Unveiling Career Success: A Recap of LSCDS’ Career Seminars on Careers in Science
Are you ready to take your career to the next level? The recent LSCDS Career Development Seminar that took place on Oct 19, 2023, was an enlightening event that provided invaluable insights and strategies for shaping your professional journey. Hosted by the LSCDS, this seminar featured Dr. Jonathan Turner, a seasoned career educator with a wealth of experience at the University of Toronto. Through an engaging and interactive format, Dr. Turner's session was a goldmine of information, perfect for anyone looking to excel in their career pursuits. This event, like other career seminars organized by LSCDS, was conducted via Zoom, offering participants the flexibility to join from any location.
Unlocking Career Insights with Data
Dr. Turner took participants on a virtual tour of valuable online resources. He introduced the Job Bank website by the Government of Canada, a treasure trove of career information. With the School to Work Transition tool, he demonstrated how you can access data on career outcomes, income estimates, and career paths related to specific disciplines. This data, sourced from Statistics Canada, empowers job seekers to make data-driven decisions about their career paths.
Another gem was the School of Graduate Studies website's "Explore Our Data" resource. This tool provides critical insights for those considering a Ph.D. or postdoc, offering valuable data on career outcomes. Armed with this knowledge, you can make more informed decisions about your educational and career journey.
The seminar shed light on UofT's Job Shadowing Program, set to relaunch this winter. This initiative allows you to gain first-hand experience by shadowing professionals in their workplace. Job shadowing can help you determine if a specific career is the right fit for you, and a significant number of participants eventually find employment at their shadowed workplace.
For those looking to further their professional development and career exploration, the Graduate Professional Development Network (GPDN) website was introduced. It hosts an annual virtual career symposium for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. This symposium offers a wealth of events and workshops designed to bolster your career development journey.
Mastering the Art of Networking
Dr. Turner emphasized the importance of coffee chats and informational interviews in the job search process. These interactions are a cornerstone of networking, and he highlighted the need to approach them with an open mind, focusing on relationship building rather than immediate job inquiries. Active listening and inquisitiveness during these conversations leave a lasting positive impression.
Overcoming the initial discomfort of networking was also discussed. Dr. Turner reminded attendees that power dynamics are not as imbalanced as they might seem. Many people are willing to engage in conversations to discover potential talent, offer advice, or simply meet new individuals. Starting with friends, family, or colleagues is a comfortable starting point, and leveraging mutual connections and alumni networks can be powerful tools for expanding your network.
Dr. Turner wrapped up the seminar by stressing the importance of continuous self-reflection. Assess your likes and dislikes in your current role, connect them to your past experiences, and use this self-awareness to pivot and adapt your career exploration. The path to success is dynamic and ever-evolving, and self-reflection is the compass that guides your journey.
Exploring the Upcoming Seminars
The seminar also featured an exciting preview of the LSCDS seminars scheduled for 2023-2024. These upcoming events promise to cover a wide range of career-related topics, ensuring you have access to the knowledge and tools you need. The lineup includes a focus on career paths in science (covered in this article), an R&D seminar in November 2023, a resume-building and LinkedIn workshop in December 2023, a consulting seminar in January 2023, and a medical affairs/regulatory affairs/market access seminar in February 2023. These events are designed to cater to diverse interests and career aspirations.
In summary, the LSCDS Career Development Seminar offered a rich tapestry of career-enhancing insights and resources. It's a must-attend event for anyone seeking to advance their professional journey. Don't miss out on the upcoming seminars and the wealth of information and networking opportunities they offer.
We cannot wait until our next Career Seminar Series: Pharma and R&D (learn more here)! Be sure to check out the LSCDS events calendar to learn about and register for our future events. Do not forget to also follow us on our social media – LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.
