Career Development Resources
Career Development Resources Heading link
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The Postdoc Library
The PDA has purchased some books that could help Postdocs in developing their careers. All these books can be found in OVCR.
How to borrow a book:
If you are interested in a book, just go to OVCR (310 AOB) and ask the receptionists. There will be a sign out sheet that asks for: the book title, your name, email, phone and date checked out.
You can borrow books for one month. Please be thoughtful and return the book on time or let them know you are still working on it.This is a free initiative and we will appreciate if everyone is respectful with the new resource
Career Planning
“Put Your Science to Work: The Take-Charge Career Guide for Scientists” Peter S. Fiske, Ph.D. Washington, D.C.: American Geophysical Union 2001
Roughly the equivalent of What Color is Your Parachute? for scientists. This is also a very practical guide on career planning starting with the process of self-assessment. The chapters on CVs and resumes are thorough and helpful.“A PhD Is Not Enough: A Guide to Survival in Science” Peter J. Feibelman. Cambridge, MA: Perseus Books 1993
Brief book with good, realistic advice for young scientists, such as getting mentors besides your PhD advisor.Lab Management
“Lab Dynamics: Management Skills for Scientists”. Carl M. Cohen and Suzanne L. Cohen Cold. Spring Harbor, NY: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press 2005
This is a useful book on a topic that needs more attention during graduate school and postdoctoral training. Its strong suit is personnel management, including advice on managing scientists, dealing with your boss, and working with peers. The book begins with the premise that effectively managing research teams requires an understanding of personality types including your own.“Making the Right Moves”. Research Triangle Park, NC: Burroughs Wellcome Fund 2004. Chevy Chase, MD: Howard Hughes Medical Institute 2004
A practical guide to scientific management for Postdocs and new faculty.
Available for free online (http://www.hhmi.org/programs/resources-early-career-scientist-development)“At the Helm: A Laboratory Navigator”. Kathy Barker. Cold Spring Harbor, NY: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press 2002
Running a laboratory requires the use of skills which are not often emphasized in graduate or postdoctoral training. Time management, hiring and retaining lab personnel, development of lab policies, communication, and group dynamics are among the issues confronting new principal investigators. Although “perfect” solutions to these issues are not identified, the approaches used in a variety of laboratories are described.Careers Outside Academia
“Guide to Nontraditional Careers in Science”. Karen Young Kreeger. Philadelphia: Taylor and Francis 1999
This book was written for the purpose of stimulating graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to consider careers outside of academia.“Alternative Careers in Science: Leaving the Ivory Tower”. Cynthia Robbins-Roth. San Diego: Academic Press 1993
This is a multi-authored text, providing a perspective on 22 nonacademic career tracks. Although the term alternative careers is a misnomer, the descriptions of these career possibilities along with the attendant qualifications and expectations is very useful.Job Search
“The Academic Job Search Handbook”. Mary Morris Heiberger and Julia Miller Vick. Philadelphia, PA: University Of Pennsylvania Press 2001
This is a comprehensive resource which starts with information on the structure of academic careers, the hiring process, and planning your job search. It deals extensively with vitae including a discerning gem of advice to tailor your vita to each position for which you apply. There are also chapters on interviewing, accepting/rejecting job offers, and additional guidance for special situations such as dual career couples, foreign nationals, etc.“The Unwritten Rules of the Highly Effective Job Search”. Orville Pierson. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill 2006
A systematic, step-by-step, project management approach to the job search process that has been developed and used by professional job search consultants. It includes comprehensive help in all phases of the search beginning with preparation and planning, getting moving, tracking progress and adjusting the plan, through interviewing and starting the new job.Academic Careers
“Tomorrow’s Professor: Preparing for Academic Careers in Science and Engineering”. Richard M. Reis. New York: Wiley Interscience 1997
This is a well-written book on how to prepare, compete, and succeed in an academic career. It provides some perspective with an overview of the modern academic enterprise. The author walks systematically through the stages of a scientific career including preparation, applying for positions, first years on the job, and achieving tenure.“How to Succeed in Academics”. Linda L. McCabe and Edward R.B. McCabe. San Diego: Academic Press 2000
Blueprint for how to build an academic career. Tips are provided on successfully accomplishing common academic functions such as writing abstracts, papers, grant applications and making effective oral and poster presentations.Professional Networking
“Self-promotion for Introverts: The Quiet Guide to Getting Ahead”. Nancy Ancowitz. New York, NY: McGraw Hill 2010
You don’t have to change your personality. Filled with practical tips on how to use your natural strengths and dispositions to advance your job search and continuing professional development in genuine and effective ways. Increasing quality, not just quantity.“Highly Effective Networking: Meet the Right People and Get a Great Job”. Orville Pierson. Franklin Lakes, NJ: Career Press 2009
Systematic, planful, graceful, job search networking (NOT sales or schmoozing). Includes detailed, practical examples and approaches that help you to be authentic and effective. -
Slides from past workshops
- Grant Writing workshop, October 27, 2016
- Resume/CV workshop, June 16-2016
- Visa & Immigration workshop, May 13 2016
- Income Tax Workshop, March 17, 2016
- LinkedIn workshop
- An Overview of the PAF, Budget and Proposal Routing Basics
- A Guide for Early Career Researchers
- Receiving and Negotiating an Academic Job Offer
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External Career Development Resources
- Individual Development Plan (myIDP)
Explore career possibilities and set goals to follow the career path that fits you best - National Postdoctoral Association (NPA)
- NPA Core Competences
- Mentoring information
- Graduate College events on Career development
- EnterpriseWorks
- Office of Career Services
- MyCHOICE
- CHIentist
- The Illinois Biotechnology Industry organization
- Pint of Science
- Consulting Club at UIC
- Individual Development Plan (myIDP)
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Job search resources
- Search Engines
- Jobs in Science & Technology
- Government Agencies
- Professional Associations
- UIC jobs