How People Choose What to Do Next ?

We all have points in our career at which we need to make a choice about what to do next.  This can happen at any stage – from deciding whether to go to graduate school or find a job in industry, through choosing a postdoctoral position, to deciding what type of position to apply for after completing our scientific training. There are many opportunities to find out all about the academic research career path during graduate school and postdoctoral training – all you have to do is keep your eyes open and talk to the people who are doing it – your mentors and the other researchers you meet along the way (in class, in the department, at meetings etc). 

Graduate Students

• Becoming a graduate student 
• PhD guidelines 
• Compact between biomedical graduate students and their research advisors 
• Presentations from 2007 ASBMB Annual Meeting 
• Career Brochure 
• Communicating Science Tools for Scientists and Engineers - by AAAS

Postdocs

• Becoming a postdoc 
• Mentoring 
• Preparing future faculty programs and resources 
• Presentations from 2007 ASBMB Annual Meeting 
• Career Brochure 
• Communicating Science Tools for Scientists and Engineers - by AAAS

Non-Traditional Careers in Science 

Traditionally, most biologists have followed a somewhat linear career path, where graduate school led to a postdoctoral fellowship, which then led to a tenure-track position doing research in an academic setting. A biologists’ path on the tenure-track also seemed straightforward: an assistant professor became an associate professor (mostly accompanied by tenure) and, one day, a full professor.  The only question appeared to be whether to pursue one’s career in a basic science department, a medical school or a research institute. This is, of course, an over-simplification of the career choices open to biologists in the past, and it falls short in describing what we do today. This mythical portrayal of a biologist does, however, illustrate the fact that most of us know scientists who are currently engaged in academic research.  It is relatively straightforward to find someone who is willing to help us weigh the pros and cons when we are making the decision that would take us along a similar career path. 

We have compiled a list of sites about career options to get you started. This list is by no means comprehensive but should be viewed as a starting point for your research. Finally, another idea is to find out who does what you’re thinking of doing and contacting them directly. Most people are flattered by the interest and are happy to explain what they do and answer questions.

GENERAL

• Science Career Maganzine - Latest incarnation of Science’s Next Wave.   Very good resource for all aspects of career development.
• The Chronicle of Higher Education - Interesting articles and forums on both academic and non-academic careers.
• The Scientist's Guide to Tradition and Alternative Careers (private site) – a little out of date but with many good links.  It is well organized and provides a good starting point for thinking about and researching the various options.
• PhDs.ORG - Another private site with many links to interesting articles about scientific careers of all sorts.  Has a graduate student focus.
• The Riley Guide - This site is defined as a “directory of employment and career information sources and services on the Internet”, focusing on opportunities in the natural sciences.  The links seem to be up to date.
• Commission on Professionals in Science and Technology - A report of a workshop held on May 9, 2001 on Changing Career Paths in Science and Engineering.
• Access Excellence - aimed at high school students but has some good information and testimonials.
• Mentoring and Diversity- Tips for Students and Professionals for Developing and Maintaining a Diverse Scientific Community

BIOTECHNOLOGY AND PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

• BioSpace - A comprehensive site that features industry news and careers for life science professionals.
• SCIENCE AND MEDICAL WRITING
• National Association of Science Writers – includes resources, books and mailing lists.  Reading the lists can give you a good feel for what science writers do and an idea whether you would like to pursue this option.
• American Medical Writers Association – includes information about membership, local chapters (which have nice events for networking), AMWA’s educational program in writing, and job opportunities

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW

• American Bar Association - Brochure about careers in Intellectual Property Law.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

• Association of University Technology Managers - FAQ about Technology Transfer from the Association of University Technology Managers.  The site also has a list of open positions.
• USDA National Agricultural Library - Provides some interesting links in the FAQ section.

SCIENCE POLICY

• AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships - Provide an opportunity for scientists and engineers to participate in and contribute to the federal policymaking process while learning firsthand about the intersection of science and policy.

*The ASBMB does not endorse or assume responsibility for the information posted on these web sites.

SUGGESTED READING

• "Career Trends: Careers Away from the Bench" - Published by ScienceCareers and AAAS.  This booklet is a compilation of articles that give advice and insight into obtaining jobs outside of the laboratory setting, ranging from law to science writing, to working for non-profits.  The entire booklet can be downloaded for free. 
• "Biomedical Careers in Industry" by Robert A. Copeland, Ph.D.

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