As a doctoral student, you are immersed in a world of rigorous learning and practical application. From groundbreaking lab research to invaluable teaching experiences, from publishing impactful papers to engaging in enriching internships, you are actively shaping your future professional trajectory while collaborating with established experts in your field. A Phd Career Development Program encompasses a range of strategic activities and valuable resources specifically designed to hone your skills, both for your current endeavors and your long-term career aspirations, while also prioritizing your overall well-being throughout this demanding journey.
Boston University’s Commitment to PhD Career Development
The Professional Development and Postdoctoral Affairs (PDPA) at Boston University is dedicated to empowering PhD students like you on your unique career development path. Whether you are just beginning to explore diverse career possibilities or are focused on cultivating specific transferable skills, a wealth of resources and tailored programs are readily available to support your ambitions. Stay informed about the latest events, engaging workshops, and relevant programs by following PDPA on Twitter (@BU_PhDs) and Instagram (@BU_PhDs).
PDPA offers a comprehensive suite of professional development resources for PhD candidates and continuously innovates to expand its offerings, ensuring you have access to cutting-edge support. Explore the following key areas to discover how PDPA can fuel your PhD career development program:
Enhance Your Skills with PhD Progression & Core Capacities
PhD Progression and PhD Core Capacities provide an innovative online micro-credentialing platform exclusively for Boston University PhD students. This platform serves as a structured framework, guiding you to explore, develop, and effectively apply the essential skills outlined in the PhD Core Capacities. By earning digital badges through activities and assessments documented on the Badgr pro platform, you gain a tangible way to strategically plan, diligently monitor, and effectively showcase your progress across seven distinct learning pathways. Each pathway comprises a curated series of badges, awarded individually upon successful completion of specific criteria and a concise assessment. The Badgr pro dashboard empowers you to organize, download, and share a comprehensive summary of your pathway achievements with mentors and advisors. Furthermore, these badges can be readily shared on professional platforms such as personal websites and LinkedIn or Twitter profiles, enhancing your online professional presence. This program is a vital component of any effective phd career development program, offering concrete evidence of your skill acquisition.
Attend Workshops & Professional Events for Career Advancement
The Professional Development and Postdoctoral Affairs (PDPA) Office actively hosts a diverse range of workshops, insightful panels, and other targeted events specifically designed to guide doctoral students in their crucial career planning process. These workshops cover a broad spectrum of essential topics, from strategic career planning methodologies to mastering critical communication skills and crafting compelling job application materials. These events are integral to a well-rounded phd career development program, providing practical advice and networking opportunities.
Utilize Drop-In Office Hours for Personalized Guidance
Drop-in virtual office hours offer you direct access to Professional Development & Postdoctoral Affairs staff for personalized support. This is your dedicated space to ask specific questions, receive tailored professional development advice, and gain in-depth knowledge about the vast array of resources available to you. These office hours are a valuable resource within your phd career development program, providing convenient and direct access to expert advice.
Tune into the Vitamin PhD Podcast for Career Insights
Vitamin PhD Podcast is a Boston University-produced podcast created for anyone navigating the doctoral journey – whether you are currently pursuing a doctorate, hold a doctorate, or support doctoral candidates. Hosted by rotating teams of current doctoral students, the podcast delivers engaging career narratives and essential skills know-how through diverse formats. Episodes are designed to help you thoroughly explore various career options by featuring interviews with professionals who have earned their doctorates and are now thriving in a wide range of sectors. Additionally, the podcast tackles common challenges encountered during graduate school, offering practical tips and strategies for success. Whether you listen during your daily commute or while immersed in your research, Vitamin PhD is designed to inform, entertain, and connect you with a supportive listening community, making it a valuable and accessible part of your phd career development program.
Apply for Professional Development Grants to Expand Your Horizons
While Boston University provides numerous internal professional development opportunities through various departments, offices, and organizations, PDPA recognizes the significant value of external opportunities in fostering substantial professional growth. The professional development grant program was established to provide crucial financial support, enabling you to pursue these enriching external experiences. These grants are a key enabler within a phd career development program, allowing you to access opportunities beyond the university.
Learn from Peer Experiences with “Things I Wish I Knew…”
“Things I Wish I Knew…” is an innovative multimedia project developed through a collaboration between the Office of Professional Development and Postdoctoral Affairs (PDPA) and the BU URBAN Graduate Program in Urban Biogeoscience and Environmental Health (BU URBAN). This project features a series of insightful videos where current Boston University PhD students openly share valuable lessons they wish they had known before encountering pivotal milestones in their PhD education. Learn from the diverse perspectives of students across various backgrounds, disciplines, and PhD life stages as they reveal the often-unspoken curriculum within PhD education that extends beyond coursework and formal academic achievements. This peer-to-peer learning resource is an invaluable component of a holistic phd career development program.
For any inquiries, contact Professional Development & Postdoctoral Affairs directly at [email protected] or connect through Slack to join their vibrant community.
