Online resources

The best career development websites and advice for scientists, organized by career stage.

The BRET Office of Career Development publishes a weekly e-newsletter highlighting upcoming career and professional development events for graduate students and postdocs, as well as open job and postdoctoral postings. The newsletter is the primary way by which the BRET Office of Career Development communicates with VUMC graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. To sign up for the newsletter or view an archive of past newsletters, visit the Newsletter page.

General career development sites and career guides

Choosing a mentor Advice for choosing a graduate or postdoctoral research advisor

Managing Up Advice for working successfully with your research advisor

Developing Your Skills Compendium of articles from the American Phsyiological Society that highlight the skills required to succeed in science, including research and analytical, communication, teaching and mentoring, personnel and management, lifelong learning, and professional development skills.

Who do you know? Like it or not, who you know is often just as important as what you know when it comes to getting a postdoc or a job. Brush up on your networking skills with these articles.

"Work-life balance"

The write touch: CVs, resumes, cover letters, research statements, and teaching philosophies

Landing An Academic Job From applying to interviewing to negotiating a faculty position

Industry Science Articles on securing a job and working in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry industry.

Government Jobs

"Nontraditional Careers in Science ": You've decided to put the bench behind you and shoot for a "nontraditional career" in science. Great advice on everything from overcoming the "PhD stereotype," to conducting job searches, to interviewing.

Career Exploration: Not sure what you want to do? Learn about career paths open to PhD scientists and discover some self-assessment tools to help you in the process.

The Softer Side of Science: We'd like to think that our science sells itself. In reality, it's often our "soft skills" that make or break our job candidacy.

Payday: Tips for salary negotiation and salary resources for scientists.