2024 Doctoral Career Pathways Conference
Conference Program
It's that time of the year again! The 7th Annual Doctoral Career Pathways Conference will increase your knowledge, curiosity, and excitement about how to get from here, wherever you are in your doctoral training, to your career beyond Maryland. This event brings together alumni, current doctoral students, and postdocs to: learn about the wide variety of career paths available to those with doctoral degrees; gain knowledge about the work alumni do and the skills necessary for success in their chosen career path and industry; allow alumni to speak about opportunities at their organization; create an opportunity for networking and advice sharing among all attendees.
Pre-Conference Workshops
During your doctoral or postdoctoral training, you have gained a lot of experiences through research, teaching, service, and volunteering. How do these experiences translate to skills, and how do employers in and outside of academia value various skills? Through this workshop, you will gain a deeper understanding of how the skills you've developed can lead to a variety of careers. More importantly, you will be able to articulate your skills by looking at job descriptions.
Networking is a crucial part of building professional connections and maximizing career opportunities. Yet, the thought of talking to strangers can also be intimidating and overwhelming! The good news is: networking is a skill that can be developed over time, and you can network in different forms, based on what works best for you. This workshop will help you navigate the networking process before, during, and after meeting people either 1:1 or in group situations.
You may be new to exploring careers outside of academia and wonder how to better leverage LinkedIn - you must have heard people talking about using LinkedIn. This workshop will help you build an impressive digital profile (headline, summary, and more!) and walk you through best practices in active networking and finding opportunities online.
Online Opportunities
Looking to expand your career knowledge beyond the conference day? Join us for three virtual panels and networking opportunities!
Explore the diverse world of higher education! Learn about the different types of academic institutions, administrative roles, faculty positions at community colleges and liberal arts colleges, and careers in K-12 education.
Panelists: Tom Geary, PhD'16 (English): Professor of English at Tidewater Community College | JD Mathewson, PhD'13 (Government and Politics): AVP of Institutional Effectiveness & Planning at Connecticut State Community College | Lauren Michalak, PhD'23 (History): Field Experience Coordinator & Advisor at Michigan State University | Amanda Woodward, PhD'20 (Psychology): Assistant Teaching Professor at University of Minnesota
Considering a postdoctoral position? Talk to UMD alumni with firsthand postdoc experience at UMD and other institutions. Discover the path to finding the right postdoc, the pros and cons, and tips for a smooth transition.
Panelists: Kiante Brantley, PhD'22 (Computer Science): Postdoctoral Scholar at Cornell University | Sabrina Gonzalez, PhD'22 (History): Assistant Professor at Washington State University | Nabila Hijazi, PhD'20 (English): Teaching Assistant Professor at George Washington University | Mauricio Rangel-Gomez, PhD'15 (Neuroscience and Cognitive Science): Program Director at National Institute of Mental Health
Discover the wide range of paths within the tech and industry sectors. Connect with UMD alumni in software, data science, engineering, biotech, consulting, and more. Gain valuable insights on in-demand skills and how to prepare for these exciting fields.
Panelists: Yun-Ting Kao, PhD'17 (Biochemistry and Cell Biology): Scientist at Immunomic Therapeutics | Hector Lopez, PhD'16 (Economics): Director at NERA Economic Consulting | David Prina, PhD'17 (Government and Politics): Behavioral Research Scientist at Peraton | Upamanyu Ray, PhD'23 (Mechanical Engineering): Senior Scientist at Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry | Mariángel Villalobos, PhD'23 (Ethnomusicology): UX Researcher at TeamPeople, International Monetary Fund
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to network, learn, and explore your career options!
Friday, April 26
Adele H. Stamp Student Union
Event Schedule
9:00am - 9:30am: Check-In and Breakfast
9:30am - 9:50am: Opening Remarks by Dr. Yi Hao, Program Director, Career and Professional Development, Dr. Blessing Enekwe, Program Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and Dr. Stephen Roth, Associate Provost and Dean, The Graduate School.
10:00am - 11:15am: Two Concurrent Panel Discussions
Expand your knowledge about career paths that utilize the research, data collection, and analysis skills that you have developed during your doctoral education/postdoctoral training. Alumni will share their experiences transitioning into non-faculty positions, plus tips for framing your research background as an asset to a variety of organizations, from Research and Development departments to nonprofit and advocacy groups.
Panelists: Analía Gómez Vidal, PhD'20 (Government and Politics): Research Director at Stanford University | Sidra Montgomery, PhD'18 (Sociology): Principal Researcher at A-G Associates | Shayandev Sinha, PhD'18 (Mechanical Engineering): Process Integration Development Engineer at Intel Corporation | Jazalyn Dukes, PhD'13 (Civil Engineering): Research Engineer at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Are you interested in building bridges between scholars and the broader community? Talk with alumni who translate research for policymakers and the public; who advocate for the value of science, the humanities, and the arts; and who strengthen connections between researchers and the people they serve. Whether you are interested in impacting science policy, working in public humanities and museum education, or helping scholars share the best version of their research by working in academic publishing, this panel will offer you the opportunity to hear how alumni have built on the communication skills they developed at UMD.
Panelists: Aya Farhat, PhD'23 (Communication): CEO at Social Intellect | Dustin Moraczewski, PhD'19 (Neuroscience and Cognitive Science): Staff Scientist at National Institute of Mental Health | Rebeca Moreno, PhD'13 (Spanish Language & Literature): Assistant Director of Engagement & Inclusion at University of Maryland | Kathryn Thier, PhD'23 (Communication): Research-to-Practice Postdoctoral Research Fellow at George Mason University's Center for Climate Change Communication
11:15am - 12:15pm: Professional Development Activities
- Create your wellness plan (Benjamin Banneker A): Take care of yourself while you are thinking about your next steps. Activity led by Simone Warrick-Bell, M.A., LCPC, Graduate Academic Counselor at the graduate school.
- Stand out with a professional photo (Colony Ballroom - Foyer): Update your online profiles and applications with a high-quality headshot. Activity led by Ilya Albert, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, University Career Center & the President's Promise.
- Optimize your resume for success: Get expert feedback to ensure your resume highlights your unique value.
- Navigate immigration complexities (Benjamin Banneker B): Get personalized ISSS guidance for a smooth academic and professional journey. Activity led by Katrina Knudsen, Student Advising Manager, and Connie Jesse Lira, Assistant Director, Faculty & Scholar Immigration, from ISSS.
12:15pm - 1:45pm: Lunch & Networking with Alumni
1:45pm - 3:00pm: Two Concurrent Panel Discussions
Are you passionate about social issues? Do you believe your research can serve a larger cause and improve the lives of others? Learn more about how UMD (post)doctoral alumni live out their interests and values as they use their academic skills to advocate for change.
Panelists: Diana Alkire, PhD'21 (Neuroscience and Cognitive Science): Program Analyst at National Institutes of Health | Sarah Blankenship, PhD'17 (Neuroscience and Cognitive Science): Social Science Research Analyst / Child Care Program Specialist at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation | Colin Cooper, PhD'83 (Industrial-Organizational Psychology): Owner and Lead Consultant at Focus Hu-Energy Consulting, LLC & Adjunct Faculty at University of Maryland | Alessandra Zimmermann, PhD'19 (Biochemistry): Analyst at AAAS
For many doctoral students and postdocs, the thought of a federal career seems intriguing, but the process of applying feels overwhelming. You may also wonder which federal agencies are interested in hiring people with PhDs. Learn more from these alumni about the types of opportunities available, the process for landing a federal job, and the culture of public service employment.
Panelists: Anthony Cade II, PhD'23 (History): Historian at the United States Air Force | Stanley Dambroski, PhD'99 (English): Public Affairs Specialist at US Government; Adjunct Professor at UMGC | Dina Kurzweil, PhD'14 (Education): Director / Associate Professor at the Department of Defense, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences | Betsy Read-Connole, PhD'00 (Molecular and Cell Biology): Section Chief, Cancer Etiology at National Institutes of Health / National Cancer Institute | Raymond Williams, PhD'18 (Government and Politics): Director of Research, U.S. Election Assistance Commission
3:00pm - 3:15 pm: Closing Remarks
Questions?
Please contact conference co-chairs -- Dr. Yi Hao (yihao@umd.edu), Program Director of Career and Professional Development, or Dr. Blessing Enekwe (blessing@umd.edu), Program Director of Postdoctoral Affairs for more information.