Contact Us

 

 

    home  >  meetings  >  2005  >  fallforumsummary.htm

 

  Site Map     
2005 Fall Forum - Summary
ANNOUNCEMENT   |   FALL FORUM  |   STUDENT HOSPITALITY SUITE

ANDP Forum:  Strategies for Preparing for a Career in Academic, Private, and Government Sectors
Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel
Ballroom West A
Monday, November 14, 2005
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Organizer and Contact: Cheryl Sisk, Michigan State University, sisk@msu.edu

The Association of Neuroscience Departments and Programs held the annual ANDP Fall Forum on Monday, November 14, 2005 in Ballroom West A of the Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel.    Presentations by scientists in the academic, private, and government sectors were followed by a panel discussion and questions from the audience.   No pre-registration was required and the Forum was free to everyone.

The Forum consisted of a series of brief presentations by experienced individuals in government, the pharmaceutical industry, and academia, followed by a panel discussion in Q&A format. The speakers were Kathie Olsen (National Science Foundation), Barry Hoffer (NIDA Intramural Research Program), Michael Lehman (University of Cincinnati), and Robert Durham (Pfizer).  Copies of their powerpoint presentations are available on the ANDP website and can be accessed by clicking on their names (above).

Speakers addressed the following questions: 

1. How would you describe what you do? E.g., bench science, team science, management of scientists, science policy, science advocacy, etc. 

2. How do you spend a typical work day? At what level do you interact with other scientists? 

3. What is the primary basis for evaluation and reward in your sector of the work force?

4. Are there entry level positions (i.e., right after graduate school) in your sector of the work force, or does one need extensive experience at the postdoctoral or independent scientist level for employment in your sector?

5. How easy is it to move from your sector to another and back again? 

6. What opportunities are available to non-US citizens in your sector?

7. Employers consider several qualifications in evaluating applicants. For employment in your sector of the work force, how would you rank the following in order of importance?

Expertise in a specific content area
Expertise at a specific level of analysis, e.g. molecular, organismal
Number of publications
Track record of obtaining grant support
Ability to articulate the larger context/importance of one's work
Written and oral communication skills
Managerial skills

8. What are the 2 or 3 most important things one can do at the graduate and postdoctoral levels to be competitive for employment in your sector of the work force?




 

Last Modified:  December 2, 2005
http://www.andp.org/meetings/2005/fallforumsummary.htm