Innovative Program that Broadens Career Development Training through Community Partnerships and Outreach
Authors: Evans Teresa M 
Published: November 2023

As biomedical trainees (graduate students & postdoctoral fellows) progress through advanced education, they often have limited exposure to the career development opportunities that will broaden their training and skills. Further, trainees must be prepared for diverse careers. Since traditional career centers typically lack the real world expertise to guide bioscience trainees in these careers of choice, innovative programs are needed to enable these students to both define, and then realize, their career paths. The Office of Career Development (OCD) at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UT Health Science Center at San Antonio has developed innovative methods that serve the career development needs of biomedical trainees. These programs include 1) a Career Advisory Council, 2) Career Development Workshops, 3) Science Outreach Events, and 4) an annual Regional Science Communication and Outreach Career Symposium (in partnership with ASBMB).

The Career Advisory Council (CAC) is comprised of leaders in the bioscience sector of San Antonio and is an exciting addition to career education that capitalizes on local expertise. This expertise has incorporated over 40 leaders who provide insights into multiple career paths including: technology transfer, industry, medical science liaison, military research, entrepreneurship, research administration, teaching, academic research, science advocacy, and journalism. Additionally, the CAC will allow the OCD to develop strategic ties with the San Antonio biomedical community to positively influence career opportunities for trainees. Further, we have capitalized on the guidance of the CAC to inform the process of programmatic development, which has enabled specialized career education programs for biomedical trainees.

Career Development Workshops provide opportunities for trainees to learn in an interactive setting about effective introductions, resume/C.V. building, interview skills, and multiple careers. These workshops integrate the expertise of the CAC members as well as that of the director of Office of Career Development. Following these workshops, trainees report increased preparedness for their career paths as well as expanded networks.

Science Outreach Events have been established that interface graduate trainees with K‐12 teachers and classrooms. Trainees organize and participate in local science nights alongside K‐12 teachers, which provides the opportunity to improve the communication skills that are fundamental to career success.

Aspects of these programs have all been incorporated into a dynamic yearly Regional Symposia. The first Science Communication and Outreach Career Symposium was held this year in collaboration with the ASBMB Public Outreach Committee. These events allowed the OCD to create an innovative symposium that showcased the efforts supported by the office throughout the year. Additionally, it was the first of its kind nationally and attracted over 200 trainees from across Texas.

In conclusion, these innovative educational efforts have improved career readiness and confidence of trainees by integrating real world insights (Career Advisory Council) and experiences (Science Outreach and Interactive Workshops/Symposium) into career development programs.

Support or Funding Information

Support for outreach events and the regional symposia were provided in part by a Science Outreach Seed Grant from the ASBMB Public Outreach Committee.