Fundamentals of Career Exploration

By and large, postdocs want to become faculty members at academic institutions conducting primarily research (i.e. R1 research universities). However, some don't, and some change their minds. As such, the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs offers every summer a short training in the fundamentals of career exploration. Based on expert knowledge from one of the founders of myIDP, this training uses self-assessment, reading about careers, informational interviews, and goal setting to explore careers, identify a professional objective, and create a plan to transition to a successful career.

The 2024 iteration of Fundamentals of Career Exploration is over. Check back in Summer 2025 for the next iteration.

2024 Fundamentals of Career exploration

Program overview

The program relies heavily on an active and engaged group learning community. As such, participants are expected to prepare, attend, and actively engage during sessions. Activities will range from self-reflection, reading, informational interviews, and goal setting to build critical career exploration skills as well as plan your transition to a successful career.

Program Details

6 sessions
Each session is 60 minutes
All sessions will meet in person
Starts July 15, 2024
Mondays at 4:30 PM
Every week (with a break 3 week break for informational interviews)
Ends September 2, 2024

Program Schedule

07/15/2022 | 4:30-5:30 PM | Introduction to Career Exploration
07/22/2024 | 4:30-5:30 PM | Self-assessment Discussion
07/29/2024 | 4:30-5:30 PM | Reading about careers
08/05/2024 | No meeting
08/12/2024 | No meeting
08/19/2024 | 4:30-5:30 PM | Informational Interviews Discussion
08/26/2024 | 4:30-5:30 PM | Choosing plans A & A*
09/02/2024 | 4:30-5:30 PM | Setting Transition Goals

Eligibility

All University of Kentucky postdoctoral scholars/fellows and graduate students are eligible to participate.

The program can accommodate 20 participants and seats will be given on a first-come-first-served basis with priority to postdocs.