Volume 20: No. 4, April 2006

APA Science Directorate Career Workshop Held at George Washington University
by Deborah McCall

Expert panelist at the George Washington University Academic Career Workshop share their experiences and personal stories with students.

On April 4, 2006, approximately 35 students from the DC metropolitan area attended a Career Workshop sponsored by the Science Directorate and George Washington University.  Expert panelists with diverse backgrounds shared their experiences and personal stories with students. 

The workshop, Entering the Career Marketplace: A Look at Academic and Non-academic Careers in Psychology, was moderated by Visiting Senior Scientist Clare Porac.  Students enthusiastically discussed such topics as “Preparing for the Workplace of Your Choice” and “Finding Your Own Path.”  Panelists advised students to write as much as possible and get published, get a mentor (more than one if possible), network and develop relationships, and take as many statistical courses as possible.

As part of its outreach to graduate and postdoctoral students, the Science Directorate will host several of these workshops at various sites throughout the year. The goal in hosting these workshops is to prompt scientifically trained students to start thinking early about their careers and to encourage students to vigorously explore the wealth of opportunities available to them in the traditional academic setting as well as the non-traditional, non-academic setting.

Please contact Deborah McCall if your university would like to host a workshop or would like more information.