Career Development Webinars

For many scientists, exploring a career transition to science policy after years of conducting research can seem like entering a totally different universe. Yet the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) continues to hear from BPS members who are looking to learn more about careers in policy and ways to explore their options. Careers in science policy and advocacy can be as diverse as scientific research itself.

Join us for a round table discussion to help researchers reignite their research and career trajectory as the COVID-19 pandemic limitations are lifted in many areas. Topics to be discussed include ramping up research and productivity, funding, mentoring and supervising lab members, and special challenges faced by early career scientists. A key goal is to prevent the leaky pipeline due to COVID for women in academia, who may have had a lot more family care commitments during the pandemic.

Both recent and historical events reveal the need for our continued work on issues of diversity and inclusion. During these times, it is important to pause for deep reflection and consideration of the role we all can play in supporting equitable access to valuable societal resources. We all have previous experiences and unconscious biases that effect how we perceive the world around us. Being aware of this helps us become better allies and advocates for diversity and inclusion within our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and the broader science community.

Did you know that your professional society has a huge amount of benefits, resources, and opportunities designed specifically to enable your success? From hidden networking opportunities to awards to experiences to hone your leadership skills, your society is your strategic partner for the lifetime of your career. In this webinar, learn how to find and access the various opportunities offered by the society. Spoiler Alert! It’s much more than the conference!

In this webinar, we will discuss how to leverage virtual platforms to execute an interviewing plan to help you land that dream job and unicorn career. We will discuss what you should do before, during, and after the interview, how to adjust different elements of a virtual experience (such as light and sound), and how to look professional on camera. We will also discuss how to deliver an oral presentation – such as the job talk or a colloquium- using virtual methods in a way that indicates your knowledge, expertise, enthusiasm, and collaborative nature.

Learn about the U.S. immigration process and how to maximize your chances of immigration success during this webinar presented by the law firm of Getson & Schatz, P.C. For more information, visit researchergreencard.com. 

For many, 2020 has proven to be a year of unpredictability. In this webinar, sponsored by the BPS PUI Network, panelists will share and discuss the challenges as well as the opportunities for PUI faculty during this unique time as it relates to COVID-19, anti-racism, inclusion and diversity, online teaching, research with undergraduates, and more.

2020 has so far proven to be a roller coaster – particularly for students of science. Stay at home orders and uncertainties about returning to labs, continuing research and the general unknown as we attempt to battle back a pandemic that we could and should have been better prepared for. Join BPS Congressional Fellow Leah Cairns and Public Affairs Committee Eric Sundberg on Wednesday, July 29 at 3:00pm Eastern for a webinar on the BPS Congressional Fellowship Program. Cairns will answer your questions on what the fellowship entails, what it’s like being a scientist working on national policy, what options are available to pursue a science policy career and any other questions you might have about the Fellowship. 

In the middle of a crisis, such as the one we are experiencing worldwide right now, it may seem like this is not the time to advance your career. But it is a mistake to think this way. Your goal, in the middle of a crisis, is to demonstrate your generosity, empathy, and compassion to your colleagues and others in your networks.

Crises can happen anytime to anyone, and can affect many (if not all) aspects of your career advancement plans. As we are experiencing now, crises can derail our goals and projects, cost us precious resources to do our jobs, or even lead to job loss. As with everything in your life, you ideally want to build and execute a strong, customized crisis management plan for your career. This plan can serve as a type of insurance, as it will allow you to identify and potentially mitigate points of risk that could negatively impact your career in a crisis.