Building STEM Workforce Skills During the University and Postdoc Years Yolanda S. George Deputy Director Education & Human Resources

Think-Pair-Share (A ) What STEM skills and knowledge do you have to be a successful researcher and faculty members? (B) What skills and knowledge you still need to gain to be a successful researcher and faculty members?

What Workforce Skills STEM You Should Know & Understand Abstracts/posters Oral presentations Literature reviews Significance of the Research Formulate research questions Select appropriate methods Analyze data and determine other research questions Statistical/computational/ quantitative skills Write/review papers The patent process Intellectual property Ethics Best practices in teaching Setting up/managing a lab/supervising staff Budgets/Grant-writing Science policy Communicate science to the public

What Employers Look for in Job Applicants Training or Job Requirements Skills and Knowledge Demonstrated achievement Problem Solving and Independent Judgment Decision Making Team Player/Collaboration Interactions with various levels of the organizations Cultural Fit

Other Tips to Give you the Edge Participate in extra curricula workshops to build writing, quantitative, computational, language skills, and business skills. On your application be sure to write down your skills, including any computer skills, what equipment you know how to use, what research techniques you know, languages that you speak, etc.. Ask for references early and provide the reference writers with written information about your skills and accomplishments. When going for a job interview, learn about the organization and if you know the name of the person you are interviewing, check them out on the Internet. In negotiating a postdoc or job, research the salary range and ask for extras.

Closing Tips Think long term about your career – plan to get the skills you need. Plan A and B and…. Be proactive to get the skills and knowledge that you need. Every week starting when you go back home, start making a list of (a) what you did and any knowledge or skills or contact gained and (b) what skills and knowledge and contacts you need. Continued on next slide

More Closing Tips Establish a network of colleagues which can provide guidance and support and open the doors. Develop an understanding of the broader scientific community (Science Indicators) Become active in a professional society --- presenting and serving on committees Gain international STEM experience Start early --- looking for a postdoc or employment Find a job or postdoc that fits you

Objectives for Undergraduate/Graduate/postdoc Years Increase number of publications Learn new techniques Make professional connections Build and broaden skills and knowledge