, and this program will provide you with an overview of this expectation for scientists in industry.